Blog | ServiceMax

Troubleshooting an Electric Furnace

March 4th, 2024

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We’d like to make it very clear that an untrained homeowner should never attempt DIY repairs on an electric furnace. There’s immediate risk, like electrocution, that can be fatal. And there’s delayed risk, like leaving the furnace with a wiring problem that creates a fire hazard. Every time actual repairs are required, your electric furnace needs the help of a qualified professional.

Does that mean there’s nothing you can do when you’ve got a heating system issue? No! There are definitely things you can do. The problem might not be one that requires actual repair. A bit of electric furnace troubleshooting could get your issue resolved in just a few minutes.

How Long Can I Expect My Electrical Panel to Last?

February 19th, 2024

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Your electrical panel, or circuit breaker panel, is like a traffic cop ensuring that all the electrical traffic in your home is flowing correctly. It also performs the critical job of shutting down certain circuits or sections of your home’s electrical wiring when a problem occurs. This prevents major hazards like electrical fires.

An electrical panel can last quite a long time, but it won’t keep working properly forever, and when it stops doing that critical job, serious risks can result. How long do electrical panels last? What if you don’t know how old yours is? How can you tell if you need to replace it? Here’s what you need to know.

Some Ways You Can Use a Ductless Mini Split System in Your Home

February 5th, 2024

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Have you heard of ductless mini splits? If you haven’t been totally satisfied with how you’re cooling and heating your home, if you’re worried about efficiency, or if the needs of your home or family are changing, this system could resolve all your concerns.

If you’re unfamiliar with this concept, we’d like to give you some information about these systems. Ductless mini splits can be used in a variety of ways to meet many different home heating and cooling needs. Here are the details.

Boilers and Furnaces: Is There a Clear Choice for Homes?

January 22nd, 2024

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It’s always a relief to know that you’re making the right decision. Especially when it comes to something that’s a big investment, like a heating system. It would be so good to know which one would definitely be the exact right choice.

Is there a correct choice when it comes to boilers and furnaces? Measured side by side, would one of them come out on top? It’s a little more complex than that.

What You Can Do to Stop Your Boiler From Freezing

January 8th, 2024

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Winter temperatures in our area are no joke. But it might sound a little bit like a joke when even your heating system might freeze solid! If your home is heated by a boiler, water is running through pipes, and wherever there are water pipes, freezing is a risk. Don’t let that happen! Here’s how.

Why Your Furnace’s Burners Aren’t Coming On

December 25th, 2023

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Ah, the comforting whoosh and hum of a running furnace. It’s a cozy reminder that your heat is working and your home is being kept nice and warm. But it’s also one of those things you don’t pay much attention to. It’s the absence of that sound that you really notice. What could be going wrong?

If your furnace is trying to start but not getting running, a variety of things could be occurring. Here are the most likely culprits if your furnace’s burners aren’t coming on. Chances are, it’s straightforward for a qualified professional to fix.

The Top Boiler Problems You May Encounter

December 11th, 2023

If you have a boiler to heat your home, congratulations! What a great heating system. They provide particularly even heat, can last up to thirty years, and best of all, they rarely need repairs. But if you’re reading this, chances are, this could be one of those times when boiler repairs are necessary.

Here are the top problems you might be facing.

Ways to Tell It’s Time for Air Duct Cleaning

November 27th, 2023

Systems of ductwork for central air conditioning became popular around fifty years ago, and most new homes built since then have included them. At this point, they’re usually used for both air conditioners and furnaces, and distribute heated or cooled air all year long. This is a big job, and all that air can contain contaminants that build up inside the ductwork.

From time to time, it can be very beneficial to have those ducts cleaned out. It can improve the function of your HVAC system, decrease the dust in your home, improve your respiratory health, and more.

How can you tell if it’s time to get your air ducts professionally cleaned? Read this list and watch out for these signs.

Why We Recommend Mitsubishi Ductless Mini Split Systems

November 13th, 2023

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There are many ways to heat and cool your home. Boilers, gas or electric furnaces, central air conditioners, window AC units and more can all help you to keep your home at the temperature you desire. But our favorite system to recommend when a homeowner is ready for an upgrade is the Mitsubishi ductless mini split.

What’s so great about it, you ask? What is a ductless mini split? How is it better than other systems? And why do we recommend Mitsubishi specifically? We’ll tell you all about it.

How to Early Detect Gas Furnace Problems

October 16th, 2023

Have you started up your furnace yet this fall? If you haven’t, you’ll be doing it soon. And this is the perfect time for a little refresher course in how to keep your gas furnace happy. Annual maintenance is important, of course. But once you have that done, you should also keep an eye (or an ear) out for any problems.

Knowing the signs of common furnace issues can save you considerable time and money and help you steer clear of major inconvenience. Detecting gas furnace problems as promptly as possible helps you keep repairs small and avoid having a total breakdown in cold weather.