Residential & Commercial HVAC and Refrigeration Tips Blog | Atlantic Refrigeration & Air Conditioning, Inc.

Tips for Preventing Unexpected Furnace Repairs

March 11th, 2024

It can be a huge inconvenience if your furnace breaks down in the middle of the winter season when you need it most. Even though the current season is winding down, we still have cold days ahead of us. And you want to do everything possible to be proactive and take care of your furnace so that repair needs don’t pop up and surprise you.

That’s why we encourage you to give us a call if you notice any warning signs that could indicate you need furnace repair in Sussex County, DE. You can keep reading to learn more about how a proactive approach can help you stay ahead of furnace repair needs and avoid the unexpected.

The 50% Rule of Thumb for Furnace Replacement

February 26th, 2024

As your furnace ages, repair needs may increase. You may face more frequent repairs, more expensive repairs, or both. But there comes a point when it doesn’t make sense to invest more money in repairs. Instead, it may be time for a furnace replacement in Sussex County, DE.

You can keep reading to learn more about the 50% rule we recommend you follow when it comes to deciding between repairing or replacing your furnace. If you can’t decide which way to go, our team is here to help. We can review all of your options with you and help you make the best decision for your family.

What is the 50 percent rule for furnace replacement?

If furnace repair costs exceed 50 percent of the cost of a new unit, replacement is recommended
Frequent repairs often indicate the furnace is nearing the end of its lifespan
Furnaces over 10 to 15 years old are typically better candidates for replacement
Newer models offer better efficiency, reliability, and warranty coverage

The Bigger Benefits: Furnaces vs. Heat Pumps

February 12th, 2024

Couple staying warm in a cozy cabin, highlighting the comfort of proper furnace maintenance during winter.

If it’s time to install a new heater in your home, you may be deciding between a furnace or a heat pump. Each one of these systems has its own unique pros and cons. Newer furnaces often feature advanced ignition systems, such as hot surface or electronic igniters, which are different from the traditional pilot light models. It really comes down to making the selection that best fits your family’s unique needs. If you’re replacing an older unit, you may want to consider signs your furnace is dying before making the switch. Regular maintenance can also help delay the need for a new furnace in the future.

You can keep reading to learn more about the pros and cons of both furnaces and heat pumps. Annual maintenance is recommended for all furnace types to ensure safety, efficiency, and longevity. Then you can give our team a call to schedule an in-home assessment to help you decide between furnace vs heat pump in Sussex County, DE

Introduction to Heating Systems

Heating systems are the backbone of home comfort during the colder months, ensuring your family stays warm and cozy. There are several types of heating systems available, including forced-air furnaces, heat pumps, and radiant heating systems. Forced-air furnaces are the most common, using a blower motor to distribute heated air throughout your home. Heat pumps, on the other hand, offer both heating and cooling capabilities, making them a versatile choice for year-round comfort. No matter which system you have, regular furnace maintenance, like cleaning the air filter and checking the heat exchanger, is crucial for keeping your heating system running efficiently and reliably. Understanding the basics of your heating system can help you make informed decisions about care, upgrades, and energy use.

What You’re Missing By Not Having a UV Air Purifier

January 15th, 2024

Your home’s air quality is worse than you realize. Your air conditioner’s filter does a good job at capturing some dust and debris, but it goes beyond simple dust. One of the reasons we offer UV air purifier services in Sussex County, DE in the first place is because we know how these problems can scale for our customers and community members. Here’s what a UV air purifier does to help.

How Long Do Boilers Really Last?

January 1st, 2024

Let’s cut to the chase: a boiler can last for around 15 years in total, but that’s dependent on a few things. On its own, a boiler will stay efficient for a good deal of time, but if you neglect to take care of it over the years, it won’t hit that 15-year milestone you’re hoping for.

So what is a boiler life expectancy you can honestly expect? Let’s go over all the factors that affect a boiler’s total lifespan, and work from there to figure out how long yours will last.

3 Big Signs Your Commercial Heater Needs to Be Repaired

December 18th, 2023

Your commercial heating system fires off warning signals to let you know that it’s in dire need of repair. It hasn’t given out yet, but without proper care, it will. Let’s run through three of the biggest signs that you need commercial heating repair in Sussex County, DE.

3 Things You Should Pay Attention to During Heater Installation

December 4th, 2023

When you’re getting a new heater installed, you should pay attention to the process as best you can. While you’ve done your due diligence and made sure you hired installation technicians who know what they’re doing, it can’t hurt to pay attention as a check-and-balance system. But what do you look for?

During heating installation in Sussex County, DE, there are three things we want you to pay attention to so you can know you’re getting the absolute best service possible.

This Furnace Problem Can’t Be a DIY Project

November 27th, 2023

Furnaces have come a long way. Newer models don’t use constantly lit pilot lights, but instead, they use a mix of an ignition source, gas line, and a flame sensor to get your furnace moving.

This may seem like an odd task that we’ve faced during furnace repair in Sussex County, DE, but it’s enough to make your furnace stop entirely. The problem? You can’t DIY this, and we’ll explain why.

5 Big Signs Your Refrigerator Is About to Kick the Bucket

November 6th, 2023

When your refrigerator goes down, it’s always unexpected and inconvenient—it’s one of those appliances you just don’t think about on a day-to-day basis. When it finally runs into a big problem, you may wonder if there’s anything you can do to prevent this from happening again. Most of the time, yes—you can look out for these signs your refrigerator is dying Sussex County, DE before it happens.

How Long Water Heater Installation Actually Takes

October 23rd, 2023

If you’ve never had a water heater installed before, as in you bought your home with one already in it and didn’t have to replace it until now, the task can seem daunting. While this is an involved process, as it concerns one of the most important machines in your house, it’s not as scary as you might think. This is how long water heater installation in Sussex County, DE really takes.