Furnaces vs. Heat Pumps: Which Costs More to Operate?

November 19, 2022

If you are in the market for a new heating system, you are likely carefully considering your options. In addition to the upfront cost of a new system, it’s important to think about how much that system will cost to operate throughout its lifetime. When it comes to furnaces and heat pumps, which one is cheaper to run? Energy Efficiency Comparison Generally speaking, a heat pump is much more energy efficient than a furnace. The main difference between a furnace and a heat pump is that a furnace generates heat while a heat pump transfers

Continue Reading
company icon

The 4 Main Causes of Delayed Ignition in a Furnace

October 19, 2022

Delayed ignition in a furnace is one of the most common troubleshooting problems for homeowners. The symptoms can vary from a faint gas smell to an unplugged unit to no heat. With these and other symptoms, homeowners may be uncertain why their furnace failed to ignite until it is too late to turn it on. As such, delayed ignition can result in fires if the issue is not dealt with quickly. Here are some of the top reasons why your ignition could be delayed. 1. Mold/Moisture Buildup One of the most common causes of delayed

Continue Reading
company icon

How to Assess the Heating and Cooling System in Your New Home

March 15, 2022

When you buy a new home, take some time to assess its heating and cooling system. Doing so can save you from unfortunate and expensive surprises. It’s worth the time it takes to fully investigate it to see if it meets your needs. Find the Energy Rating Label Heating and cooling equipment should have an Energy Star rating label on it. The furnace will be rated in AFUE (annual fuel utilization efficiency), while the air conditioner is rated by SEER (seasonal energy efficiency ratio). The higher these numbers are, the more efficient the equipment is.

Continue Reading
company icon

Extending the Lifespan of Your Furnace

February 16, 2022

You can count on most furnaces to operate reliably for about 10 years. Aging units can start to develop an array of issues due to wear and tear on their parts. There are several steps that you can take to increase the life expectancy of your furnace. Schedule Annual Furnace Tune-Ups Scheduling annual tune-ups for your furnace can keep it free from issues. A technician will go over the various components of your heater and check it for any lurking problems. By getting small issues addressed early, you can keep them from developing into anything

Continue Reading
company icon

Keeping Your Furnace Up to Code

December 20, 2021

There are numerous cities and states that set building codes. These codes directly affect how you’re allowed to install, operate and maintain an HVAC system. Know the basics of the building codes and if your furnace adheres to the latest regulations. What Are the Codes? The Uniform Mechanical Code was developed by the American National Standards Institute and the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials. This system sets national and international standards for HVAC installations, repairs and maintenance. The codes are updated every three years, and the updates are posted on

Continue Reading
company icon

Heating Safety Tips for Fire Prevention Week

October 13, 2021

As the temperatures begin to dip, you might decide to add a space heater to your cold-weather arsenal. Although space heaters can keep you and your family warm and cozy during the freezing winter days, they can be a safety hazard if misused. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission attributes over 25,000 residential fires that occur every year to space heaters. For this reason, many people become hesitant about using space heaters indoors. However, if you follow best practices, portable heaters are not intrinsically dangerous. These safety tips from the experts at Apollo Heating & Air Conditioning can help you

Continue Reading
company icon

Unique Ways to Save Money on Your Heating Bill

September 14, 2021

There are some pretty standard ways to save money on a heating bill. Turning down your thermostat or keeping the doors closed are a few. Then, there are some unique ways to cut heating costs that everyone can do for free to save money. Here are a few unique ways to make sure your heating bill is lower this year. Use the Ceiling Fans in Your Home When it starts getting cold, change the ceiling fans in your home so that the blades turn clockwise. Changing the direction of the blades will make the warm air

Continue Reading
company icon

Is It Normal to Smell Gas Near a Furnace?

March 16, 2021

Gas furnaces are a cost-effective, energy-efficient solution for home heating. If you’re standing near the furnace in your Bellevue, NE, home when the furnace turns on, you might catch a whiff of the unpleasant aroma of natural gas. The odor comes from mercaptan, a type of chemical added during the refinement process so that it’s easier to detect a gas leak. There’s only one situation in which it’s normal to smell gas from your furnace. Read on to learn about when that is and what you should do if you smell gas near your furnace some other time.

Continue Reading
company icon

How Often Should You Change Your Furnace Filter?

January 5, 2021

A furnace filter might not be the most complex part of a furnace, but it does serve an essential purpose. A filter reduces dirt, dust, dander and other contaminants in the furnace and air ducts by capturing them. Over time, expect a filter to become “full” and require replacing. How often should filters be replaced, though? A Standard Duration for Switching Filters A standard recommendation for replacing a furnace filter suggests once every 90 days. The filter’s thickness could factor into how often a replacement becomes necessary. With thicker filters, the “switch time” might be every

Continue Reading
company icon

3 Reasons for Servicing Gas Fireplaces Annually

December 3, 2020

Most people don’t think about their gas fireplace until it develops a problem. However, you need annual service for a number of reasons—ranging from safety to how long it lasts. 1. Safe Operation Just like your gas furnace, your gas fireplace is an appliance that needs regular maintenance to operate safely. It produces carbon monoxide when it burns gas. When you have your gas fireplace receive its annual service, the technician will make sure it’s operating within safety guidelines. If you smell gas or your carbon monoxide detector goes off, leave your home

Continue Reading
company icon