Thursday, March 28, 2013


Importance of Changing Filters

Changing your furnace filter is vital for the lifespan of your equipment, the efficiency of your heating and cooling, and your indoor air quality.

This is a simple task when done on a schedule that will help you in the long term, for your savings in utility bills, equipment longevity, and health and air quality.

Personal Health:

The cleanliness of your furnace filter can have a direct effect on your indoor air quality. The filter is there to collect dirt and dust particles and pollutants. A dirty filter causes the equipment to work harder and allows the particles to circulate back into your home where you live and breathe.

Equipment Replacement:

By leaving dirty filters in your furnace you are allowing dust and dirt to build up in the equipment. Excessive dust can damage components such as the heat exchanger and it can contribute to carbon monoxide build up.

It is recommended to change your furnace filter every three months or sooner depending on your conditions.


Energy Efficiency:

Dirty filters promote dusty and dirty air ducts. Static electricity creates the build up of dust and will create more resistance for your equipment to force air through. This will result in higher energy usage and ultimately higher utility bills.

Be Proactive! Make a note on your calender every three months to change your furnace filter.
If you need help with this, we will be happy to come out.

If you would like information on electronic air cleaner alternatives we can help you make decisions on that as well.  Just give us a call.

Hearthstone Heating and Air Conditioning  630-435-9800 your Comfort 24*7 Provider

Tuesday, March 5, 2013

No Heat During a Heavy Snow?

When we get a heavy deep snow it can potentially cause a problem for your furnace.

In many houses with newer high efficiency furnaces, the vent goes out the side of the building. If those vents become buried in deep snow they can not provide the furnace with the fresh air it needs to operate and most will automatically shut off.

In the event of a heavy snow... you can always call us and we will be glad to come and clear the intake pipe for you. If you would like to avoid a service call and try and take care of it yourself try the following these steps:

1) Go to your furnace and look for a white pipe going from the furnace to the outside wall. (not the metal heating ducts). Make a note of where it goes through the wall.

2) Go outside and to where you think it should be coming out of the wall. In most homes it will stick out a few inches from the basement wall or the side of the home.  Some pipes are even extended up the side of the home and will often have a curve near the end. The intake pipe is unlike the dryer vent which is usually flush with the wall.

3) Once you have found the vent pipe, remove the snow from the area. Make sure that no snow or ice or foreign objects are stuck in the pipe. If you can, clear an area about three feet around the pipe to make sure it stays clear.

4) Once the intake pipe has been cleared the furnace it will often start automatically. If not, furnace starting instructions are usually on the sticker on the side of the unit or inside the access panel. If your furnace still does not start, then give us a call and we will be happy to come out and get it working for you.

Hearthstone Heating and Air Conditioning, Ltd. is here for you 24/7. Please call us for any of your indoor air needs.

"Hearthstone- For the Heart of your Home".
 24/7 call 630-435-9800