My HVAC System in Northern Virginia Needs a Repair and I’m not sure what it is! How to tell if you have a heat pump, boiler, or furnace.
Your home’s heating system has a vital job in the winter—keeping you and your family warm and comfortable. As the winter chill settles in and we start using our home’s heating systems more frequently, it’s important to make sure it is operating properly. If you have not had your heating system checked this winter, and you live in the Alexandria, Ashburn, Leesburg, and Winchester area, this should be a reminder to call in for your heating system tune-up.
Over the course of the winter months, you may be triggered to call a heating contractor for a tune-up, maintenance check, or even a service call for a repair or replacement of your heating system. When you call in for a heating service, be prepared to let your heating and air conditioning company know what type of HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) system you have. Typically, Northern Virginia residents have a heat pump, boiler, or hot air furnace. Knowing this information will help you schedule and book your appointment.
These frequently asked questions should help you determine the type of heating system you have in your home.
- How do I know if I have a heat pump? Typically, if you don’t have gas heating in your home, you have an electric heating system. If you have a heat pump, you will have settings of cool, off, heat, and emergency heat on your thermostat. Emergency heat settings are usually only on a heat pump system.
- How do I know if I have a boiler heating system? A boiler is a heating system that uses water or steam to heat your home. The boiler heats the water and the water moves throughout the pipes that lead to baseboard heaters, radiators, or tubing. In fewer words, it is heating your home with water.
- How do I know if I have a furnace heating system? A furnace heating system delivers warm air throughout the home. The air is heated in the furnace and a blower forces it into a duct system. In fewer words, it is heating your home with heated air.
Hopefully, these descriptions of different types of heating systems have helped you better understand the system type you have, and help you find an expert to service your type of heating system.
Have questions about your heating system or need help with a quote on replacing your boiler, gas furnace, or heat pump with a new energy-efficient heating and cooling system? Give us a call our home comfort advisors are here to help you design the perfect system for you and your family. M.E. Flow covers Northern Virginia and has HVAC office locations in Alexandria, Leesburg, and Winchester.