Duct cleaning generally refers to the cleaning of various heating and cooling system components of forced air systems, including the supply and return air ducts and registers, grilles and diffusers, heat exchangers heating and cooling coils, condensate drain pans (drip pans), fan motor and fan housing, and the air handling unit housing.

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We will take you though a couple simple things.

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The costs associated with these repairs are typically high both in labor, much of which is done on an overtime basis, and the associated downtime. By far this is the least desirable approach to boiler maintenance.

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We asked This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey to show us the proper steps that a service professional would follow for an oil-burning forced-air furnace; the basics on a gas system are similar. In both, fuel is mixed with air and ignited, heating a sealed chamber. Fresh, filtered air then blows across the outside of the hot chamber and into the heating ducts. (Homes with radiators have boilers instead of furnaces. These heat water instead of air, but the annual checkup is similar.) In all, the dangerous exhaust from the combustion chamber is vented out a flue or chimney.

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How can associations incorporate sustainable or green principles and products into their operations?

Let’s consider suggestions for older buildings from Jim Stoller, president of Building Group, a Chicago-based condominium management company.

Incandescent bulbs in exit signs should be replaced with LED (Light Emitting Diodes), which can save up to $24 per year per fixture. (They are expensive to buy but have a very long life.)

Incandescent hallway lighting, especially the heat-generating halogen bulbs, should be replaced with fluorescents for a savings of up to 70 percent per year.

Fluorescents offer more illumination so it may also be possible to eliminate some of the fixtures.

Movement detection sensors to turn on the lights also can save money.

Any HVAC filters should be cleaned or replaced monthly during peak seasons.

In terms of plumbing, “water conservation should be a priority,” Stoller said.

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We replaced old 15 yrs old leaking hot water heater with a new Whirlpool hot water heater purchased from Lowes. The pressure release valve immediately popped open as soon as the water was hot. Whirlpool told me we had too much water pressure comming into the heater. Ultimately we lowered the pressure, replacing the pressure regulator on the incomming water supply line, installed a thermal expansion tank on the line to the hot water heater and have replaced the pressure release valve three times and it still leaks. The pressure in the house is about 85psi just about enough to rinse the shampoo out of my hair in the shower. The old heater A O Smith brand never poped the pressure relief valve but I think it rusted from the inside as water dripped out all around the bottom of it. Is the new WWhirlpool a piece of junk or has something gone wrong here that we havent thought of? Any ideas or suggestions?
Answer:

the water temperature-it could be that your water heater temp is too high. If the water temp is near boiling, it could pop the pressure release valve.

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What is the average life of an A-coil? Should I replace the A-coil when replacing the furnace? My old furnace was at least 10 yrs old.
Answer:

Average life expectancy of a system is 10-15 yrs some more some less… You only have to replace the A- coil if you are changing out the condenser. The old saying goes if it is not broke don’t fix it! Upgrade for one purpose is to save money on gas/electricity. Do your research on the system of your choice and not what the salesperson is trying to sell you.

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I have a question for a friend of mine who’s chimney is so badly blocked he can’t even get a sledge hammer through the creosol, and his wire brush is stuck. Is there a “quick fix” to this problem so that he may have some heat tonight? The wood he’s been burning is by no means any good (as you probably guessed) but that is the best he can do in some difficult times.
Answer:

Unfortunately there is not a quick fix for this situation, and use of the fireplace is extremely dangerous. The only solution to a blockage like this is to have a professional chimney sweep attempt to remove the blockage and clean the chimney.

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