Plumbing & Heating, Inc.

Heating Question and Answers

Gas fired Boiler or Furnace Questions

Everyone has got an opinion on weather gas is better than oil.  And you always hear the gas company promoting (even offering great deals on conversions) propane and natural gas. We know that electric is clean but very, very expensive as the primary source of heat.  So we're not talking electric.  So let me tell you about gas.

Yes!  Gas is clean

        Gas burns very efficiently and cleanly.  The efficient is rated at up to 98%. Ventilation of fumes are more efficient than oil systems.  Even the parts for repairs are getting less expensive.   Gas heaters can be a boiler or furnace.

Yes!  Gas is safe

  Gas is safe.  Naturally if it is installed correctly it's safe. But here is something to reflect on. 

TWO TYPES OF GAS  Natural and Propane

 Natural Gas is preferred only because it's atomic weight is lighter than air.  Soo...if there is a leak the gas will dissipate in the air and rise. And if it does accumulate it would be in the attic, which is normally ventilated..

However, being that propane gas is heaver than air, and if a leak occurred (inside or out), the vapors would seek the lowest spot, which is your basement.  The accumulation of the gases can be ignited by electrical switches in the basement.  So this in not such a good scenario for the home owner.

The control on the gas and gas line installations are strictly regulated and enforced and adhered to for obvious safety concerns.  Because of this control, there are no more gas explosions than there are oil explosions. 

The Cost:  With any commodity, the price fluctuates. So to compare operation costs would be difficult.  But here are some advantages with gas. 

1. It is cleaner than oil (for our environment too)

2. Fuel cost similar to oil

3. Replacement part cost less than oil (typically)

4. Less yearly maintenance & upkeep

5. House requires less maintenance oil leaves sooty residue inside house on walls)

Here is a question we received from a customer we would like to pass on to you.  If you have questions, e-mail us and ask questions

Question: 

I have a Heil high-efficiency gas furnace.  A few months ago, the
inducer motor came on, but no hot air began to blow.  I called the
repairman, who told me that I had a clogged pilot orifice, and that this
was an unusual problem.  Now I am concerned about two things:

1.  What caused the problem in the first place?
2.  Is this likely to happen again?  I was home the last time this
happened, so I caught the problem immediately.  What if I'm not home and
the inducer motor keeps running?  Will it overheat?  Is this dangerous?

Susan

Answer: 

The motor will not over heat. you don't need to worry about that.
The other question, yes it is likely to happen again, but not until the the furnace sits for the whole summer again.
Because the furnace is not used over the summer months you get a little condensation in it and this can cause the very thin orifice to clog up.

This is not unusual at all, and is nothing to worry about. If the repair person cleaned it out good enough, you will not have anymore problems with it for the rest of this heating season.

Please Post Your Question Here Questions@bleakleyplumbing.com

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