Oasis Heating, A/C & Refrigeration Blog : Archive for October, 2017

Why Is My Water Heater Leaking?

Tuesday, October 10th, 2017

You need your water heater every day, no matter the time of year. This means the water heater undergoes an enormous amount of stress, much more than your home heating system, and all that wear can lead to malfunctions. One of the most common kinds of water heater problems is leaking. The only place where you should see water coming out of the water heater is a few drips from the pressure release valve. If you notice water starting to pool around the water heater tank, it’s crucial that you call professionals to find the leaks, discover why they’ve started, and then find a solution to the problem.

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Arlington, VA Furnace Repair Guide: Why Your Pilot Light Is Uneven

Saturday, October 7th, 2017

If you have a gas-powered furnace, you have one of the most efficient heating systems available working for you. But even the most advanced furnace with the best maintenance will age and develop repair needs. Among the most common issues that we encounter with gas-powered furnaces are troubles with the pilot light. Pilot lights sometimes flicker or go out.

Because the pilot light is responsible for igniting the gas jets in the furnace’s combustion chamber, which in turn warm the air that is blown through ducts in your home, if it fails your furnace won’t work. We’ll list a few reasons for uneven pilot lights and what repair needs they may point toward.

A word of caution: although you can fix minor pilot light failures by simply re-lighting the flame, trying anything more complicated poses serious risks. Not only do you face the possibility of damaging the furnace’s interior, but there are safety hazards as well. Gas furnaces can expose you to carbon monoxide poisoning and other dangers. Leave the work to professionals. In Arlington, VA, the furnace repair experts at OASIS Heating, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration, Inc. are on duty 24/7 to help you.

  • Low Air Intake: Flame requires oxygen to burn. If the air intake opening for the pilot becomes clogged, it will force the pilot light to struggle. This problem can go past a basic clog, however, and you may need an expert to examine the air flow.
  • Dirty burner: The burner and area around the pilot light can’t have a covering of grime over it, or else it will smother the flame. This is one reason that regular furnace maintenance is so important: keeping the parts of the furnace clean is vital for its operation.
  • Gas leaks: This is the most worrisome problem. The gas line into the furnace can sometimes lose its pressure, which will cause an inconsistent pilot light. But a leak is even more serious. If you detect the smell of gas while investigating a pilot light problem, shut off the gas immediately and call a professional.

If you allow a fluttering pilot light to go without repair, it may soon stop lighting at all, leaving you without heat. Don’t get stuck in the cold this winter in Arlington, VA: furnace repair is only a phone call away with OASIS Heating, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration, Inc..

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Is a Maintenance Contract Worth the Money?

Thursday, October 5th, 2017

Most quality professional HVAC companies offer maintenance programs to take care of a home’s heating and cooling system. You pay an annual fee, and in return receive two regular check-ups and tune-ups per year, one in spring for the air conditioning system and the second in fall for the heating system.

Is it worth the money to sign a maintenance contract for your HVAC system? The answer is an emphatic yes, as we’ll explain why below.

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Is It Time to Retire Your Old Heat Pump?

Tuesday, October 3rd, 2017

Fall is when homeowners should evaluate their heating systems and see if they’ll make it through another winter. Last week we wrote about this topic, asking if it’s time to replace an old furnace. But not every home uses a furnace for comfort; many opt for a heat pump instead, which not only takes care of winter comfort, but also summer comfort. We’ll take a look at deciding if the heat pump in your house is ready to retire and be replaced with a new unit.

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