Kennihan Plumbing & Heating, Inc. Blog: Archive for the ‘Heating’ Category

Why Is Your Furnace Constantly Running?

Monday, November 11th, 2024

A furnace that never stops running isn’t just noisy. It’s also a sign something isn’t working right. Whether it’s a small adjustment or a deeper issue, a constantly running furnace can lead to higher bills and put extra strain on your heating system. At Kennihan Plumbing & Heating, Inc., we’ve seen all types of furnace issues over our 50 years in business, and we know how to handle each one. If you’re in need of furnace service in Butler County, here’s a breakdown of what could be causing your furnace to run nonstop. 

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AFUE and HSPF: A Kennihan PSA on Industry Terms

Monday, October 28th, 2024

When it comes to upgrading your heating system, understanding some key terms can make a big difference. You may have seen terms like AFUE and HSPF on labels or heard them mentioned, but what do they actually mean? If you’re considering a heating upgrade in Butler, PA, these ratings are worth a closer look. Kennihan Plumbing & Heating, Inc. wants you to have all the facts to make a smart choice. 

What Is AFUE? 

AFUE stands for Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency. It measures how well a heating system converts fuel into heat. Think of it as the percentage of fuel that actually warms your home instead of being lost. For example, a furnace with an AFUE of 90% uses 90% of its fuel for heat and loses only 10%. Higher AFUE ratings mean better fuel efficiency, and in the long run, lower energy bills. 

We work with various systems, from furnaces to boilers, and each system type has its own range of AFUE ratings. Our comprehensive heating services can help you find a system with an efficient AFUE rating that fits your budget and needs. Not only do we offer furnace installation and repair, but we also make sure your system performs at its best, right from installation through regular maintenance. 

What Is HSPF? 

HSPF, or Heating Seasonal Performance Factor, is another key term to know. Unlike AFUE, which applies to fuel-based systems, HSPF measures the heating efficiency of electric heat pumps. It tells you how well a heat pump performs over a season. A higher HSPF rating means better efficiency and can translate to significant savings over time. 

Heat pumps are an excellent choice for homeowners looking to combine heating and cooling in one system. As reliable heating contractors, we can help you explore the best heat pumps with competitive HSPF ratings. This way, you’ll get a heating system that suits both your home and your budget. 

Why AFUE and HSPF Matter for Heating Upgrades 

AFUE and HSPF ratings impact not only energy costs but also the lifespan of your heating system. A high AFUE or HSPF rating means that your system runs more efficiently, which can save you money on fuel or electricity. Efficient systems also reduce wear and tear, making them less likely to need frequent repairs or maintenance. 

Upgrading to a system with strong AFUE and HSPF ratings isn’t just about cutting costs; it’s also about making a smart investment. Our team offers reliable heating repair and maintenance to keep your system in top shape. We also offer heater system troubleshooting, duct cleaning services, and smart thermostat integration, so that every part of your system works as it should. 

Making the Right Choice for Your Heating

Choosing the right system can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. We’re here to guide you through every step, from heating system installation to ongoing heating efficiency improvement. Whether you need furnace installation and repair or simply want to discuss heating options, our team is ready to help. 

Contact Kennihan Plumbing & Heating, Inc. for a heating upgrade in Butler, PA. We treat your home like it’s our grandma’s home! 

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Haunted Heating Tips: When Your Furnace Is on the Fritz

Monday, October 14th, 2024

Halloween is just around the corner, but the only thing that should scare you is a good horror movie—not strange noises coming from your furnace. If you’ve heard banging, rattling, or screeching sounds from your heating system, it might be time for furnace repair in Butler County, PA. Don’t let these unsettling noises linger. At first, they might seem harmless, but they can signal much bigger problems. When your furnace acts up, it’s important to act fast.

Here are some common sounds that mean your furnace needs attention:

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Is Your Heater Ready for Winter’s Chill?

Monday, September 16th, 2024

No one wants to deal with a broken heater when the temperatures drop. Winter can be rough in Pennsylvania, and reliable heating in Gibsonia is something you should never take for granted. At Kennihan Plumbing & Heating, Inc., we know the importance of preparing your system before the first cold snap hits. Here are some things to keep in mind when you’re getting your heating system ready for winter.

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Efficient Radiator Airlock Removal by Pros

Monday, September 2nd, 2024

Airlocks in radiators can be a real nuisance and can cause cold spots and uneven heating. This is especially problematic in areas like Butler, where reliable heating is important during harsh winters. Don’t worry, there’s a solution. In this guide, we’ll explore what airlocks are, why they happen, and how to remove them. We want to make sure your home stays cozy and comfortable throughout the season. Let Kennihan Plumbing & Heating, Inc. be your go-to solution for boiler repair in Butler.

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Silencing Noisy HVACs with Expert Repairs

Monday, July 8th, 2024

Has your home started echoing with the sounds of a noisy HVAC system? Those clanks and buzzes aren’t just annoying—they could signal deeper issues that might affect your system’s performance and your comfort. At Kennihan Plumbing & Heating, Inc., we’ve been quieting noisy heaters and air conditioners for over 50 years, making sure your home stays comfortable and your systems run smoothly. Let us be your go-to for your HVAC repair in Gibsonia.

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Kennihan’s Tips for When You’re Expecting a New Family Member

Monday, February 19th, 2024

First of all, congratulations! For many people in our community, this is an exciting time. Adding a new little member of your family can be a major change and lead to some pretty stressful experiences, even if you’re excited.

Don’t worry, our team is here for the long term to walk you through any installations, replacements, upgrades, or HVAC services in Butler County, PA. We take pride in our ability to keep customers comfortable, which means that we can take your concerns and find solutions to them in record time.

Where do we start? Well, here are some standard HVAC tips to consider when you’re expecting a new baby. These are meant to give you some helpful information on what to do, how to approach these issues, and how we can help you solve them.

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Common Misconceptions About Furnace Efficiency

Tuesday, February 6th, 2024
technician-taking-ductwork-out-of-van

A common misinterpretation homeowners have is that having efficient equipment means they have an efficient system. A 95% efficient furnace means that your equipment is burning and using 95% of the fuel, while the other 5% just goes out the exhaust.  While your equipment may be high performing, in most cases, your entire system is not.  Once that efficient furnace heats up your air it goes through a hole ductwork system to be spread throughout the house. This means the air could:

  1. Be going through your unconditioned attic (how cold is it up there…40 degrees?)
  2. It could be escaping the improperly sealed ductwork and heating areas that don’t need heated.

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How to Stay Warm & Safe While Waiting for Furnace Repair

Monday, January 22nd, 2024

It’s never convenient to deal with a furnace breakdown that leaves you without heat. Depending on when the breakdown happens and how busy our team is with similar calls, you may be without heat for a little while until we can visit your home for a service appointment.

It’s better to be prepared in advance just in case your furnace breaks so that you can stay warm while you wait for service. If you have been searching for “furnace repair near me” because your furnace is already broken down, you’re in the right place. Just give our team a call, and we will schedule you with the soonest appointment we have available. You can also keep reading to learn more about how to stay warm while you wait for furnace repair.

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The Most Common Furnace Repairs You’ll Need

Monday, December 25th, 2023

You may not think much about planning ahead for furnace repairs, but it’s a good idea to give the topic some thought. The best way to stay ahead of a total breakdown is to pay attention to the early signs of furnace problems and get them fixed sooner rather than later. 

When you need furnace repair in Butler, PA you can give our team a call to schedule service. Whether you know what the problem is or not, we can figure it out. We’ll troubleshoot and get down to the root issue to fix it so it doesn’t happen again. You can keep reading to learn more about common furnace problems and the associated repair needs.

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