Ominous Dangers of Space Heaters

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Why Cooling Inspections Matter

Why Your HVAC Spring Maintenance Inspection Matters With Spring approaching, it is the ideal time to prepare your HVAC system for the heavy cooling load of summer. A spring inspection acts as preventive maintenance, ensuring your system is clean, efficient, and ready...

Why Your HVAC Condenser Coil Matters

Why Your HVAC Condenser Coil Matters The condenser coil is one of the most important, core components of any air‑conditioning or heat‑pump system. Without it, the system simply cannot cool your home effectively. The condenser coil is contained within the outdoor unit...

Your Valuable Licensed HVAC Technician

Your Valuable Licensed HVAC Technician It is imperative that you use a licensed and certified HVAC technician when you need to have repairs, maintenance or installations done on your HVAC System: Heat Pump, Air Conditioner, Air Handler, Furnace or Boiler system. It is...

Faulty Gas Furnace Igniter

A faulty furnace igniter normally begins with a furnace not starting up, no heat or inconsistent heat. This may or may not happen with visible damage to the igniter. It is useful to know before you have a complete failure and no heat in the Winter. Some Signs Your Gas...

Heat Pump Auxiliary vs Emergency Heat

Heat Pump Auxiliary/ Back Up Heat vs Emergency Heat are different yet similar settings for your heat pump system. Heat pumps operate with many options to keep you cool in the Summer and warm in the Winter. In the Winter, the heat pump is designed with a booster...

Dirty Blower Wheel Symptoms Every Homeowner Should Know

A dirty blower wheel is potentially a big issue. The blower motor and wheel assembly is generally located within your indoor air handler or furnace housing. Over time, accumulation of dust, dirt, pet dander, moisture, and sometimes even mold gradually occur on the...

What to do if Your Heat Pump Freezes Over

A very common issue people find is that their Heat Pump is iced up or freezes over. Since there is normal “frost” vs abnormal “icing”, it is important to see which issue applies. Normal Frost vs Icing Up It is quite normal for Heat pumps naturally to develop a thin...

Your CRITICAL HVAC Ductwork

HVAC Ductwork is a network of air passageways and vented openings where a central air conditioning and/ or heating system can fully disperse heated and cooled air throughout a home. Proper circulation of air is the primary function of the ductwork. The Importance of...

Preventing HVAC Drain Issues

HVAC Condensate Drain It is important to not ignore drain issues with your HVAC system. Ignoring a clogged condensate drain issue can lead to your HVAC system to shut down in addition to water damage that may occur. The condensate drain is a pipe connected to your...

Carbon Monoxide Risks in Your Home

Carbon Monoxide can pose a real threat to you and your family inside your own home. Carbon Monoxide (CO) is a colorless, tasteless, potentially toxic gas when found in high levels. Carbon Monoxide is naturally occurring and at low levels do not cause harm. At levels of 35ppm or greater, it becomes toxic.

Keep and Eye on Your HVAC Drain

HVAC systems produce water and moisture which must be drained through your HVAC Drain. This drainage needs to be checked for proper removal or it may cause water damage, flooding, mold and bacteria to develop.

Essential HVAC Maintenance For Your System’s Health

Imagine your HVAC system breaking down on a hot summer day or cold winter night. It can lead to a costly repair and the discomfort you and your family will have to go through without a working HVAC system. The sudden breakdown of an HVAC unit is a nightmare for many....

Why Does My Heat Pump Have Ice, Frost?

Have you ever seen ice or frost on your Heat Pump in the Winter? This can often be normal to see from time to time. Your heat pump is designed to extract heat from outside and transfer it inside.

Why Does My Heat Pump Run All the Time?

If your heat pump runs all the time it may or may not be normal depending on a couple of factors. For example if the heat pump is meeting your temperature setting and the external temperature is less than 30 degrees then your heat pump system is likely functioning properly.

What Causes a Frozen Coil

A frozen coil in your air conditioner or heat pump will be noticed once you start getting warm air coming from your registers. There are many things which can cause warm air instead of cold air to filter into your house. This article will look at many common reasons a coil can freeze.

Top does not stay cool

“My upstairs areas don’t stay fresh,” report many clients. There are many factors to consider when trying to find the problem experienced by so many people.
In fact, there may be several reasons why multi-level homes experience this.

Upstairs Doesn’t Stay Cool

“My upstairs areas are not staying cool” report many customers. There are a lot of factors to consider when trying to find the problem that so many people experience.
In fact, there can be multiple reasons why multi level homes experience this.

Short Cycling Systems

Short cycling can happen with your air conditioning or heat pump system. Your air conditioning or heat pump systems have built in operations which enable them to turn on and off as required to meet your needs.

Common AC Problems

The most common air conditioning problems reported by our customers are contained here along with common results. Checking several things before you call in your HVAC Specialist can save you money and aggravation.

Troubleshooting Your Air Conditioner

Troubleshooting your air conditioner system begins with a few common sense checks. It seems that air conditioning problems show up when the weather becomes very hot. If your air conditioning does not seem to be working, there are several things to rule out before you have to contact a professional. Checking these things first can save you a lot of aggravation and possibly money as well.

Mismatched HVAC Systems

The problem with mismatched HVAC systems is that they are just that…systems. They work and perform best when the components indoors and outdoors match. These multi-component systems were designed to work together and operate most efficiently when they are matched.

Low Refrigerant

A commonly reported issue by customers regarding their underperforming air conditioners is that they are low or out of refrigerant. Many people do not know that refrigerant does not get used up. It exists in sealed coils and does not become “low” unless there is a leak.

Choosing the Best Air Filter for Your Home

Replacing your air filter is one of the small things you can do that can greatly affect the quality of air inside your home. Since many illnesses are associated with airborne contaminants, indoor air quality is a very important consideration.

Do-It-Yourself HVAC Do’s and Dont’s

Do it yourself do’s and dont’s for troubleshooting your HVAC, Heating and Air Conditioning systems. When to call a professional

What Are the Most Common HVAC Problems?

Mold Dangers from Your HVAC System

Mold caused by a Heating and Air Conditioning system is more common than people realize, and it is usually due to moisture control problems inside the system or the home. Just a small imbalance in moisture can create the perfect environment for mold growth. How Much...

Why My AC Blows Warm Air

When your AC starts blowing warm air, it’s a sign that something in the cooling system has been interrupted or has failed. The good news is that many of the common causes are simple to check, and spotting them early can save you from much bigger and costly repairs...

Why Your HVAC Condenser Coil Matters

HVAC System With Low Refrigerant

Low refrigerant in an HVAC system is almost always caused by a leak, not by “using up” refrigerant. Refrigerant is fully contained in your system and circulates in a sealed loop, so any drop in level means something is wrong and needs professional repair. Main Causes...

Heat Pump Auxiliary vs Emergency Heat

HVAC Humidifiers and Dehumidifiers

Humidifiers and Dehumidifiers are systems that control the indoor humidity in your home. Both devices regulate indoor humidity, but they do opposite functions. These devices can be integrated into your HVAC system and control the humidity for your entire home. The...

Dirty Blower Wheel Symptoms Every Homeowner Should Know

Troubleshooting Heating Issues

Troubleshooting your heat system begins with a few common sense checks. Whether you have a heat pump, gas furnace, oil furnace or boiler, there are several things you can check before calling in the professionals. Checking these things first can save you a lot of...

Preventing HVAC Drain Issues

Dirty Coils and Filters can Cost You

You may not even realize your HVAC System has dirty coils and/ or filters. At the very least they can affect the air quality in your home, but they can also cause a strain on your HVAC systems causing them to work harder and use more energy to perform less. If the problem continues unchecked then it can lead to system failure.

HVAC Leaks

HVAC Leaks can be varied since many things are considered “leaks” in an Air Conditioning or Heat Pump system. HVAC Leaks can refer to refrigerant leaks or water accumulations. Water leaks include drain issues, condensation leaks or drainpipe issues. Refrigeration...

Avoid These 8 HVAC Problems With Regular Maintenance

Your furnace and air conditioner are vital components of your home. A malfunctioning HVAC can make your home uncomfortable and even dangerous to your health. However, regularly maintaining your HVAC system and scheduling routine checkups with a certified technician...

Why Does My Heat Pump Have Ice, Frost?

Have you ever seen ice or frost on your Heat Pump in the Winter? This can often be normal to see from time to time. Your heat pump is designed to extract heat from outside and transfer it inside.

Why Does My Heat Pump Run All the Time?

What Causes a Frozen Coil

Air Conditioner Leak

An Air Conditioner leak can be caused by many things. Water leaks from your air conditioner can cause significant damage to your floors, ceiling, furnishings, and more. Unchecked, it can lead to mold issues as well.
An Air Conditioner leak can be simple slow drips which accumulate or pouring water. Either are signs that your air conditioner leaks and needs attention.

Top does not stay cool

Upstairs Doesn’t Stay Cool

Coil Care

Coil care for your HVAC system is very important. A coil is a main component of your HVAC System. There is a condenser coil and an evaporator coil. These coils are an integral part of the heat exchange that happens when cooling your air. These coils contain your refrigerant. Many older systems used Freon (R22) while more recent systems use Puron (R410a).

Storms and HVAC

Summer storms can really wreak havoc on your home’s equipment, most of all your HVAC equipment. These storms can pop up at any time and these days seem to do so with increased frequency. This can be very costly to you, but there are several things which can be done to minimize the problem.
We, at Air Doctor Heating and Air perform insurance inspections insurance companies to document the damage which often requires complete replacement of the HVAC systems.

Short Cycling Systems

Common AC Problems

Low Refrigerant

Heat Gain

Heat Gain can greatly effect how hard your home’s Air Conditioning system has to work. It, therefore, causes you to use more energy and will cost more to operate. Heat Gain can decrease your system’s energy efficiency.

Uneven Temperatures

Uneven temperatures in your home can be very uncomfortable. They can also cause you to always be adjusting your thermostats. Evening out the temperature zone in your home can give you more comfort throughout. Many things can affect the temperatures in your home. Even if your thermostats are set to the same temperature, not every room is the same temperature.

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Ominous Dangers of Space Heaters

by Laurel | Oct 13, 2024 | HVAC Troubleshooting, Common HVAC Problems | 0 comments

The dangers of using space heaters should not be underestimated. Using electric space (portable) heaters can be a viable option for heating your home or room in an emergency or short term situation. Yet there are many dangers to be aware of. Space Heaters cause an overwhelming number of house fires (over 25,000 residential fires per year) so great care must be taken when operating them.

Table of Contents

Specifications

The electric space heater must be specified they can be used indoors. They must be UL (underwriter’s laboratory) labeled and auto shut off if tipped over. Newer models carry these features. Important features to consider are:

UL Tested and Labeled UL Testing
Auto Switch Off if tipped
Proper size for the room you intend to heat, check the manufacturer’s specs.
An overheat sensor which shuts off if the unit becomes too hot.
Variable settings to allow for minimal setting for desired level of heat

Some safety tips:

Only plug electric space heaters into wall outlets, never into an extension cord.
Place the heater on the level floor at least 3’ away from any carpets, furniture, curtains, fabric.
Do not leave on when unattended.
Make certain your smoke and fire detection equipment is operation, has batteries.
Oil filled units do not have an exposed element which can ignite airborne debris and can be safer to use.
Make sure the unit remains clean and free of debris and dirt, replace unit as needed.

Be safe and avoid Space Heater dangers. Electric space heaters can be costly to operate and pose a real fire and safety threat. Please exercise all caution when using this type of heating option. We at Air Doctor Heating and Air are here to help you heat your home safely. Call or Text us at 301-799-7200

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HVAC Licenses

MD HVAC # 17747
WV HVAC # 07874
VA HVAC # 2710071510
PA HICR # PA152515

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