Furnaces

A hi-efficiency furnace is a great choice for a home heating system. There are many benefits to choosing a hi-efficiency furnace, which include improved comfort, lower energy bills, a smaller carbon footprint, less noise, better indoor air quality, more environmentally friendly, additional rebates and works with smart thermostats. In this article, we’ll discuss each of these benefits in more detail. What Is a Hi-Efficiency Furnace? A hi-efficiency furnace is a type of home heating system that is designed to be more efficient than traditional furnaces. Hi-efficiency furnaces can range in efficiency from 80 to 97 percent. The higher the efficiency […]

Your old furnace has seen its fair share of use. It’s been around as long as your family has had a home. However, furnaces become less efficient as the years take their toll. It’s time to start thinking about getting a new one. Don’t fret, though, finding a new furnace has become easier to do. And with just a little bit of research and knowledge, you’ll have all the tools you need to be informed and pick the right furnace for your home. So, how do you begin to choose a new furnace? Read on to find out. What Exactly […]

When you’re in the market for a new heating system, it’s best to know everything you can to help you make a more informed decision. There is a long list of information on heating units you can familiarize yourself with, but one that should definitely be toward the top is the meaning of AFUE. The AFUE rating on your unit can end up saving you energy, increase the heating capabilities in your home, and even save you money. Professionals like Entek can provide you with the most accurate rating based on heat output and fuel input, but there are ways […]

When the time comes to replace your old furnace with a newer model, you may wonder if it’s possible to save some money by doing the work yourself. While furnaces are usually installed by certified professionals, you’re a pretty handy person, and you think you might be able to handle the task on your own. However, furnace installation is a complex task that can be dangerous if it’s not done correctly. We recommend that this is one task you always leave in the hands of a highly trained, experienced contractor. Read on to understand why. With a Furnace, Safety Is […]

Your home’s HVAC system does so much more than regulate your home temperature. It also helps maintain a comfortable environment and overall good health. Likewise, if you neglect your HVAC system, it could impact your health negatively. Entek has been servicing HVAC systems in the Vancouver, Washington, area for more than 75 years. Here are some of our top tips for maintaining a healthy HVAC system. Change Your Air Filters Regularly Just like outdoor air pollution, our homes can also be susceptible to indoor air pollution. For instance, we track dirt, pollen, and other pollutants into our homes on an […]

Central heating is probably the most common HVAC system sold these days, but there is a little wiggle room when it comes to gas-powered or electricity-run heating units. The benefits of upgrading to a gas central heating unit are clear, with the number one benefit being the cost differential. There is also the potential for cleaner energy, depending upon whether the individual and the home use natural gas as opposed to propane or a dirtier gas. What’s more, depending on how your local utility company is run, it could be that having gas is even cleaner and more sustainable than […]

The best heating solution for your Portland home can depend on a number of different factors. You may be asking yourself what the costs will be. Which is better for the environment? Which is more efficient? When you’re not an HVAC expert, it can be quite confusing. Luckily, at Entek, we can help make the comparisons easier. Read on below to learn more about natural gas compared to electric and which is the best for your home. How Does a Natural Gas Heater Work Compared to an Electric Heater? Both natural gas furnaces and electric furnaces are forced-air systems. This […]

Some homeowners may wonder if they should run their furnace fans continuously, and it’s certainly a question that a lot of professional HVAC technicians hear. Some ask about the advantages and disadvantages of leaving the furnace fan in the On position. Others assume that a continuously running furnace fan signifies that something is faulty with the unit. The truth is, whether you should or should not run the furnace fan continuously depends on several factors. First, What Is a Furnace Fan? The fan is sometimes also referred to as a furnace blower, and it is the part of the furnace […]

When configuring the cost of living, there are many important and necessary factors to take into consideration. One primary point is the cost of utilities, particularly air conditioning and heating. This monthly cost can fluctuate depending on a few variables, such as the size of the house or building, the geographic location of the property (and the seasonal weather there), in addition to a few other relative factors, yet the question still remains: is air conditioning more expensive than heating? Imagine the energy needed to compress and circulate clean, cool air, specifically during a dry or humid summer. Or if […]

Many homes in North America rely on a central furnace as their main heating source. Though alternative sources of heat are available, what if your house already has ductwork? What kind of furnace will work with pre-existing house ductwork? When exploring your options, it’s helpful to know what kind of furnaces are available and which ones work best with your home’s pre-existing HVAC system. How a Furnace Works A furnace works to heat your home by blowing heated air through a system of ducts. It is then dispersed throughout the house through air registers. Typically, if your home has ductwork, […]