Should I Use My Gas Fireplace?

Posted on: November 30th, 2015 by tcg_admin No Comments

Gas fireplaces can help efficiently heat your home, so it’s time to fire it up!

Name: ACTION AIR
Address: 868 Kraft Street, Clarksville, TN, 37040
Telephone: (931) 647-8525

There’s nothing better than a roaring fire on a wintry night, except a roaring fire that needs no tending, requires minimal cleanup, and doesn’t leave the rest of the house freezing cold.

Gas fireplaces have come a long way from anemic blue flames and unconvincing “logs.” These fires now burn more realistically, with glowing red ember flames that caress realistic logs, molded from ceramic.

There are currently 3 types of gas fireplaces available:

Class B Vent (Natural Vent) Fireplaces: This is a conventional gas fireplace. They require a through-the-roof flue, or conventional chimney, to carry away hot combustion gases and typically feature operable doors. These are the least efficient models, but still effective.
Direct-Vent Fireplaces: These are the most popular type of gas fireplace used today. The air to feed the flame enters from the outside and they have an exhaust vent to direct the products of combustion back outdoors. These have a high efficiency; 70 percent of the heat they generate remains in your home.
Vent-Free or Ventless Fireplaces: Air from inside the house is taken into the firebox, where it is used for the fire. The byproducts are then exhausted back into the house. The recycling of air allows ventless fireplaces, which do not need chimneys or an exhaust, to achieve efficiency ratings of more than 99 percent. The gasses that are vented into the house are completely safe and ensure that no warmth is escaping to the outside.

When it comes time to light the fire, there are a few different ways that can happen, depending on your fireplace unit. The easiest is a switch, similar to a light switch, that is installed with your fireplace unit. On some models, there will be a pilot light and an ignition. If you are having trouble starting a fire with your ignition, the pilot light may be out and you will need to relight the pilot light. The safest way to figure out how to light your fireplace is to read the manual at home, or look up a copy of your manual online.

The reasons to use your gas fireplace are numerous. Energy-conscious consumers can use gas fireplaces to optimize their heating efficiency. Utility bills are lower when you turn down the thermostat on a central furnace and use the gas fireplace as a supplemental heat source. Highly efficient gas fireplaces can heat up to 1,000 square feet of living space at low cost.

Call Action Air to set up an appointment, we can help keep your furnace running efficiently and our technicians can help answer all of the questions you have concerning your gas fireplace. They know when to use it, and how to optimize your fireplace’s efficiency. Remember, when you need action call Action Air!

Sources:
New York Times
This Old House
HGTV
Angie’s List

What Type of Furnace is Right for You?

Posted on: September 30th, 2015 by tcg_admin 1 Comment

Your furnace keeps you warm at night and helps you out of bed in the morning.

While being comfortable is important, you should also consider energy efficiency and cost when you are thinking about a new furnace.

So, what are your options when you need a new furnace? At Action Air we have several types of furnaces available. There are many price and efficiency ranges available for you to consider. We are going to compare a few different furnace options that Action Air offers to the Clarksville area, and share a little about how each kind works.

Today’s furnaces pollute less and boost comfort by producing heat more steadily than older furnaces. Although electric and oil furnaces are still available, gas is the most common fuel used in furnaces today and the type of furnace we want to discuss. A forced air furnace utilizes propane or natural gas, and is generally the most efficient and economical method of heating. There are several types of forced air furnaces available and they have various energy ratings.

Single Stage Furnace – This type of furnace is the most common furnace, utilizing a simple operation. There is only one fan speed and the gas flame is either on or off. These furnaces will wait for the temperature in a building to get to the coldest possible setting before firing on. Once the furnace starts, it will fill the house full of heat until the thermostat registers the temperature being the same as its setting. The temperature within a house will vary greatly, which makes this type of furnace the most wasteful in terms of energy. A single stage furnace will also be the loudest during operation. They are, however, the most affordable during the initial investment.
Dual Stage Furnace – The dual stage furnace is more sophisticated than the single stage furnace. Rather than simply being on or off, its flame can be firing at a high setting, low setting, or off. The additional flame setting makes a dramatic difference in energy costs. In addition, a dual stage furnace is much quieter than single stage furnaces. The initial cost will be higher, but the difference will be made up over time because of the increase in energy efficiency.
Modulating Furnace – A modulating furnace will adjust its flame in increments. This helps to ensure that the true temperature of a building will never vary more than 1 or 2 degrees from the thermostat’s target temperature. This type of furnace regulates the temperature more thoroughly and will eliminate the long, cold periods that occur while a room cools to the temperature where the furnace restarts (a common occurrence in single and two stage furnaces). It also eliminates the buildup of heat that happens when a single stage furnace is on in full force. In addition to having variable flame settings, the blower settings on a modulation furnace are also variable. These will adjust according to the demand on the furnace. Modulating gas furnaces are among the most energy efficient furnaces and are rated at 98% efficiency. The initial cost will be the highest with modulating furnaces; however, this price will quickly be recouped because of the energy efficiency created.

Although this is good general guide, there are an even greater number of choices and variables available within these types of furnaces. To learn more about which furnace will be the best furnace for you, consult with one of the experts at Action Air today. You can call us at (931) 647-8525 or contact us online. Located in Clarksville, we have certified service technicians, qualified installers, and a knowledgeable sales staff serving Montgomery County and all of the surrounding areas. When You Need Action, Call Action Air!

Action Air Announces Winner of Redneck Photo Contest!

Posted on: March 23rd, 2015 by tcg_admin No Comments

Mrs. Peggy Coon

She swept the contest away by receiving 525 votes on her photo!

Peggy’s HVAC unit is 24 years old and is on its very last leg! Many days the family is surprised that the unit is still functioning at all. Peggy and her family are extremely grateful to be receiving this new unit!

Peggy & her daughter’s story:

The air-conditioning unit is a 1991 model, and has been at this location for over 20 years. My father has lived in the house for a little over two years. We’ve had to have multiple people come out and look at it, including action air. They checked for leaks and cracks. The Evaporator Coil is leaking refrigerant. The unit is also freezing up. It’s on its very last leg and I’m surprised it’s still running.We were planning on purchasing a new one about a year ago but before we could my father suffered from a massive brain aneurysm. He was in the hospital for a couple of months and went through multiple life threatening brain surgeries. The doctors were shocked that he survived. As you may know the brain is a very important part of the human body. It controls everything you do. Including your ability to talk. Unfortunately that was taken away from my father. He is now aphasic, meaning he can’t say full sentences. He knows exactly what he wants to say but its just not possible for it to come out. Without your voice it is very difficult to do anything. It is essential to be social for almost every job out there. Therefore, my father can not work and has no income. He deserves to win this contest because he is truly a person in need of a new unit.

Action Air is glad to be helping a family so deserving of this opportunity!

A big congratulations to Peggy Coon & her family, as well as we want to say THANK YOU to the rest of the participants.

Clarksville residents, call Action Air for all of you HVAC maintenance & preventative care needs at 931-647-8525!

Fireplace Safety Tips

Posted on: January 6th, 2015 by tcg_admin No Comments

The Action Air Team prides itself on keeping Clarksville warm all winter long by providing preventative maintenance and 24/7 emergency heating service! But we know that sometimes, there is just something about the glow of a crackling fire. Sitting by a cozy fireplace on a cold winter’s night can warm the heart and hearth.

Here are some fireplace safety tips to keep your family safe this season!

Unlike the “old days” when fireplaces were the main source of heat for the home, today’s fireplaces are meant for short durations of no longer than five hours.

Never leave a fire unattended especially if children are in the home and never allow children to play near the fire or with the fire tools.

Keep an open window in the home to prevent the room from becoming smoky. Air coming from the window will be drawn up the chimney.

Before starting a fire, make sure the damper is open. You can check this by lighting a match in the fireplace and quickly blowing it out to see if the smoke is drawn up the chimney.

Keep a non-flammable rug on the hearth to protect flooring from damage from sparks.

Never use your hands to handle burning logs. Use your fireplace tools.

Fireplace coals can remain hot enough to start a fire for up to 3 days, so wait at least that long before removing ashes. And never use a vacuum cleaner to clean up ashes since live coals may remain in those ashes.

Have your fireplace and chimney checked by a certified chimney sweep at least once a year.

Bonus Fun Fact: Did you know you can use Worcestershire sauce and a toothbrush to clean brass fireplace surrounds and utensils?

4 Easy Ways to Prepare Your HVAC for the Cold Weather

Posted on: November 13th, 2014 by tcg_admin No Comments

Can you feel it… coming in the air tonight? Hold on! Because these 4 easy ways to prepare your HVAC for cold weather will keep you warm while lowering your heating bill!

Change the filter. A dirty filter can make your furnace work harder and can waste money on electricity.

Have your furnace serviced. Action Air in Clarksville, TN provides a low-cost annual maintenance program that you can take advantage of. Having your furnace serviced will make sure your system is working at optimal level and that all parts are in good working order.

Install a programmable thermostat. This is one of the best ways to keep your house comfortable and save you money at the same time. Programmable thermostats allow you to turn the heat down lower when you are sleeping or at work, and have your home warm and toasty when you get up or return from work. Action Air can install a programmable thermostat ranging from simple to advanced. Some thermostats can even learn your patterns and can be accessed from your smartphone.

Seal up leaks. Take a look at all doors and windows and inspect for worn weather stripping or cracks.

Let Action Air of Clarksville, TN keep your home and family warm and cozy this winter season, while helping you save big on heating costs! Call us today to schedule your annual maintenance appointment!

“Falling” Into Preventative Maintenance

Posted on: September 24th, 2014 by tcg_admin No Comments

Get Ready to “Fall” Into Cooler Temperatures… And A Preventative Maintenance Plan With Action Air Clarksville!

It’s that time of year again! We’re ready to pack the flip-flops away and dig out the old boots! Cooler temperatures are on their way, and it’s being predicted that this winter will be a cold one! It may only be September, but it’s never too early to start preparing for those chilly evenings ahead! Here are a few great tips to keep your family warm, your heating unit functioning and your bank account happy!

Purchase drapes this season to use at night. Closing them traps the heat inside, keeping your family warm and your energy bill down. But don’t forget to open the south-facing window treatments during the day to let the warm sunlight in!
Purchase heavy-duty, clear plastic sheets to adhere over your window frames. This reduces infiltration of cold air.
If you’re thinking about planting new trees… now is the time! Selecting larger trees that lose their leaves in the winter will allow the sun through… but will shade your house when summer rolls back around.
Don’t forget to change those air filters! New ones will allow your heating unit to run more efficiently as the colder months approach us.

More importantly, be sure to schedule a Fall Heating System Maintenance appointment with Action Air Clarksville. Not only will a surprise malfunction this winter make life cold and uncomfortable, but lack of heat (for even a few hours) can cause pipes to freeze and burst which will lead to costly repairs. (Did we mention a seasonal tune-up could save you approximately 10% on your heating bill this winter?)

Action Air – Serving Tennessee & Kentucky - Action Air specializes in residential, commercial and industrial HVAC repairs and installations. Serving the Clarksville & Hopkinsville area since 1979.

Posts Tagged ‘furnace’

Stephen W.