McDonald Home Services Blog: Posts Tagged ‘Heating’

That Heater Problem Might Actually Be Your Thermostat

Monday, August 28th, 2023

Your thermostat controls your HVAC system. That goes for your AC just as much as it does your heater. Since your heater can’t actually detect the temperature on its own, it relies on the reading from the thermostat and its signals to know when it should turn on or off.

You need heating repair in Sarasota right now–that much is clear. But now let’s clarify if the problem is coming from your heater, or if it’s the thermostat that’s making it look that way.

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We Won’t Give Up on Your Old Heater: Here’s Why

Monday, March 1st, 2021

Look, we’d like to preface this blog by telling you clearly that if your old heater isn’t working well, we’ll always advise you to get it replaced. If it’s running up your heating bill, needing repairs every year, and overall just a big nuisance, then we won’t beat around the bush. However, if you’ve still got a few years left in your heater, we won’t ignore that fact either.

While replacement services can be great, many HVAC technicians will jump to replacement because it’s the easiest way for them to make the most money. It’s true, an amateur will just want to throw out your whole system and replace it with a brand-new one if they can. What’s important is that you know the kind of heating service in Bradenton, FL that you need.

If you know when your heater can keep chugging along, or when it should be replaced, then it’s harder for amateurs to take advantage of you and easier to work with pros like us!

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Everything to Know About Your Furnace’s Heat Exchanger

Monday, February 15th, 2021

Look, we know that here in Florida, the focus is usually on air conditioners. You only use your furnace for a tiny fraction of the year, so why would we spend an entire blog post about such a small component of your heating system?

Well, don’t let the heat exchanger’s size fool you, it’s one of the most important aspects of your furnace, let alone the safety of your home. While you might not use your furnace as much as your AC, a gas furnace that’s neglected can quickly become a safety concern if you’re not careful. We see this happen to furnaces in Lakewood Ranch, FL all the time, and we’d like to inform our customers about the importance of proper heater care.

So, want to know more about the most sensitive component of your heating system? Keep reading and we’ll tell you!

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Our Seasonal Heater FAQ

Monday, January 18th, 2021

The mark of the new year means different things to different people. For some, it means buckling down and working hard towards a New Year’s resolution. For HVAC professionals, it means the last big cold fronts of the winter before the pretty colors of spring arrive. Homeowners often come to use at this time of year with persisting questions about their struggling heating system. We’re here to help!

You can’t afford to lose heating in Sarasota, FL. While our community might be much warmer than northern climates, a lot of our local homeowners don’t like the cold and can’t really handle it. When temperatures drop even slightly, it’s important that your heater can keep up with your demands and warm your home appropriately. If you have any questions about the functionality, the efficiency, or the efficacy of your heater, then we seek to answer them.

So, let’s get to some of the most common questions our community has asked us, and we’ll give you the answers you’re looking for!

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Preparing Your Heater for the Drop in Temperature

Monday, November 23rd, 2020

Here in Florida, the drop in temperature from fall to winter isn’t as severe as it is for our northern neighbors. However, if you think that you’ll get through the winter here without the need for a heating system, you probably haven’t been around here for very long. Things do cool down, especially at night, and not having a heater that works for your home could spell disaster.

Heating in Sarasota, FL is an important service that we offer. We want all of our customers to know that we’re ready and willing to help with any repairs, installations, maintenance, and replacement services you might need. And, for everyone else, we’d like to focus today on some tips that can help you turn your heater on for the first time this season. Whether you like it or not, colder temperatures are coming, and we can be your helpful guide to getting you ready for them.

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What Makes an HVAC Technician Worth the Price?

Monday, November 9th, 2020

So, you’ve read a few of our blog posts and seen our website. We’re definitely a dependable source for everything that has to do with air conditioning, heating, indoor air quality, and anything else in the HVAC world. We’re professionals just like the person you normally call to work on your HVAC problems, right?

Well, not necessarily. Every professional technician is going to be different. Some are more reliable, more certified, and offer more value than others. We want to help make sure you’re getting the most out of your professional HVAC technician, even if it’s not us.

So, buckle up. If you’re in the mood to really split hairs when it comes to HVAC in Bradenton, FL, then keep reading! We promise we’ll give you the most important reasons why we’re probably the best team in the area by a longshot.

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Gas or Electric: Which Furnace Is Right for You?

Monday, March 2nd, 2020

To invest in a gas or electric furnace, that is the question. Regardless of what a commercial might tell you, these systems have fundamental differences that must be reconciled by every homeowner that’s doing their own due diligence.

While we’re not going to necessarily tell you which furnace to get when looking at options for heating in Sarasota, FL—we’re definitely on board with telling you about their major differences. If you’re a homeowner that’s struggling to differentiate between a gas or electric furnace, then let us take you on a journey where we talk about their efficiency, effectiveness, and examine exactly how they work. Once you know the major points that separate these two systems, you’ll be better equipped to decide which is right for your home.

Well, let’s get started!

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Could a New Thermostat Be What Your Heater Needs?

Monday, February 17th, 2020

Let’s be honest, thermostats aren’t necessarily where most of your attention goes when you think of quality temperature control. This isn’t by accident! Heating in Venice, FL is a huge investment and your heating system is by far the biggest chunk of that investment. However, your thermostat is like the brain of the system, and without a functioning brain, your HVAC system could be ruining your budget.

So, we’re going to go through a few of the benefits you might receive from a smart or Wi-Fi thermostat, so you’re given enough information to make a quality decision on what’s right for your system. If any of these benefits sound like they could help you save money or make your life better, then they’re definitely worth investing in.

Let’s get started!

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Keep Your Furnace Efficient, Replace Your Filter!

Monday, February 3rd, 2020

Usually, when we write about furnace filters, there are two kinds of people we’re writing to. The first is the slightly annoyed furnace owners in our area that exclaim “oh no, I totally forgot to replace the filter,” and they close out the tab.

The second kind of customer that we’d like to reach when we talk about furnace filters are the people who say, “What? My furnace has a filter?”

So, for all you homeowners out there that didn’t even know your furnace had a filter to be replaced, there’s no need to feel guilty. A lot of amateur HVAC technicians don’t even tell their customers about the filter and this is one of those things that separates our team from the rest. We’re invested in the life of your heater, while we help you avoid heating repair in Sarasota, FL for as long as possible.

So, let’s start with step one!

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Check Out Our Blog for Advice on All Things HVAC

Wednesday, October 16th, 2019

Be sure to bookmark the Jim McDonald & Sons Heating & Cooling’s blog to start learning the ins and outs of HVAC.

We’ll regularly post energy saving tips, how-to’s on troubleshooting your systems, and breakdowns on even the most complex industry related terms and concepts.

Need help now? Send us a message or get in touch today.

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