Blog - Page 27
Budgeting for Your Propane Needs
admin April 18, 2022
There’s no predicting what will cause fuel prices to change or how much they’ll rise or fall. Take for example what's happening all around us with the conflict in Ukraine. Energy prices have jumped all over the place, and we all felt the squeeze! There is a way to make paying your fuel costs a bit more manageable. Consider your fuel budget and sign up for our budget plan! You’ll be able to make even monthly payments to help ease any financial strain. Here’s how it works: We’ll estimate your fuel usage for the year based on past usage We’ll divide that cost into monthly payments We’ll adjust your delivery schedule based on weather conditions and other factors We know how difficult price increases can be, but in the meantime programs such as our Budget Plan are available to help! Contact us online to learn all about our Budget Plan....
Heating System Out of Control? Check Your Thermostat!
admin April 18, 2022
Thermostats function as the HVAC system’s control center, which makes it crucial to the proper operation of a heating system. Even still, when a heating system malfunctions, the thermostat is sometimes the last thing homeowners think about. We’re going to try and change that! A thermostat can malfunction for a number of reasons, which can result in a range of issues such as: The heating system not starting up at all. Temperatures drop, but there’s no response from your furnace or boiler? The first thing you might think is that the equipment is broken, but also consider that your thermostat may not be communicating properly with the heating equipment. The heating system constantly running. Similarly to the previous issue, equipment malfunction can lead to the system running constantly – even bringing temperatures higher than what the thermostat is set for. However, there’s just a good of a chance that your thermostat is failing to tell the equipment to stop running. The heating system producing uneven temperatures. Why is it so cold on one side of the home, but nice a toasty on the other? Cold spots can be the result of a degrading heating system, but also a quirky thermostat that keeps switching the heating system on and off at the wrong times. If you want to rule out whether or not your thermostat is causing the issues mentioned above, or any other issue you’re having with your heating system, here are some factors to consider: Thermostat’s positioning. A thermostat knows to call for heat or to stop calling for heat based on the temperature it is reading. If there’s a heat source nearby, such as a television or other large appliance, the thermostat’s reading will be skewed. Thermostat needs cleaning. Dust and grime buildup can cause a thermostat to misread temperatures or fail to switch the heating system on and off when necessary. Thermostat’s age. Without warning, an old thermostat can stop working properly, as with any other electronic device in the home. Thermostat needs new batteries. If the thermostat is low on power it can create issues with its ability to read temperatures and call for heat to turn on or shut off at the appropriate times. Think about your thermostat first when there’s a problem with your heating equipment! It could take nothing more than a quick cleaning of the thermostat to fix a problem. If you think the issue is bigger than a dirty thermostat, then give Harris Comfort a call and let our experts help!...
Protect Your Fuel Storage Tank During the Winter
admin April 18, 2022
Outdoor and aboveground fuel storage tanks are susceptible to damage from their exposure to the elements. While utilizing enclosures is a great way to prevent some damage, it’s not always effective or possible – so here are a few safety precautions you can take to keep your tank in good shape through the winter: Remove Snow: After snowfall, use a broom to brush all sitting snow off of the surface of the tank to prevent water from getting into your tank. Remove Overhanging Icicles: If you spot any icicles that could potentially fall onto your oil storage tank, safely remove them from wherever they’re hanging. Clear a Maintenance Pathway: In case you need to call for maintenance (and especially for fuel deliveries!), be sure to clear a path to ensure easy and safe access to the tank. Please only do so if you’re able to – do not risk your own health! Inspect for Damage: Check for signs of cracking, denting or other damage that may have occurred over time. If you notice damage, call us right away! While you’re inspecting your tank for damage, it’s important to know what you’re looking for! Here are a few specific things to look out for during your DIY tank inspection: Rust and Dents – Corrosion and dent marks indicate something is wrong with how the tank is operating. Wet Spots – The presence of wet spots, either underneath the tank or on its surface, is an indicator of trouble. Unstable Legs – In many cases, problems with a fuel tank will be the result of faulty installation. If the legs are uneven, the tank would have trouble functioning at its full capacity. Unprotected Lines – If the rubber tubing that protects the lines that carry fuel between the tank and the home is split or cracked at any points, call right away. If you have any concerns about the integrity of your fuel storage tank, please don’t hesitate to contact us online or give us a call!...
