Can Heat Pumps Help Us Solve the Climate Crisis?

January 2, 2023

If you ask anyone that lives here, they’ll tell you that Jacksonville, FL is a great place to live. However, if we don’t do something soon to address the growing climate change crisis, it won’t stay that way for much longer. Scientists predict that numerous parts of the Jacksonville area are now at risk of nuisance flooding and that we should already expect stronger and more destructive storms to hit in the coming years. But what, if anything, can Jacksonville homeowners do to help the situation? The surprising answer may lie in a technology that’s already available—heat pumps. Here’s everything

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Why Don’t Furnaces Use Pilot Lights Anymore?

December 20, 2022

In the not-so-distant past, all gas furnaces relied on a standing pilot light for ignition. A standing pilot light has a constant flame that instantly ignites the gas coming into the furnace whenever the heating system turns on. Nowadays, it is quite rare to find any furnaces that still use a standing pilot light. Unless your furnace was installed before 2010, it most likely instead uses either an intermittent pilot light or some form of electronic ignition. The primary reason that furnace manufacturers have moved away from standing pilot lights is to improve energy efficiency. Standing pilot lights waste quite

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Why and How to Reset Your Heating System

January 18, 2022

When your furnace or heat pump is experiencing problems, a simple reset may resolve the issue. However, it’s critical to perform the reset correctly to keep you, your home, and your unit safe. Learn when you should reset your system and the procedure you need to follow to do so. Indications You Need a Reset Resetting a furnace typically means either dealing with the reset button or resetting the control board. The first is rather easy, while the second may take a little time. The reset button on both a furnace and heat

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How to Clean a Furnace/Heat Pump

January 4, 2022

Heat pumps and furnaces are important tools that play a vital role in keeping your home comfortable during the winter months. When a furnace or heat pump is brand new, it operates at maximum efficiency. However, they can begin to accumulate dust, debris, and other contaminants over time that impact their performance. The following are some steps you can follow to clean a heat pump or furnace. In many cases, it is preferable to have the work done by professional HVAC technicians. We understand how to safely disassemble your heat pump and furnace. In addition to cleaning

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What’s Causing My Furnace to Make Noise?

December 20, 2021

It’s discomforting when you want to run your furnace, only to be met with some unexpected noise. While your furnace will naturally make some sound as it runs, there are other noises that indicate you have a problem. Here are some of the most common noises you may hear from your furnace, and what they could be telling you. Normal Furnace Sounds Before discussing what the various noises from your furnace mean, it’s important to understand the normal noises. If your furnace is located in the basement, you may not hear most of these. However, it’s

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Is My Furnace Up to Code?

December 15, 2021

Understanding your area’s building code is necessary before undertaking any remodeling, construction, or sale project. You can verify its compliance by having an expert double-check the state provisions before embarking on your project. If your furnace is up to code, you can set up and operate the system safely and efficiently. McGowan's Heating & Air Conditioning in Jacksonville, FL, has NATE-certified technicians providing quality heating and cooling services in line with the Florida Building Code to guarantee customer satisfaction. The Florida Building Code The Florida Building Code is statewide, but various localities can add regulations and amend them, according to

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The Best Energy-Efficient Options for Heating Your Home This Winter

November 17, 2021

When temperatures start to drop in Duval County, you need a reliable heating system. There are many options you can choose to heat your home. You have to factor in energy efficiency, comfort, and your personal preferences. Here is an outline of the heating options you have for your home. Energy-Efficient Gas Furnaces One of the most common systems in most homes is a gas furnace. A forced-air heating system conditions the air indoors and distributes it through the ductwork. Modern gas furnaces have a high-efficiency rating. AFUE is a measure

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Properly Preparing for Your New Furnace Replacement

November 3, 2021

Has your furnace been acting up a lot, lately? If so, it might be time for you to get a replacement. Replacing your furnace could lower utility bills. Plus, a new furnace would make staying a home feel more comfortable. Still, there are several things you should consider before making any decisions. Otherwise, you’d risk wasting more money than necessary. Here’s how you can prepare for a furnace replacement. Determine Your Heating Needs Above all, you’ve got to figure out your heating needs. Picking the right furnace starts with determining what would work best for

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Understanding Residential Heat Pumps for the Average Homeowner

October 5, 2021

When it comes to heating and cooling your home, you have many different options. One that is becoming more common as the years go by is the heat pump. Before investing in this type of system, it’s important that you understand more about it so that you can be assured that it will work adequately for your space. What Does a Heat Pump Do? Heat pumps allow you to heat your home in the wintertime and cool it in the summertime. The actual name heat pump simply refers to the process of transferring heat from one

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6 Most Efficient Heating Systems for Your Home

September 20, 2021

The heating system is a vital piece of equipment that helps keep your house comfortably warm in the chilly winter months. However, these systems use too much energy, and thus efficiency is an important consideration when buying the unit. Weigh your options and choose a heating system that uses less energy and lowers carbon footprint without compromising comfort. Here are some of the most energy-efficient heating systems that you can consider. 1. Geothermal Heat Pumps The most efficient way to heat your house is by using the ground source or geothermal heat pump. This system

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