Keep the Presidents Day Heat at Bay!

Presidents Day graphic featuring bold text and American flag colors, relevant to holiday celebrations and HVAC services by Laney's Inc.

Keep The Presidents Day Heat at Bay!

While the temperatures outside your door won’t warm up for quite a while, the temperature inside your home can get pretty high during a Presidents Day weekend hangout.

Having friends and neighbors over for the holiday weekend can be a lot of fun, but it can also cause your home to become uncomfortably warm, between the food being prepared in the kitchen and the heat radiating off all of the people.

Don’t let that discourage you from throwing a get together, though! As long as you have a working HVAC system you can rely on, your home can be the perfect place to spend the long weekend!

Why is Central HVAC a Smart Choice For Anyone?

centralhvacAt this time of the year, while we seem to be hovering somewhere between winter and spring, the temperature does have a tendency to fluctuate from day to day.

If your home is cooled or heated by a mini split system, you can get through this time of changing temperatures, but it will be safer and more convenient to change to a central HVAC system.

With some days being hotter than others, having a central operating system for your HVAC is a great convenience. With a central HVAC system, all you have to do it set your thermostat to your desired temperature, and then the temperature throughout the entire house will be affected.

What if You Need Heating Services During a Long Weekend?

heatingservicesIs that heater you have a hunk of junk? Did it give out and ruin your nice warm plans for the long weekend? If that is your current situation, don’t sweat it!

Laney’s Inc. offers HVAC services to get it back up and running in no time- even on holidays like Presidents Day!

If you haven't had your heater maintenance by a professional in over a year, that may be why your system is struggling to do its job now. Call Laney’s Inc. today and ask about our dependable heating services!

Have You Changed Your AC Filter This Month?

acfilterLooking for a practical way that you can help keep your HVAC system in good working order? Then write this down:

The most important thing you can do for your HVAC systems is to replace your air filter once a month, or every 3 months (depending on the weather and the conditions in your home).

Construction projects, for example, kick up a lot of dust and debris into the airs, clogging the filter faster. Remember that clean air vents make for higher air quality, which can reduce issues like allergies, asthma, and even skin and eye irritation!

With all the great things that George Washington and Abraham Lincoln did for our country, do you believe they would have wanted you to suffer through an uncomfortable Presidents Day Weekend? Accepting a poorly functioning HVAC system is unamerican!

Remember that, all jokes aside, Laney's Inc. is here to help you work through any HVAC system issues you may be having, even on a holiday weekend! Give us a call today at (701) 237-0543 to speak with an expert HVAC technician in Fargo, ND!

What You Don’t Know About Gas & Electric Heaters

Textured letters spelling "TRUTH" partially obscured by snow, emphasizing the importance of reliable HVAC services for comfort and health during winter.

What You Don’t Know About Gas & Electric Heaters

Are you in need of a new heating system? Contrary to popular belief, there is more to selecting and installing heating than just picking a unit and having it installed in your home. There are two kinds of system: electric or natural gas.

The type of system you choose matters greatly, as it can affect your energy usage, your costs, and even how efficiently the system works. Each type of unit comes with its own pros and cons, so it’s important that you do your research and decide whether electric or gas heating is best for your home.

Here are all our secrets on what we know about gas versus electric heaters!

They Use The Same Duct System

ventBoth gas and electric systems make use of air ducts to cool your house. Most central cooling and heating systems require air ducts to distribute air to various areas in the house.

The same air ducts can be used in both cooling and heating systems. If you are looking to install a heater without having to install ductwork, you may want to consider a ductless air system.

Mini-splits are made up of several indoor wall-mounted units and one outdoor compressor unit that is connected to each of them, so you don't have to worry about a pricey ductwork installation.

They May Have Different Levels of Heating Efficiency

efficiencyNatural gas appliances have a tendency to be more efficient than their electric counterparts. If you are looking for the most efficient heating system, a gas-powered system is the way to go.

Gas not only warms air faster with less energy being used, but it also provides the security of knowing that your system will still be running in the event of a blackout.

Appliances that run on natural gas will continue to function, even when a severe storm or down power line leaves you without power.

They May Have a Different Cost

costBecause the cost of natural gas fluctuates so much and so often, the difference in cost between gas and electric systems can vary greatly.

Electric HVAC's may cost less money to buy and install, but they are also easier to repair and maintain, so those services don’t cost as much for an electric system as they do for a gas system.

Installing a gas system usually means installing new gas lines, which can add an extra cost.

They May Have Different Levels of Energy Usage

usage

If going green is high on your list of priorities, then you may not mind the extra costs of gas heating for the ecological benefits. Natural gas units are said to be more eco-friendly than electric, partly because they are so efficient.

In most homes, the heating and cooling system uses up more energy than anything else in the house, so switching to a gas system can significantly reduce your electric bill. If you’re having trouble deciding which system is best for your home, the experts at Laney’s Inc. will be happy to help you come to a decision!

Give us a call at (701) 237-0543 to speak with a qualified professional in Fargo about your HVAC options. Don’t forget to share the information you learned here with your friends and neighbors by sharing the link to this article!

Why Overpay For Heating Maintenance?

Piggy bank with cash in front of a heating system, symbolizing savings on heating maintenance costs and energy efficiency.

Why Overpay For Heating Maintenance?

Keeping annual maintenance visit appointments with your local heating services provider is crucial to the life of your central HVAC system. Maintenance checks allow technicians to keep your system running as efficiently as possible for as long as possible, and also offers them an opportunity to spot any issues within the system before they become costly problems.

As important as heater maintenance is, you shouldn’t have to overpay for it. Read on to learn about an honest HVAC company in Fargo, North Dakota and the heating maintenance they offer.

What Are You Really Paying For?

“heatingmaintenance”Most heating service companies offer some type of maintenance membership program. These are a great option because they not only cover annual maintenance visits, but they also provide various other benefits as well, like discounts and priority service.

Heater maintenance is essential and in many cases required under manufacturer warranties. But what exactly does it entail? What specifically are you paying for? Here's a look at what your heating system maintenance and inspection might consist of:

  • Check all controls to make sure your system is working the way it should.
  • Tighten electrical connections and measure the current and voltage of all motors.
  • Check gas connections and gas pressure as well as the heat exchanger and burner combustion.
  • Lubricate all moving parts to reduce friction.
  • Change the air filter. A Dirty filter can decrease your in-home air quality.
  • Inspect and clean condensate drain and drain pan. A clogged drain can lead to leaking and water damage.
  • Check thermostat settings to ensure your system is saving you money whenever possible.

How Much a Maintenance Should Cost

“heatingcosts”Because heating maintenance is so important to keep up with, it shouldn’t be something you skip because you can’t afford it.

On average, HVAC system maintenance visits should cost somewhere between $70 and $100. Of course, that price will vary a bit depending on the area you live, and the company you hire.

If you find an HVAC maintenance service like Laney’s Inc. that offers annual maintenance membership plans, ask them about the cost of membership versus a one time visit. Often, their membership plans will include other benefits that are worth paying a little extra for up front.

Call Laney’s Inc. For All Your HVAC Installation & Repair Needs!

“callusheating”Laney's Inc. has been taking care of heating and cooling needs in our community since 1960. Our over 100 staff members and technicians are wholly focused on providing you with the best service at a fair price.

We are so committed to helping you find the right solution to your problem, that we even offer free service recommendations! That's right: you get our expert opinion for FREE!

Schedule an appointment today for heating maintenance with one of Laney’s Inc.’s licensed and insured heating technicians! We promise to show up on time, do an exceptional job, and leave no mess behind. Don’t forget to ask about our Heating and Cooling Peace of Mind maintenance program!

Top Reasons Behind Smelly HVAC Systems

Woman covering her nose and mouth, reacting to unpleasant smells, against a blue sky background, illustrating HVAC odor issues discussed in Laney's Inc. heating maintenance article.

Top Reasons Behind Smelly HVAC Systems

Are you experiencing strange, unpleasant smells in your home when your AC or heater kicks on? More often than not, pungent odors are a sign that something is not right with your HVAC system, but what could it be?

Depending on the kind of odor you’re smelling, you could have any one of a number of issues within your system (a gas leak, mold, an overheated unit, etc.) ranging in severity from a minor inconvenience to a potentially disastrous situation. Either way, if you are smelling something strange coming from your HVAC system, call a trusted heating and cooling company, like Laney’s Inc. for a unit inspection, and ask about our other HVAC services.

Does it Smell Like Gas?

“gassmell”Smelling gas in your home is never a good thing, so if you smell something like rotten eggs or sulfur, you need to get out of the house right away.

Open all windows and doors, get yourself and your loved ones out of the house, and call your gas company only when you are safely away from your home.

On its own, the natural gas that powers your furnace and other appliances is completely colorless and odorless. As a safety measure, however, gas companies add in the foul sulfur smell to alert you right away when there is a leak.

This leak can be coming from a loose pipe fitting, or from a crack in the gas line itself. Once you have contacted the gas company and had the gas to your house shut off, call a reliable HVAC company like Laney's Inc. to have a technician take a look at your gas lines.

Have an Old, or Musty Smell?

“oldsmell”The mustiness you are smelling from your AC unit or heater is likely being caused by the mold which has taken up residence somewhere in your HVAC system. There are a few different places the moisture causing the musty smell is coming from.

They are:

Your air vents and ducts, which can accumulate moisture (especially during the rainy season). This problem can be solved by scheduling a duct cleaning. A clogged drain pan causing excess moisture to gather inside the unit. Unclogging drain pans can easily be done at home, or you can call an HVAC service.

Your AC unit is too big for your house, so the air is cycling through your house too quickly for it to be adequately dehumidified before re-entering the system. If this is your issue in your home, call Laney's Inc. today for a new AC unit installation.

Smells Like Something is Burning?

“burntsmell”A burning smell from your HVAC unit can mean many things. If you are turning on your heater for the first time this season, for example, and the smell only lasts a few minutes, the system is probably just burning off the dust that has accumulated on the heat exchanger over the past few months.

If the smell doesn’t go away after a few minutes, though, you may have components in your heater, like motors, belts, or electrical components, that are overheating. In this case, you should call Laney’s Inc. to inspect your HVAC systems and help you come to a safe and affordable solution.

Read this Before You Decide to Replace Your AC and Heating at the Same Time

Image of a close-up view of a file folder labeled "MULTITAS" among various colorful file folders, representing organization and document management in HVAC service contexts.

Read this Before You Decide to Replace Your AC and Heating at the Same Time

When the time comes to get a new heating system or air conditioner, a question every Fargo, ND homeowner will ask themselves is, should I replace both devices at the same time? In truth, the answer is it depends. Installing new HVAC components is a big job, and a number of different elements factor into the decision.

Simply put, there are times when it makes sense to replace both, and times when it doesn't. But how do you know if the time is right or not? In this article, we explain how you should decide. Read on for a comprehensive guide to replacing your AC and heating system at the same time.

When to Replace Both Furnace and AC at the Same Time

“isittime”There are several different reasons you might want to replace both HVAC devices in your home. These include:

The Furnace Is 10-Plus Years Old
Many furnaces last about 20 years, which is about twice as long as air conditioners at 10 years. If you replace the furnace it will cost between $2,000-$5,000, but together with an AC its only $1,000-$2,000 if you replace both at the same time. If your furnace is over 10 years old, it makes financial sense to install both simultaneously.

You're Getting a High-Efficiency AC
One key thing to remember is both of these HVAC devices share certain components. If you buy a high-efficiency air conditioner but don't upgrade your furnace, your new AC might not reach its full potential. If you want increased energy efficiency, it's best to upgrade both devices at once.

Installations Are Difficult
Included in a contractor's fee is how difficult the job might be. If your HVAC system is tucked away in a hard-to-reach spot, it will cost more to replace any components. Rather than pay extra cash replacing both units separately, it might be better to do them at the same time.

You're Approaching Retirement Age
Before you retire and begin living on a fixed income, it's a good idea to get everything at home in order. Get both devices replaced if you're set to leave the workforce soon.

When Not to Replace Both Furnace and AC at the Same Time

“timeismoney”Sometimes it's a bad idea to replace both your furnace and air conditioner at the same time. Installing both devices at once will always come at an extra cost. If you're not in a position to spend that much money, you shouldn't.

Also, it doesn't make any sense to replace a furnace that's less than 10 years old. In essence, you should only get both your furnace and AC replaced simultaneously if it makes sense for your budget and needs.

Call for an Expert to Inspect the HVAC System

“whatpros”Perhaps the best piece of advice we can give is to get a professional opinion before making any purchases. Get an HVAC technician to inspect both your furnace and air conditioner to determine their state.

It may turn out you won't need to replace one or the other. If your devices have been well-maintained, they could last longer than expected.

Easy Tricks to Conserve Energy and Stay Comfortable During the Coldest Season

Energy efficient stamp emphasizing the importance of HVAC system efficiency for winter comfort and cost savings.

Easy Tricks to Conserve Energy and Stay Comfortable During the Coldest Season

By following the guidance of equipment experts and taking on small home maintenance tasks this winter season, you can save money and keep your Fargo, ND home at the optimal comfortable temperature throughout the coming months.

It’s why many are now working with our experts in planning out their strategies for keeping warm in the winter season. In this latest post, we’ll go into detail on several easy tricks that you and your family can use to conserve energy when turning up the heating system.

Add Insulation to Your Windows

Woman holding bubble wrap near a window, demonstrating DIY window insulation techniques to conserve energy during winter.The latest data shows that 15-to-35% of the heat loss in the average North American home is through the windows.

Simply adding the ideal insulation to your home windows can help you to consolidate your home heating costs significantly for the coming months.

Insulating products such as weather stripping and rubber can be used on the windows to help seal in the warm air and keep your family protected. You might also consider working with local professionals to upgrade your windows in time to save on winter heating costs.

Add Caulking to Window Frames

Man applying caulking around window frame for insulation and heat retention.Caulking plays a valuable role in protecting your home against the cooler temperatures outside throughout the winter.

But many homeowners don’t have a clear understanding of why they need caulking around their window frames.

It’s imperative the caulking is kept in immaculate condition; otherwise small holes can appear which allow heat to escape the home.

Make sure you use a high-quality caulking product if you plan on taking on this work by yourself. The caulking product you use should be 100% waterproof to protect the home against frost and cooler moisture during the late winter season.

Switch the Direction of Ceiling Fans

Technician adjusting ceiling fan direction for optimal heating efficiency in winter.To help keep your home at the optimal warm temperature throughout the cooler months, you might consider switching the direction of ceiling fans.

The process helps to draw cool air up from in the living space and ensures that warm air fills the space below. The data shows that simply making this switch can help reduce winter heating costs by as much as 10%.

The tips in this article can help you to save money on your home heating this coming winter season and ensure your home remains at the optimal temperature throughout! Make sure that you contact local experts if you have any questions about the tasks discussed in this post.