Heating FAQ

There are several key indicators that your boiler may need professional attention:

• Strange Noises: Banging, rumbling, whistling ("kettling"), or gurgling sounds can signal a buildup of sediment, low water pressure, or other internal issues.
• Leaking: Puddles or drips around your boiler are a clear sign of a leak, which can lead to severe damage and should be addressed immediately.
• No Heat or Hot Water: If your boiler is not providing heat to your radiators or hot water to your taps, the system may have a serious malfunction.
• Flickering Pilot Light: A pilot light that keeps going out could be a sign of a draft or a problem with the thermocouple.
• Low Pressure: Consistently low pressure on your boiler's gauge can indicate a leak in the system.

Yes. A broken boiler is not just an inconvenience-it can be a serious issue, especially during the colder months. We offer emergency boiler repair services to quickly diagnose and fix the problem, restoring warmth and comfort to your home. Please call our main number for immediate assistance.

Regular, professional maintenance is crucial for several reasons:

• Safety: A technician will check for dangerous carbon monoxide leaks and other safety issues.
• Efficiency: A clean, well-tuned boiler runs more efficiently, which can significantly reduce your energy bills.
• Longevity: Routine service helps prevent small issues from turning into major breakdowns, extending the lifespan of your unit.
• Warranty: Many boiler manufacturers require annual maintenance to keep their warranties valid.

We recommend having your boiler professionally serviced once a year, ideally in the fall before the heating season begins. This ensures your system is clean, safe, and ready to handle the demands of winter.

Our comprehensive boiler tune-up includes:

• Checking for proper venting and combustion.
• Inspecting all electrical components and connections.
• Cleaning and adjusting the burner and heat exchanger.
• Checking and adjusting the water pressure.
• Testing all safety controls to ensure they are functioning correctly.
• Inspecting the circulator pump and all pipe connections for leaks.

Consider a replacement if:

• Your boiler is over 15-20 years old. Older units are significantly less efficient than modern ones.
• You are facing frequent, expensive repairs. The cost of a new, high-efficiency unit may be less in the long run.
• Your heating bills are consistently rising for no apparent reason.
• The boiler is not providing adequate heat.
• You are considering a home renovation and want to install a more compact or efficient system.

We install a variety of boiler types to suit different needs, including:

• Conventional/Regular Boilers: Suitable for homes with a traditional heating system and hot water cylinder.
• Combi (Combination) Boilers: A compact, all-in-one unit that provides both hot water and central heating on demand.
• System Boilers: These are ideal for homes with multiple bathrooms and can provide a steady supply of hot water.
• High-Efficiency Condensing Boilers: These use modern technology to recover heat that would otherwise be wasted, achieving up to 98% efficiency.
• Our technicians will assess your home and heating needs to recommend the perfect boiler for you.

Your furnace will often show clear signs that it is in need of repair. Be on the lookout for:

• Strange Noises: Banging, rattling, squealing, or grinding sounds can indicate a loose part, a failing motor, or a broken component.
• No Heat or Inconsistent Heating: If your furnace is blowing cold air, or if some rooms are warm while others are cold, it may not be working correctly.
• High Energy Bills: A sudden and unexplained spike in your heating costs is a common sign that your furnace is losing efficiency and working harder than it should.
• Foul Odors: A persistent burning or "rotten eggs" smell can be a sign of a serious issue, such as an electrical problem or a gas leak.
• Flickering or Yellow Pilot Light: A healthy pilot light should be a steady blue flame. A flickering or yellow flame can be a sign of improper combustion, which may release dangerous carbon monoxide.

Our certified technicians are experts in diagnosing and repairing all types of furnace issues. The most common problems we address include:

• Thermostat Malfunctions: An uncalibrated or faulty thermostat can prevent your furnace from receiving the correct signals to turn on or off.
• Dirty or Clogged Air Filters: This is the most frequent cause of furnace problems, restricting airflow and leading to overheating.
• Ignition or Pilot Light Issues: A broken ignitor or pilot light will prevent your furnace from lighting its burners and producing heat.
• Blower Motor Problems: A failing blower motor can cause a loss of airflow, leading to poor heating and strange noises.
• Cracked Heat Exchanger: A cracked heat exchanger is a very dangerous problem that can allow carbon monoxide to leak into your home. This requires immediate attention and often a full replacement.

Before you call for a repair, you can take a few simple, safe steps:

• Check the Thermostat: Ensure it is set to "Heat" and the temperature is higher than your home's current temperature.
• Check the Air Filter: A clogged filter can prevent airflow and cause the furnace to shut off. Replace it if it's dirty.
• Check the Circuit Breaker: A tripped breaker can be a simple fix. Reset the breaker for your furnace if it is in the "off" position.

Yes, we understand that a furnace breakdown during cold weather can be a serious issue. We offer prompt emergency repair services to restore your heat and ensure your family's safety and comfort. Please call our dedicated service line for immediate assistance.

For the safety of your home and family, we strongly advise against DIY furnace repairs. Furnaces are complex systems that contain high-voltage electrical components and gas lines. Attempting a repair without proper training can lead to electrical shock, fire, gas leaks, and further damage to your unit. Additionally, most manufacturer warranties become void if the unit is serviced by anyone other than a certified professional.

Our process is designed to be transparent and efficient:

• Diagnosis: Our technician will perform a thorough inspection of your entire heating system to accurately pinpoint the problem.
• Upfront Quote: After diagnosing the issue, the technician will explain the necessary repairs and provide a clear, upfront quote for the work before any repairs begin.
• Professional Repair: Once you approve the quote, our technician will complete the repair using high-quality parts and industry-best practices to get your system back up and running safely and efficiently.

The cost of a repair can vary widely depending on the nature of the problem and the parts required. We believe in transparent pricing, and our technician will provide you with a detailed, all-inclusive quote after the initial diagnosis so you know the exact cost before we begin any work.

While no one wants to think about replacing a furnace, there are several key signs that it may be the most cost-effective option:

• Age: Your furnace is more than 15-20 years old. Modern furnaces are significantly more efficient than older models, so a new unit will quickly pay for itself in energy savings.
• Frequent Repairs: You are calling for service more often, and the cost of repairs is adding up. If the repair cost is more than 50% of the cost of a new furnace, it's time to consider a replacement.
• Rising Energy Bills: Your heating bills are consistently increasing without a corresponding change in usage. This indicates your furnace is losing efficiency and has to work harder to heat your home.
• Inconsistent Heating: Your furnace is not heating your home evenly, leaving some rooms too hot and others too cold.
• Strange Noises: Loud noises like banging, rattling, or squealing can be a sign of a major mechanical failure.

Replacing your old furnace with a new, high-efficiency model offers numerous benefits:

• Lower Energy Bills: Modern furnaces have much higher Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) ratings, which means they convert more fuel into heat and use less energy.
• Improved Safety: New furnaces are equipped with modern safety features that protect your home from gas leaks and carbon monoxide.
• Enhanced Comfort: A new system provides more consistent and even heating throughout your home.
• Increased Home Value: A new HVAC system is a key selling point for your home.
• Quieter Operation: Modern furnaces are designed to operate much more quietly than older units.

Choosing the right size and type of furnace is crucial for both efficiency and comfort. A furnace that is too large will cycle on and off frequently, while one that is too small won't be able to keep up on the coldest days. Our certified technicians will perform a professional load calculation, considering factors like:

• The square footage and layout of your home.
• The number and type of windows and doors.
• The level of insulation in your home.
• Your family's specific heating needs and habits.

AFUE stands for Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency. It is a measurement of how efficiently a furnace converts fuel (like natural gas or oil) into usable heat over the course of a year. A furnace with an 80% AFUE rating means that 80% of the fuel it consumes is converted into heat for your home, while the remaining 20% is lost through the flue. Modern furnaces have AFUE ratings of 90% or higher, which can lead to significant savings on your utility bills.

The duration of a furnace replacement varies depending on the complexity of the job. A standard replacement of an existing furnace can typically be completed in one day. We'll provide you with a more precise timeline during your consultation.

Yes, we understand that a new furnace is a significant investment. We offer a variety of flexible financing options to help make your new installation more affordable. Please contact us to learn more about our current financing plans.

We aim to make the installation process as smooth and stress-free as possible. Our professional technicians will:

• Arrive on time and protect your home with drop cloths.
• Safely remove and dispose of your old furnace.
• Carefully install your new furnace and all necessary components.
• Thoroughly test the system to ensure it is working correctly and safely.
• Clean up the work area and walk you through how to operate your new thermostat and system.

A heat pump is an all-in-one, highly efficient system that provides both heating and cooling for your home. Unlike a furnace that burns fuel to generate heat, a heat pump simply moves heat from one place to another. In the summer, it transfers heat from inside your home to the outdoors to cool it down. In the winter, it works in reverse, extracting heat from the outdoor air (even in very cold temperatures) and moving it inside to warm your home. This process makes it incredibly energy-efficient.

Heat pumps offer several major advantages:

• Energy Efficiency: Because they transfer heat instead of generating it, heat pumps can reduce your electricity use for heating and cooling by a significant margin.
• Dual Functionality: A single system provides year-round comfort, eliminating the need for a separate furnace and air conditioner.
• Enhanced Dehumidification: Heat pumps are excellent at removing humidity from the air in the summer, making your home feel cooler and more comfortable.
• Environmental Friendliness: Heat pumps are a cleaner, all-electric option that can reduce your carbon footprint, especially when powered by renewable energy.

We install a variety of heat pump systems to fit the diverse needs of our customers:

• Air-Source Heat Pumps: The most common type, these systems transfer heat between your home and the outside air. They are ideal for homes with existing ductwork.
• Ductless Mini-Splits: Perfect for homes without existing ductwork, these systems use individual indoor units to provide zoned heating and cooling for specific rooms or areas.
• Geothermal (Ground-Source) Heat Pumps: These systems use the stable temperature of the earth to provide the most efficient heating and cooling, though they come with a higher upfront installation cost.

Proper sizing is the most critical factor for a heat pump's performance and efficiency. A unit that is too small won't keep up with demand, while one that is too large will cycle on and off frequently, leading to poor performance and higher energy bills. Our certified technicians will perform a professional load calculation, considering factors like:

• The size and layout of your home
• The climate and average temperatures in your area
• Your home's insulation, windows, and sun exposure

Yes! Modern "cold climate" heat pumps are designed to operate effectively in very low temperatures, well below freezing. For areas with exceptionally harsh winters, we also offer dual-fuel systems, which pair a heat pump with a high-efficiency gas or oil furnace. The system automatically switches to the furnace for backup heat only on the coldest days, giving you the best of both worlds: maximum efficiency for most of the year and powerful, reliable heat when you need it.

Since a heat pump is used for both heating and cooling, we recommend a professional tune-up twice a year-once in the spring before the cooling season and again in the fall before the heating season. This ensures the system is ready for the high-demand months and helps prevent unexpected breakdowns.

A well-maintained heat pump can last for 15 to 20 years. The key to extending your unit's life is to have it professionally serviced twice a year. Regular maintenance helps to catch minor issues before they become major repairs and keeps the system running at its peak efficiency.

At Hellgate Plumbing, Heating and Cooling, we specialize in the professional installation of gas fireplaces. We offer a wide range of options to suit your home and style, including:

• Direct-Vent Gas Fireplaces: A sealed system that vents directly to the outdoors, making it a safe and versatile option for almost any room.
• Gas Inserts: An excellent solution for converting an existing wood-burning fireplace into a clean, convenient gas unit.
• Freestanding Gas Stoves: A stylish and efficient option that can be placed in a variety of locations.

Gas fireplaces offer a perfect blend of convenience, efficiency, and ambiance. They are an excellent choice because:

• Ultimate Convenience: With the flip of a switch or the press of a remote, you get instant warmth and a beautiful flame without the work of hauling wood or cleaning up ashes.
• High Efficiency: Gas fireplaces are highly efficient at converting fuel into heat for your home, which can help reduce your energy bills.
• Clean Burning: They produce no soot, ash, or smoke, resulting in better indoor air quality and a cleaner home.
• Versatile Installation: Direct-vent technology allows for safe installation in virtually any room, even without an existing chimney.

A professional installation is not just about aesthetics-it's about the safety of your home and family. Gas fireplace installation is a complex process that involves running gas lines, ensuring proper ventilation, and adhering to strict building codes. Our certified technicians have the expertise to:

• Ensure Proper Gas Connections: We safely connect the gas line and test for leaks to prevent fire and carbon monoxide hazards.
• Maintain Correct Venting: We ensure the venting system is installed according to manufacturer specifications to safely expel all combustion byproducts.
• Comply with Building Codes: We handle all necessary permits and inspections to guarantee your installation meets or exceeds all local safety standards.

The installation process is straightforward and tailored to your home:

• Consultation: We start with an on-site visit to discuss your needs, assess the space, and help you choose the right fireplace unit.
• Preparation: Our team will prepare the area, including running a gas line and installing any necessary venting or framing.
• Installation: We install the firebox, connect the unit, and ensure all electrical and gas components are working correctly.
• Testing & Cleanup: The final step involves a complete system test to ensure safe and efficient operation. We then clean up the work area and walk you through how to use your new fireplace.

The cost of a new gas fireplace installation varies widely depending on the type of unit you choose, the complexity of the installation, and whether or not new gas lines or venting are required. We provide free, no-obligation quotes after a detailed on-site consultation so you know the exact cost upfront.

We recommend having your gas fireplace professionally inspected and serviced once a year before the heating season begins. A professional tune-up ensures the unit is operating safely, efficiently, and reliably. This maintenance typically includes cleaning the burners, checking the gas pressure, inspecting the ventilation, and ensuring all safety controls are working correctly.