Yearly maintenance helps keep furnaces running well. During an annual tune-up, your furnace technician will prime your heating system for reliable operation. Thorough maintenance improves efficiency, reduces the risk of a troublesome breakdown, and extends the life of a furnace. Each step in the process plays an important role in bolstering furnace performance.

CLEANING

Furnaces work hard, and they get dirty in the process. A system that’s caked with residue and debris can’t run at full efficiency. Cleaning the unit can help get it back up to par. Your maintenance technician will pay attention to the cleanliness of the combustion chamber, the pilot light, and the burners. The unit will receive a clean air filter as well. Also, any clogs in the drain line will be cleared.

ADJUSTING

Proper furnace operation depends on a system that’s properly set up. If the gas pressure isn’t correct, for example, you may end up with a house that’s chillier than you’d like. You may also have trouble achieving the correct temperature if your thermostat isn’t calibrated correctly. During a tune-up, a technician will check your system’s settings and make adjustments as needed.

TESTING

A maintenance visit will involve running the furnace to see how well it is working. A professional technician can listen for strange noises while it runs or look for other signs of a problem. If there’s an issue, it’s best to learn about it during a maintenance appointment, rather than during the heart of the heating season.

MAKING SMALL REPAIRS

Often, your technician can fix minor issues right away. For example, the tech might retighten loose connections, lubricate bearings, or swap out a worn part. If larger repair needs are identified, you can schedule a return visit.

Big Fish Cooling & Heating offers both furnace and air conditioner maintenance in the Lumberton area. We perform repairs and installations as well. With expertise in both residential and commercial HVAC, we are the team to call for your comfort needs. We look forward to becoming your dependable local HVAC company.

Call Big Fish Cooling & Heating today to learn more about furnace maintenance, repairs, and installations in Lumberton.

It’s essential to have your furnace tuned up every fall for a number of reasons. It will perform more efficiently, keep the furnace under warranty, and prevent repair expenses among other things. But what are the tasks a technician does during a furnace tune-up?

CLEANING

The insides of furnaces need to be cleaned. This keeps them operating efficiently and improves your indoor air quality. Our technicians will thoroughly clean critical parts by removing dust, dirt, pollen, and other debris.

ADJUST GAS PRESSURE

The gas pressure being fed to your furnace can become too low or high over time. This prevents it from operating efficiently and keeping your home comfortable. Our technicians will check for gas leaks, so your home is safe.

ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS

Electrical connections can become loose over time, which causes problems. Loose electrical connections are also a fire hazard. Our technicians will make sure your electrical connections are tight and fix any that aren’t.

TEST SAFETY SYSTEMS

Your furnace has multiple safety systems to ensure it is operating correctly and safely. Our technicians will check these systems to ensure they are working effectively so that your family stays safe. This includes checking that carbon monoxide isn’t leaking into your home. Carbon monoxide gas can make you sick or even cause fatalities.

CHECK VENT SYSTEM

If you have a gas furnace, which most people do, it has a vent system to exhaust dangerous gases outdoors. Our technicians will make sure the vent system is clear of obstructions and leaks.

LUBRICATE MOVING PARTS

Finally, our technicians will examine and lubricate all moving parts to reduce wear and tear. This includes belts and motors.

Besides tune-ups, Big Fish Cooling & Heating also offers heater and air conditioner installations and repairs to Lumberton, TX residents. Additionally, we provide duct repair and indoor air quality improvement services. Find out more or schedule an appointment by calling us today.

Tasked with distributing heated and cooled air throughout your Lumberton, TX, home, your HVAC air ducts play a major role in determining your level of comfort. Adequate ductwork is also key for healthy indoor air quality (IAQ) and keeping heating and cooling costs under control. Unfortunately, most of your HVAC ducting is completely hidden behind drywall and other building elements. This makes identifying issues early on a challenge. The good news is that there are still four simple ways to determine whether your ductwork is dirty, damaged, or ready for replacement.

1. UNEVEN HEATING AND COOLING

Damaged ductwork can make your HVAC equipment work substantially harder. Also, your living space won’t be as comfortable. If much of the heated and cooled air that your HVAC system produces is being lost behind drywall, in attic areas, or in crawlspaces, it’s time to have your HVAC air ducts repaired. Check for hot and cold spots throughout the building while your HVAC system is on.

2. YOUR DUCTWORK IS OLD

HVAC ductwork doesn’t last forever. In fact, its maximum lifespan is just 20 to 25 years. If your HVAC air ducts are 15 years or older, plan on replacing them the next time you upgrade your heater or air conditioner.

3. YOUR INDOOR AIR QUALITY HAS PLUMMETED

Leaky air ducts take in and distribute unfiltered air from basement areas, garages, and other spaces where ducting is exposed and leaking. If you have noticeable buildups of dust, dirt, or other debris on your indoor surfaces, or if building residents are constantly sniffling, sneezing, or wheezing, bad ducting may be the culprit.

4. WHISTLING, WHIRRING, OR SLAMMING SOUNDS

Damaged ducts are often noisy. When ductwork has cracks or perforations, you’ll hear whistling and whirring noises as air pressure changes and conditioned air seeps out. You may even hear banging, clanging, or rattling sounds due to loose and vibrating components.

As a family-owned and operated company, we proudly serve Lumberton, TX, and the surrounding communities. We offer furnace and air conditioner maintenance, installation, and repair services. We also provide ductwork repairs, cutting-edge indoor air quality solutions, and smart thermostats. To find out about our preventative maintenance plans or to schedule duct service for your home, contact Big Fish Cooling & Heating today.

The ducts in your home can eventually become damaged over time. Reaching out to our HVAC professionals to inspect your ducts is essential in addressing this problem before it gets worse. Scheduling duct repair can help you save money in the long run and may even increase the efficiency of your system. Here are five signs that your ducts need to be repaired:

1. HIGHER ENERGY BILLS

If your energy bills are consistently higher than usual, it may be due to damaged or inefficient ducts. Duct leaks can cause your HVAC system to work harder to maintain the desired temperature, leading to increased energy consumption.

2. UNUSUAL SOUNDS

Hearing strange noises coming from your vents can indicate that your ducts need to be repaired. These noises might mean obstructions are present, causing air to flow improperly through the ducts and into your home.

3. POOR INDOOR AIR QUALITY

If you have dirty or clogged ducts, you may notice that the air in your home feels stale or has a musty odor. Over time, dust, debris, and even mold can build up in the ducts, negatively impacting the air quality in your home.

4. EXCESSIVE DUST

An increase in the amount of dust in your home is another sign that your ducts might need to be repaired. Leaks or cracks in the ductwork can allow unfiltered air to enter the system, bringing in dust and other particles from the outside.

5. VISIBLE DAMAGE

If you see any visible damage to your ducts, such as holes, cracks, or separations, have them repaired as soon as possible. Not only can this damage cause air leaks and inefficiency, but it can also create a safety hazard.

At Big Fish Cooling & Heating, we offer HVAC services for customers in Lumberton and the surrounding areas. We also specialize in duct repair, indoor air quality, smart thermostats, and residential and commercial HVAC design services. Feel free to contact Big Fish Cooling & Heating today if you are ever in need of our HVAC services!

The average residential oil furnace needs a fuel refill anywhere from three to five times between November and April. The best way to schedule future oil refills is to know approximately how much oil your furnace uses daily. Here’s how you can easily determine your oil furnace’s average fuel consumption.

CHECK MANUFACTURING INFO

Oil furnace manufacturer’s often put consumption info on the system’s oil burner or burner nozzle. You should see data that tells you how many gallons your furnace consumes per hour. This number is often between 0.8 and 1.7 gallons per hour of operation. Keep in mind this consumption rate is only accurate if your furnace is in optimal condition. Without frequent maintenance and care, your heating system will likely be less efficient.

CONSIDER AVERAGE OUTDOOR TEMPERATURE

On average, a well-maintained furnace can consume anywhere from two to seven gallons a day. The colder the external temperature, the more often your furnace will kick on to heat the home. If you have the traditional 275-gallon tank, you likely won’t need an oil refill until December when temperatures dive below freezing. After the start of the new year, your tank may only last around five to six weeks.

SCHEDULE OIL REFILLS

It can be difficult to predict how much oil your furnace needs in a given season. This year’s weather may be colder on average or you may be in the home more often. The best way to ensure you always have enough oil is to schedule refills ahead of time. Regularly check your fuel level to avoid letting it dip below one-quarter full.

HVAC SERVICES IN LUMBERTON

Big Fish Cooling & Heating offers unparalleled heating and cooling services in Lumberton, TX. We’re an award-winning company that maintains an exceptional rating with the Better Business Bureau. Trust our experts to repair, replace or maintain your furnace or air conditioner. We can also service ductless systems, offer air quality solutions and install your new smart thermostat. Call Big Fish Cooling & Heating in Lumberton for excellent HVAC service today.

Whenever fall temperatures start to drop, many people take the opportunity to prepare their heating system for winter ahead of time by scheduling a furnace tune-up. If your heating system requires any repairs or maintenance, solving these problems as soon as possible is essential to avoid rising furnace bills. It’s important to remember that a furnace tune-up offers many benefits.

1. LOWERS FURNACE BILLS

Taking advantage of a furnace tune-up means you will have lower furnace bills for this winter and beyond. A tune-up includes inspecting your furnace for any problems and correcting them before the season starts. Tune-ups can prevent costly repairs and reduce the amount of energy wasted during the heating season.

2. SAFER WINTER ENVIRONMENT

A furnace tune-up also gives you peace of mind knowing that your heating system is ready to go and is running smoothly. It is essential, especially during freezing winter, when furnace breakdowns are dangerous for your health and safety.

3. PREVENTS SYSTEM BREAKDOWN

A tune-up will prevent damage to your heating system and its components by ensuring it runs correctly. It’s best to avoid the problems that can cause breakdowns in the first place. The greater risk of studies is during extreme heat or cold temperatures. A tune-up helps prevent these catastrophic events by ensuring that your system is running as designed and needs repairs less often.

4. ENERGY-EFFICIENT HEATING

Furnace tune-ups will also extend the life of your heating equipment, ensuring that it runs efficiently for years to come. It means you could save thousands of dollars on energy bills over time. It also reduces your home’s environmental impact by using less fuel than a neglected heating system.

5. PROTECTS YOUR HOME

A furnace tune-up also protects your home because it ensures that your heating system runs safely and efficiently. It can help lessen the fire risk during the polar vortex that has been making headlines.

Big Fish Cooling & Heating wants to help you save money and reduce your carbon footprint. Getting a fall furnace tune-up is the first step in achieving these goals for the upcoming winter season in Lumberton. You can rely on us for all your heating and cooling repairs, installations, and maintenance services. We also provide services for indoor air quality and ductless systems. Our family-operated company has been serving the area since 2015, and we look forward to working with you. Contact us today for more information.

Do you find yourself constantly fiddling with your thermostat in a never-ending battle to keep your home at a comfortable temperature? If you do, you’re probably also spending far more than you should to heat and cool your home. This issue could have a simple solution: Your thermostat may be in the wrong place. Believe it or not, the placement of your thermostat does matter. Here’s why.

YOUR THERMOSTAT IS SENSITIVE

The purpose of your thermostat is to let your HVAC system know what the average temperature is in your home. And that’s not easy because no two places in your home will have identical conditions. That means your thermostat will only be as accurate as its surrounding conditions allow. If your thermostat is in a particularly sunny spot, for example, it will consistently give high readings. If it’s too close to your kitchen, it’ll give high readings whenever you cook. And if it’s too close to a return vent, it’ll cause your HVAC system to turn off prematurely. The placement of your thermostat is the key to maintaining the ideal temperature in your home.

THE IDEAL THERMOSTAT PLACEMENT

If you want your HVAC system to efficiently keep you comfortable all year, your thermostat must be in the right place. Be sure to consult the thermostat’s installation instructions for placement guidelines, which will provide brand-specific information and tips. Most companies recommend that units be installed between 52 and 60 inches off the ground. Also, avoid installing your thermostat on exterior walls, near air supply or intake registers, or on walls with hot or cold plumbing lines in them.

COMFORTABLE ALL YEAR

Having your thermostat in the perfect spot will help keep you comfortable no matter the season, and it can save you a substantial amount of money on your heating and cooling costs. Here in the Lumberton, TX area where temperatures can be extreme, that’s no small thing. So, if you need a hand figuring out if your thermostat’s in the right spot, give the technicians at Big Fish Cooling & Heating a call. We also install, maintain, and service commercial and residential furnaces and AC units in addition to offering indoor air quality services, ductless systems, and maintenance agreements. Give us a call today to set up an appointment.

Is your home frequently drafty? Do you often notice hot and cold spots? You could be losing substantial heat each winter because of your inefficient window panes. Here’s how your leaky windows are increasing your energy bill every month.

HOW TO SPOT LEAKS

You may be wasting hundreds of dollars every year on leaked heat. Many houses today are outfitted with low-quality, single-paned windows. This type of window is easily influenced by seasonal changes in temperature.

When your home’s heated air makes contact with this inefficient glass, it quickly cools or escapes outside. This leakage often produces drafts or permanent cold spots in rooms with a lot of windows. Older houses also often struggle with improper window installation that causes gaps between the frame and wall.

IMPROVING YOUR HOME’S HEATING

Learn more about your windows’ U-Factor and R-Factor ratings. The U-Factor rating represents the ability to conduct heat, while the R-Factor value measures insulation ability. Shop for windows that have a low U-Factor and a high R-Factor for maximum insulation and minimum heat loss. Contact a professional to appraise your property for other personalized efficiency suggestions.

You can dramatically improve your home’s heating efficiency by installing double-paned windows that better seal off your house from the outdoors. Always confirm the products you’re using are ENERGY STAR-certified. Appliances and fixtures with this rating meet very strict efficiency guidelines.

YOUR HOME COMFORT EXPERTS

You don’t have to worry about losing any more heat this season. Trust the experts to determine the best heating and cooling improvements for your home. Contact Big Fish Cooling & Heating today for all of your indoor comfort needs in Lumberton, TX or the surrounding communities. We’re an award-winning company with a reputation for fair, honest pricing and great service. Our experienced technicians are trained to provide expert maintenance, repairs, and installation for your furnace, heat pump, or air conditioner. Trust us to install a new zoning system or create a design for a new construction project.

On average, a new furnace should last for somewhere around 10 to 15 years. However, should you neglect your furnace, you might find yourself needing to have it replaced much sooner. On the other hand, following these simple tips may allow you to get more out of your furnace and extend its lifespan.

1. SCHEDULE YEARLY MAINTENANCE APPOINTMENTS

Regular maintenance is one of the biggest keys to extending the life of your furnace, so one of the best things that you can do is schedule an annual inspection and tune-up. During this yearly appointment, an HVAC technician will inspect and clean your furnace to identify any potential issues and ensure that it is ready and working properly before winter sets in.

2. HAVE YOUR FURNACE REPAIRED AS SOON AS PROBLEMS ARISE

Whether an issue was detected during your yearly tune-up or you suddenly notice that your furnace isn’t working properly, it is essential to have the problems repaired immediately. Even minor issues can turn into much more serious problems if they’re not taken care of in a timely manner. Therefore, it is always important to contact an experienced heating contractor if you suspect that your furnace has an issue.

3. INSTALL A PROGRAMMABLE THERMOSTAT OR SMART THERMOSTAT

One of the main determining factors in how long a furnace will last is how hard it has to work. Essentially, a furnace that only runs in the mornings and evenings should usually last much longer than one that keeps running all day long. For this reason, it is well worth it to install a programmable thermostat to ensure your furnace doesn’t have to run any longer than needed. Even better is installing a smart thermostat as this can both improve the efficiency of your heating system and allow you to control your heating remotely.

4. DON’T FORGET TO CHANGE YOUR AIR FILTERS REGULARLY

One final factor in extending the life of your furnace is to make sure that you change your air filters every one to three months. Your air filter gets clogged with dust and debris over time. When this happens, it reduces airflow and causes your furnace to work much harder than it would otherwise. To prevent this, all you need to do is check your furnace filter periodically and clean or replace it as needed.

If you’re in need of furnace installation, repair, or maintenance in Lumberton, the professional team at Big Fish Cooling & Heating has got you covered. We also specialize in cooling repair, maintenance, and installation services for both residential and commercial customers as well as HVAC design for new and existing buildings. For more information on how you can protect the lifespan of your furnace, contact Big Fish Cooling & Heating today.