The basic concept behind zone heating and cooling is to heat or cool rooms where people spend the most time. With a zone heating or zone air conditioning system, you eliminate the waste of heating unused rooms. Ultimately, this can save you a ton on home heating and air conditioning costs. Here is just a quick overview on how zone heating and cooling work. Zone Cooling Zone cooling uses two or more thermostats located in different areas of the house to direct the cooling. Usually, one thermostat will control the family room, living room, and kitchen, while the other thermostat will control the bedrooms. With zone cooling, you won't be spending extra money and energy cooling down the bedrooms that few people are going to spend time in anyway. Zone Heating Zone heaters can come in multiple forms. The most traditional types of zone heating are fireplaces, stoves, fireplace inserts, and masonry heaters, which produce by heating firewood, natural gas, propane, pellets, oil, and coal. These heaters are usually placed in the living room or family room, where people spend most of their time and where the effects of zone heating can be best felt.
Before purchasing a zone heating unit, it's important to find the heater that's right for your needs. Be sure to talk to a professional to find out which heater is right for you. Your heating professional can also give your current heating system maintenance service to ensure it's heating properly.
For more information on how zone heating and cooling can save you energy, visit us at F.H. Furr Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning. We perform AC repair and furnace repair in the Fairfax and McLean areas. Call us at (703) 496-5016 to learn more tips on saving energy today!
F.H. Furr Plumbing wants to give back to our veterans with a new "Like/Follow" social media fundraiser. We will donate $1 to any new Fans or Followers we gain on Facebook and Twitter. "The Wounded Warriors Project (WWP) began when several individuals took small, inspired actions to help others in need. One night while watching the evening news, a group of veterans and brothers were moved by the difficult stories of the first wounded service members returning home from Afghanistan and Iraq. They realized then and there that something needed to be done for these brave individuals beyond the brass bands and ticker tape parades.
The resulting objective was to provide tangible support for the wounded and help them on the road to healing, both physically and mentally. What had been initially viewed as a small contribution (compared with what the warriors had sacrificed while serving our country) has become WWP's signature program:"WWP backpacks delivered bedside to wounded warriors."
Wounded Warrior Project is a nonprofit organization" Helping out with this wonderful organization is simple:
Like/Follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
Tweet/Retweet/Share this campaign with your friends and followers so more people will hear about it.
Rest easy knowing you took a small step to do a great deed.
We appreciate all your support in advanced for making this a successful fundraiser for our wounded vets!
The average homeowner spends nearly $2,000 on utility bills each year, approximately half of which goes toward their heating and cooling systems. Are you struggling to pay for your energy bill each month? You may want to ask your A/C or furnace repair company for energy saving tips. In the meantime, consider how installing a programmable thermostat can save you money on your energy bill. Energy Efficiency A programmable thermostat automatically adjusts to your home’s ambient temperature, allowing you to save up to 10% on your energy bill. With 4-6 different pre-programmed settings, programmable thermostats keep your home at a comfortable temperature without over-exerting your HVAC or air conditioner. Get the most out of your unit without spending a fortune! Temperature Control Unlike traditional thermostats, programmable units allow you to set a temperature schedule for an entire day. For example, let’s say it’s winter and you want your home to be 72 degrees when you wake up in the morning, 70 degrees when you get home from work, and then up to 75 degrees when you go to sleep. A programmable thermostat allows you to program accordingly so that your home is always at your ideal temperature. This also means less wear and tear on your unit, since it runs less during the day. Away Settings Programmable thermostats also come with Vacation or Away modes for ultimate energy efficiency. What’s the point in paying to heat or cool your home when no one is in it? Vacation modes allow you to temporarily turn off your unit for a substantial amount of time to avoid unnecessary energy consumption. Whether you are interested in a programmable thermostat or are just looking for an air conditioning company in your area, professionals with F. H. Furr provide the plumbing and furnace repair services for your needs. For products, services, maintenance tips, locations, or to schedule a consultation, visit our website today!
Do you want to stay cool on hot days without paying a huge energy bill? There are many things you can do to stay cool and save energy so you don't get stuck spending a fortune.
Set the Thermostat: In the summer, plumbers recommend you set your thermostat to 78 degrees. Every additional degree will increase your bill by 5%. When you leave for vacation set the thermostat even higher.
Turn off Lights and Appliances: Turn off all unused lights and appliances in the summer. Appliances and lights give off extra heat and make the air conditioner work harder than it needs to. You can save money and energy with just a flick of a switch and the pull of a plug.
Use Ceiling Fans: Use your ceiling fans. Heat rises, so using fans helps circulate air and reduce air conditioner use.
Check Doors, Windows, and Pipes: Make sure all doors and windows are closed and sealed with good weather strips and caulking. Also, check and see if all plumbing pipes are sealed off from outside your home.
Block the Sun: Close all curtains, drapes, and window shades when the sun is shining bright to keep the heat out and cool air in.
Replace Your Filters: A dirty air filter only makes your air conditioner work harder. Clean or replace the air filter every month.
Arrange Your Furniture: Make sure no vents are blocked by furniture.
Close Empty Rooms: Close off rooms that are not used often. Only cool the areas you are in and use on a daily basis.
F.H. Furr offers energy saving systems to help keep your house cool for the summer. From installing air conditioners to air-conditioning repairs, we do it all. We are your number one resource to solve your plumbing, heating and cooling problems. Call us today at (703) 496-5016.
Hey guys! Welcome back to Ask F.H. Furr! Jennifer L. in Fairfax asked on our Facebook Page, "With all of the contractors out there these days, how do you choose the right one? I have little ones, and I don't want just anyone in my house! Thanks!" Well Jennifer, you are right and choosing the right contractor can mean the difference between having a horribly, expensive experience you’ll never forget and an experience you can’t wait to share with friends and family. Here are some steps to take to make sure you choose the right contractor for you:
Research. Doing a little homework on the work to be performed will set you up for success in choosing the right contractor for your job. You don’t need to become a technical expert, but a little research will help you ask the right questions and be able to assess the contractor’s answers and experience.
Get 3 – 4 contractor referrals from people you know and trust. Referrals from the people you know and have had hands on experience from the contractor goes a lot further than references from people you don’t know. You are more likely to get both positive and negative feedback from people you know.
After identifying a few prospects, make sure has a physical address. Then, call the Better Business Bureau to verify the company information.
Interview contractors. Make sure you take time to meet with each contractor and go through your list of questions.
Questions to consider when interviewing contractors (please note, you may have more specific questions to include after doing your initial research):
Does the company have a web site? Does it look professional?
Does the company provide their field personnel continuous education/training?
What kind of warranty is offered with the service and/or parts you need? Do they offer a written guarantee?
If permits are needed for the job, does the company manage this process?
Remember, having a little patience can make you a smart consumer. Here are a few last tips on making sure your experience is one you want to share with family and friends:
Take your time. Make sure to get a few different bids and NEVER take the first bid or a door-to-door solicitation.
Get all estimates in writing.
Never pay in cash or make a full payment before work is performed.
If you get a bid that is significantly lower than the others, it’s probably too good to be true. It’s good to remember that sometimes, you get what you pay for.
Jennifer, I hope this helps answer your question! And if you even remotely second guess something, then there is probably a reason for that! You guys have a great day, and I look forward to hearing from each of you! And keep submitting those questions for your chance to have dinner on us, if you are chosen! – Steven Cox
Although you may not have noticed, living in your home causes slow but steady deterioration. From the furniture to the plumbing, everything in your home faces a certain lifespan. However, if small and frequent maintenance measures are taken, a homeowner can put off the need for professional repair for a long time. Heating and air conditioning are two systems which can break down during an inconvenient time—such as during a freezing snowstorm. In order to prevent costly AC or furnace repairs, take a look at these following steps:
Air Filters: Once a month, be sure to inspect the air filter for your furnace and air conditioning system. Because a dirty air filter reduces efficiency and causes your system to work harder, it is important to clean or replace your air filter on a monthly basis.
Lubrication: Because a heating and air conditioning system utilizes a motor with moving parts, it is important to lubricate necessary parts. If parts of your system are not lubricated, then friction will eventually wear down the motor—leaving you with an unnecessary bill.
Check Your Connections: If your heater has poor connections to the gas or oil, you may be posing a fire hazard to your home—not to mention inefficient operation. Be sure to inspect connections between your heater and energy source, for both your heating system and your health.
If you would like to learn about more ways to maintain your heating or air conditioning system, then please visit F.H. Furr. In addition to providing high quality AC repair, we can also help you with whatever plumbing problems your home may have. So, if your home is in need of plumbing, furnace, or AC repair, contact us today!
It’s not too late for those New Year’s Resolutions! We at F.H.Furr are big fans of turning a home energy efficient. Save money and protect the environment this year by switching to Energy Star Plumbing and HVAC (Heating, Ventilating & Air Conditioning) equipment. Earning the ENERGY STAR means products meet strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the US Environmental Protection Agency. What is included in the 2011 Federal Tax Credit?
Tax Credit: 10% of cost up to $500 or a specific amount from $50 - $300
Expires: December 31, 2011
Details: Must be an existing home & your principal residence. New construction and rentals do not qualify.
Products that qualify:
Advanced Main Air Circulating Fan: This is an efficient fan, or blower motor, which blows the air that your furnace heats up through the duct system.
Air Source Heat Pumps: Good for moderate climates. Like your refrigerator, heat pumps use electricity to move heat from a cool space into a warm, making the cool space cooler and the warm space warmer. Because they move heat rather than generate it, heat pumps can provide up to 4 times the amount of energy they consume.
Central Air Conditioning (CAC): Not all units are eligible. To verify tax credit eligibility, ask our HVAC specialist to provide the Manufacturer’s Certificate Statement for the equipment you plan to purchase.
Gas, Propane, or Oil Hot Water Boiler: These units use water circulated throughout the home in a system of baseboard heating units, radiators, and/or in-floor radiant tubing.
Natural Gas, Propane, or Oil Furnace: This uses the combustion of fuel and air to create heat.
Gas, Oil, Propane Water Heater: Water heating can account for 14%-25% of the energy consumed in your home.
Electric Heat Pump Water Heater: Hope this gives you some ideas for motivating you to turn energy efficient and save money! If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask!
Until next time, be well! Keep visiting our blog for more information on how to save money and make your home energy efficient! For more information on Energy Star products, visit their website at www.energystar.gov
Are you experiencing problems with your air conditioner or furnace? Some home improvement projects are the perfect opportunity for you to test out your repair skills, but when it comes to your plumbing, heating, and cooling units, you’re going to want a professional. Still think you can do-it-yourself? Consider these 5 reasons to hire a combination plumber, heating, and air conditioning specialist.
Experience: The major benefit of hiring a combination plumbing, heating, and A/C repair company is their experience; combination contractors are specially trained in all areas to provide you with the best overall service. It is important to look into the company’s service record, reputation, and licensure before making your selection.
Convenience: Why go through the trouble of hiring a plumberand an air conditioner repair company? Dealing with multiple estimates and contractors can be a pain; hiring a combination plumber, heating, and air conditioning specialist means that all of your services can be performed by a single company.
Cost Efficiency : Many combination repair companies also tend to provide more affordable service and payment plan options. Looking for flat-rate pricing? Ask your furnace repair company about 12-month financing options for your needs.
Products: Hiring a combination plumber, heating, and air conditioning specialist means you not only have the service you need, but you’ll also have access to a variety of appliances and products. Get rid of the middle man and increase your product variety by hiring a combination specialist instead.
Warranty: If you’re planning on repairing your furnace or air conditioner yourself, then it is important to remember that your services don’t come with a warranty. Don’t risk further damage or product malfunction! Combination specialty contractors provide limited or extended warranties on all of their products.
Whether you are looking for a new air conditioner, furnace, or are just looking for a local plumbing company, professionals with F.H. Furr provide the services for your needs. For products, services, locations, or to schedule a consultation, visit our website today!
Brrrr. We may be avoiding the worst of the wintery weather this country is experiencing, but it’s not time to shut off the heaters! We know running the heater can get expensive so here’s the Today Show’s list of 10 tips for lowering your heating bill. The full article, by Laura T. Coffey from msnbc.com, can be found here with an explanation of each tip. For now, we’ll give you the rundown:
#1 Who doesn’t love socks? They’re cozy, can be crazy, and keep you warm. That’s a no-brainer.
#2 Because it involves cooking and hot showers. Bake a pie or some cookies and leave the oven open. You’ll warm the house and get an extra treat. And come on, you need a shower every day!
#5 Programmable thermostats are a GREAT money-saving tool especially for when you work during the day, while you’re sleeping, or when you’re on vacation.
#7 A checkup? Well we can help you with that! You never know how much money your old heater or furnace is bleeding until you have it checked up. Call a F. H. Furr Heating repair specialist today to see how you can start saving.
One of the most frequently overlooked parts of your home is your air conditioning filter. It's important to replace your A/C or furnace filter frequently to preserve the life of your air conditioning system, maintain clean air and to make sure your system is working at full strength. Changing the filter is super simple. Watch this video for a quick demo. If you notice your A/C or furnace are not working properly, it may be time to call an air conditioning repair specialist. Call us and we'll take care of you!
Are you concerned about your home’s pipes freezing and bursting? Would you like to find out about trustworthy air conditioning contractors? Looking to find ways to fix your air conditioning and plumbing problems by yourself? Be sure to take a look at these websites, for more information on these subjects:
Want to learn about quick plumbing fixes? This article provided by eHow addresses various plumbing problems, as well as their solutions.
Busted faucet? Be sure to take a look at this article, which teaches solutions to faucet problems.
Are you concerned that your pipes are going to burst? This article by The Weather Channel provides great information about how to prevent pipes from freezing and bursting.
Take a look at this article for advice on frozen pipes—from the words of a plumber.
Before you pick up the phone to call a professional, why not have a try at the problem for yourself? Many quick-fixes are easy to do—plus, they don’t break the bank. In this video, Tim Gibson offers some tips on troubleshooting a heating system. By ensuring that the gas valve is open, you can further look into what may be causing a problem. If you open up the front panel on your unit, you will find either a pilot light or an electronic ignition device. Additionally, check the maintenance switch to see if it has been engaged or not. If you would like further assistance with your heating system, please feel free to visit F.H. Furr. We can provide high quality AC repair for your home, so please contact us today!
As a homeowner, it is very likely that you will require professional work, such as plumbing, done on your home during one point or another. In order to ensure that the job is done right, adequate research regarding the qualifications of the service is a great idea—one that saves you stress and regret. If you are looking for an air conditioner contractor, your options are quite expansive. However, before you choose an AC repair and contracting company, you will want to make a safe decision. Here are some aspects you should look into, for when you choose your next air conditioning company:
License: Although air conditioning licenses are unique for each state, you will want to make sure that the air conditioning contractor you are considering is qualified for the job. In addition, the contractor’s license limits the size of the project they can take on, so be sure that whatever work you need done is within that range.
Insurance: Before the air conditioner contractor starts working in your home, be sure to review their insurance policy. In the event that problems arise from their work, insurance is necessary in order to save yourself from any unnecessary bills.
Learn Their History:
When looking at an air conditioner contractor, why not take a look at some testimonials? Learning about the company’s reputation through other people is a great way to get insightful information—especially if the review is from a friend.
If you are looking for a quality air conditioning contractor, consider F.H. Furr. Servicing northern Virginia, we can provide your home with quality plumbing and AC repair—in addition to furnace repair. So please, contact us today, for plumbing and AC service which will benefit your home!