When To Schedule a Furnace Tune-Up in Cincinnati, OH

Part of responsible furnace ownership is ensuring your system receives the ongoing maintenance it needs to remain fully operational. But how often do furnaces require a professional tune-up, and what time of year is best to schedule heating maintenance?

In this blog post, we discuss what time of year is best for Cincinnati families to schedule their furnace tune-ups, as well as what to expect during their maintenance appointments. Let’s get started!

Is a Furnace Tune-Up Necessary?

Yes, an annual furnace tune-up is a necessary part of keeping your system in top working condition. By sticking with an annual maintenance schedule, you’ll enjoy several benefits for your home comfort, including:

Extended Life Span: Well-maintained furnaces last longer than systems that don’t receive an annual tune-up.
Improved Reliability: Furnaces that receive regular tune-ups don’t break down as often or require as many repairs to remain operational.
Increased Efficiency: Part of a furnace tune-up’s purpose is to enhance energy efficiency so you can enjoy ongoing savings on home heating.
Warranty Preservation: Most manufacturer warranties require annual tune-ups to remain in effect, helping you avoid paying out of pocket for premature repairs or replacements.

What’s Included in a Furnace Tune-Up Checklist?

During a routine furnace maintenance appointment, your HVAC technician will carefully evaluate your system to ensure it operates efficiently, safely, and reliably all season long. Specific tune-up requirements may vary depending on the make and model of your furnace; however, the following tasks are commonly included on every furnace tune-up checklist:

Checking thermostat settings to ensure accuracy and responsivity.
Cleaning and inspecting burners to ensure efficient combustion.
Conducting a carbon monoxide test to ensure safety.
Inspecting ductwork for leaks or blockages.
Inspecting the combustion chamber on gas furnaces for signs of physical damage.
Lubricating and evaluating the blower motor.
Replacing or cleaning dirty air filters as needed.
Tightening and examining all electrical connections and components for safety and functionality.

How & When To Schedule a Furnace Tune-Up

Ideally, a furnace tune-up should be performed once annually prior to the winter season. It’s generally recommended to schedule your heating maintenance appointment either in late summer or early autumn to beat the seasonal rush. Homeowners can either call their trusted HVAC technician to book their furnace tune-ups themselves, or they have the option to join a maintenance plan to help take the guesswork out of their maintenance schedule.

Joining the Service Maintenance Agreement from Rick’s Heating & Cooling offers several advantages, including a 15-point precision furnace tune-up booked around your busy schedule at the exact time you need it. Customers also receive a 10% discount on heating repairs and priority service scheduling.

Trust Rick’s Heating & Cooling With Your Furnace Maintenance Needs

Whether you’re looking to join the Service Maintenance Agreement or are hoping to schedule a comprehensive furnace tune-up, Rick’s Heating & Cooling has you covered. Since 1986, we have proudly offered the comprehensive heating maintenance services that Cincinnati families trust to keep their systems running smoothly all season long.

Book your furnace tune-up today by calling Rick’s Heating & Cooling at [site_info_phone_number]!

Replace Your Furnace With A Heat Pump

If your furnace is getting past its prime, or if you’re planning a new build in the Greater Cincinnati, OH, region, you may have considered going with a heat pump system instead of installing another furnace.

Heat pumps are gaining popularity, with international sales increasing by 11% from 2021 to 2022.

There are pros and cons to both types of heating, which we will walk you through so you can make the most informed decision for your comfort and budget.

A professional technician installs a new heat pump outside of a home

What Is a Heat Pump and How Does It Work?

A heat pump is a heating and cooling system connecting to either an outdoor air source or the ground outside your home.

Heat pumps rely on refrigerants (a liquid that can easily evaporate). This refrigerant is circulated through a system of coils and pipes, absorbing heat from the outside air or the soil and transferring it into your home.

In the summer months, the heat pump does the opposite, absorbing heat from the air inside your home and then sending it outside while keeping your home at a comfortable temperature.

Benefits of Heat Pumps

Safety: Heat pumps don’t burn carbon monoxide, pose a fire hazard, or have hot surfaces.

Effective, consistent heating: Heat pumps are remarkably efficient, rapidly bringing the temperature of a room or a whole house up to the desired level and keeping it there until you adjust it.

Cutting your energy cost in half: You economize with a heat pump because it’s highly energy-efficient.

Ease of use: Heat pumps are simple to operate. If you are on the go, you can keep tabs on your system via an app. At home, touch a button.

Drawbacks of Heat Pumps

Not for all homes: A heat pump is not the best choice if your residence is not well insulated.

Installation can be pricey: Installing a heat pump can be more than 20% more costly than installing a gas furnace. The money you save in the long run will probably make up for it.

Investing in new radiators: The radiators you already have for your gas furnace probably won’t work as well with a heat pump.

Why You Should Consider Replacing Your Furnace With a Heat Pump

If you have an aging furnace nearing 15 years old and want better energy efficiency, a heat pump may be for you. It also depends on your financial flexibility. However, Rick’s Heating & Cooling offers coupons for our customers, which can help you save some upfront.

We also offer free on-site estimates so you can shop around and know you’re getting the best deal in the Cincinnati area.

For a precise, professional heat pump installation in Morrow, OH, reach out to Rick’s Heating & Cooling at (513) 899-6005!

Preparing Your Home’s HVAC for Fall: A Cincinnati Homeowner’s Guide

Winters in Ohio can be notoriously cold. When the seasons change, ensure your HVAC system is ready to keep you warm and cozy on even the coldest nights. We’ll walk you through the essential steps to get your system up and running at peak performance for maximum warmth and comfort.

Steps To Take

Change Your Filter

Your HVAC filter helps prevent dust, debris, and other pollutants from blowing through your ductwork. While the recommendation is to change filters every three months, we recommend you change them even more frequently if you are a pet owner or have allergies or asthma. Starting the season with a new and clean filter will help ensure that your system is operating efficiently and that you get superior heating.

Set Your Thermostat to “Heat”

Some thermostats may require you to manually change from cooling to heating once fall hits. If this is the case, make sure to do so once you’ve seen a steady drop in temperatures, signaling a consistent need for heat. Your thermostat can then work to keep your home at the ideal temperature. Want to streamline this step? Consider installing a smart thermostat that can switch from heating to cooling automatically!

Clean Your Burners

If you’ve ever noticed a bad odor in your home when you first turn on your furnace for the season, it’s likely due to dust and debris that has gathered on your burners. By cleaning your burners before you turn on your system, you’ll avoid this dusty odor and allow you to inspect burners for signs of issues like rust or misaligned components.

Check and Oil Your Blower

Your blower requires yearly oiling, and after sitting unused for many months, the beginning of the fall season is a great time to do so while also checking for any visible damage or debris. Yearly oiling helps keep your blower operating smoothly, and once you turn your system on, it’s always a good idea to listen for any unusual noises that may indicate you have an issue.

Need help with the maintenance items on this to-do list? Call us at (513) 899-6005 today, or schedule a time online for us to come by!

Uncover Your Heating Vents

Throughout the year, we often move furniture, decor, and other things in our home that can block heating vents. Before using your furnace, check that all heating vents are clear, as blocked vents limit the amount of heat brought into your home and pose a serious fire hazard.

Clear Your Chimney and Vents

During the warmer months, dirt, debris, and even small animals can enter your furnace vent or chimney. Before starting up your heating for the first time in the season, it’s a good idea to ensure that the vent or chimney is not blocked. This is also an ideal time to check for soot buildup in your chimney and clean it if necessary.

Test Your Safety Monitors

From smoke detectors to carbon monoxide monitors, your safety system can save your life, especially during the winter when furnace use increases these risks. Ensure all monitors have fresh batteries and test them to ensure they work properly. Don’t have detectors installed in all areas of your home? Purchase and install them today!

Get Professional Maintenance

Your heating system should receive annual professional maintenance. We recommend scheduling this in the fall to prepare for several months of consistent use. During a tune-up with one of your experts, we’ll thoroughly inspect and clean your system to help reduce the risk of breakdowns or repairs, increase your system’s energy efficiency, and help lengthen your furnace’s life span.

Contact Rick’s Heating & Cooling today to schedule your annual heating maintenance!

What To Do if Your Pilot Light Goes Out

Your furnace’s pilot light is an important part of the furnace’s proper function. When the furnace is activated, when heat is needed, gas is released to the furnace’s main burner and is ignited by the pilot light’s flame.

The pilot light should always be burning, but sometimes it does go out. In this blog post, we’ll discuss how to reignite a pilot light that’s gone out, what causes pilot lights to go out, and when it’s time to call an expert for assistance.

An HVAC repair person comes to take care of an issue at a residence

How To Reignite Your Pilot Light

It’s very important that you follow the proper steps for reigniting the pilot light. The gas itself is potentially dangerous and is, of course, flammable. If the cause is more serious than a drafty furnace, you should have it serviced by a professional.

Usually, all you need for reigniting the pilot light can be found on the front of the furnace unit. This includes controls, the pilot light assembly, and instructions. If you’re unable to find the manufacturer’s instructions, follow these steps:

Find the pilot light assembly. This includes a gas valve with a reset button and settings for On, Off, and Pilot.
Turn the gas valve to the Off position.
Wait several minutes.
Turn the gas valve to the Pilot position.
Hold a long-lit lighter or match to the pilot opening while pressing the pilot reset button.
Keep the rest button pressed until the flame is lit and burning strongly.
Release the reset button and turn the gas valve to the On position.
If these steps don’t work, turn the gas valve to the Off position and call for service.

Contact us online or call 513-899-6005 for help or around-the-clock emergency repair near Morrow, OH.

What Causes a Pilot Light To Go Out?

Pilot lights blow out for a few possible reasons. You might be able to correct the problem yourself in some cases, though some require professional service.

Dirty pilot orifice: If the pilot flame burns a weak yellow instead of blue when you reignite the pilot light, the problem may be a dirty pilot orifice. Call Rick’s Heating & Cooling for professional service.
Draft: A sudden or steady rush of air can easily blow out the standing pilot light. Once it’s relit, check the surrounding area for the source of the draft to prevent it from happening again.
Faulty thermocouple: If the pilot light repeatedly goes out, the furnace’s thermocouple may need replacing. When this flame sensor fails, gas continues to flow even if the pilot light has been extinguished. This is a safety hazard and requires immediate professional repair.

Contact Rick's

Why and When To Call an Expert?

Pilot light issues can develop into serious safety-related problems. The potential for fire or gas poisoning can grow from seemingly small issues. Call for professional service if:

The pilot light won’t relight
The pilot light repeatedly goes out
You smell the rotten egg smell associated with escaping gas

Call Rick’s Heating and Cooling at (513) 899-6005 or contact us online for furnace repair and heating services in the Cincinnati, OH, area.

Why Trust Rick’s Heating and Cooling as Your HVAC Experts for Your Cincinnati Home?

Since 1986, Rick’s Heating and Cooling has provided the Cincinnati area with superior HVAC repair workmanship and outstanding customer service. We’re the HVAC experts you can trust!

To learn more about HVAC services from Rick’s Heating & Cooling in the Cincinnati area, call (513) 899-6005.

Schedule Online!

Common AC Issues & What To Do

HVAC technician working on air conditioning unit outdoors

During the scorching summers, having a reliable air conditioning system is essential to keep your home cool and comfortable. However, AC issues can arise unexpectedly, affecting your comfort and efficiency.

Here are some common AC problems and insights into what you can do as a homeowner to address these issues before calling for professional HVAC service.

AC Isn’t Cooling Properly

When your AC isn’t cooling your home as it should, several factors could be at play, including:

Dirty or clogged filters: Check and clean or replace air filters regularly to ensure proper airflow.
Refrigerant leaks: Low refrigerant levels can impact cooling. If you suspect a leak, consult a professional HVAC technician.
Thermostat issues: Incorrect thermostat settings can result in inadequate cooling. Check your thermostat batteries and settings to ensure it’s on.
Blocked air vents: Ensure all air vents are open and unblocked for optimal air distribution.

If simple troubleshooting doesn’t improve cooling, it’s best to seek professional help to accurately diagnose and address the issue.

The AC Unit Is Leaking Water

When an AC unit leaks, it’s important to identify whether the leak is water condensate or refrigerant. Refrigerant leaks leave brightly colored stains compared to water. If the leak is refrigerant, shut down the unit and contact an HVAC professional immediately.

In many cases, a drain line leak results from a simple clog. Regularly cleaning and maintaining condensate drain lines can prevent clogs and leaks. For complex leaks, it’s best to consult a professional.

The AC Fan Isn’t Working

If your AC fan isn’t working, there could be several causes, including:

Electrical issues: Check electrical connections, fuses, and circuit breakers.
Debris buildup: Clean dust and debris from fan blades and motor to ensure proper function.
Fan motor problems: If the motor is faulty, it may need replacement.

If checking these doesn’t get the fan working again, it may need to be replaced. Call a professional for a proper assessment.

There Are Strange Noises From the AC

Unusual noises from the system can indicate underlying issues. Rattling, buzzing, or squealing can result from loose or damaged components within the system. You can use a flashlight to investigate whether something is loose, and sometimes the solution is as simple as tightening screws and bolts to minimize vibrations and noises.

Sometimes, a worn belt will cause squealing sounds. Motor bearing issues may result in grinding noises. If these noises are what you’re hearing, or your efforts make no improvement, call a professional for accurate diagnosis and repairs.

The System Is Short-Cycling

Short-cycling is when your AC unit turns on and off repeatedly without finishing a full cooling cycle. If an AC short cycles for an extended period, integral parts like the compressor get damaged.

Faulty thermostats or clogged air filters can cause short-cycling. It can also happen if the AC is too strong for your home.

If your unit is short-cycling:

Clean and check air filters and vents: Make sure there’s nothing obstructing airflow.
Inspect your thermostat settings: Ensure it’s functioning properly. If you’re still having trouble, consult a qualified HVAC technician to address other possible issues.

Schedule AC Repairs With Rick’s Heating & Cooling

At Rick’s Heating & Cooling, we’ve provided expert AC repair and maintenance for over 35 years. Our highly skilled technicians have extensive experience and comprehensive training you can trust.

We handle complex AC issues daily, resolving them quickly and efficiently with optimal performance. When you work with Rick’s Heating & Cooling, you’ll get honest, reliable service. We treat customers like family.

Call Rick’s Heating & Cooling at (513) 899-6005 to schedule AC repairs and routine maintenance and keep your cooling system in top-notch condition.