Last updated 6 days ago
Most homes throughout Pennsylvania are equipped with central heating and air conditioning systems to keep their indoor temperatures comfortable throughout the year. But before central heating was developed, how did people stay warm during bitterly cold eastern winters?
Here’s a look at the history of home heating and the development of central heating systems.
- For most of history, humans used very basic forms of energy to keep warm during cold nights or throughout the winter. Fires made from wood and other organic material were used to supply heat in homes for most of America’s history through the 19th century. Fireplaces were very common in homes built during this period, but were very limited in their ability to warm entire buildings. They were also inefficient and often filled the rooms they were located in with smoke.
- Home heating took a huge leap forward in 1744 in Philadelphia, when Benjamin Franklin created the Franklin stove. This cast-iron stove was fueled with wood, but was much more efficient than a plain oven fire. This stove could also be installed in rooms that did not have fireplaces for heating throughout the entire home.
- The industrial revolution shifted the emphasis on heat production from wood to coal and steam. These materials made early central heating systems much more efficient than fire-powered heaters of the 1700s and 1800s. Iron boilers and air duct systems became more popular in homes, and large air furnaces were common in institutional buildings.
- By the 1900s, these systems were found throughout the country. Today, homeowners have a wide range of options when it comes to home heating and air conditioning. Forced-air furnaces are the most common heating systems around and typically run on gas or electricity.
Does your home’s heating system make you wish you had a Franklin stove? Call Morvent’s One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning for professional service in Chester and Delaware Counties. Call us at (484) 734-1445.
Last updated 12 days ago
Water heaters are very important components of any residential or commercial plumbing system. As such, they require regular maintenance and prompt repairs from a plumbing professional. A poorly functioning water heater can lead to poor water quality, inadequate access to hot water, and even dangerous tank explosions.
Here’s a look at three reasons why your water heater may be performing poorly.
1. Built-Up Sedimentation
Water that enters your home’s plumbing system is filled with mineral deposits that are too small to see. But when water goes into the water heater, high temperatures force the minerals to collect and precipitate out to the bottom of the tank. As the sediments build up, your water heater will slowly lose its water capacity, which means less hot water can be distributed throughout your home. Sediment buildup can also clog recirculation lines, valves, and pumps, causing water heater failure or poor performance.
2. Faulty Burner
On gas water heaters, a burner is used to heat up the water inside the tank. When this burner fails or functions improperly, less heat may be transferred to your water heater’s tank. This leads to poor energy efficiency and inadequate hot water. The same problem can develop in electric heaters when the heating element fails.
3. Failed Thermostat
Gas a electric water heaters use thermostats to regulate the temperature that water is heated to. When the thermostat fails, you may get water that is not nearly hot enough to enjoy a shower or wash dishes. However, you may also get water that is too hot, which can cause serious injury.
Do you suspect these or any other issues may be affecting your water heater? Call Morvent’s One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning for service in the West Chester and Kennett Square, Pennsylvania areas. We also specialize in professional HVAC maintenance services. Call (484) 734-1445.
Last updated 19 days ago
Now that winter is upon us, folks all over Pennsylvania need proper heating. If your water heater or furnace is acting up, don’t let your family freeze—call in the professionals.
- Looking to save money on your utility bills? Check out this page from the Federal Trade Commission.
- Buying an energy-efficient boiler requires research. For help, head over to this page from the Federal Energy Management Program.
- Need help troubleshooting your gas furnace? Take a look at this page from HowStuffWorks.com.
- Just like other home appliances, today’s furnaces are highly efficient. To learn more, check out this page from EnergyStar.gov.
- What are the differences between furnaces and boilers? Find out at this page from EnergySavers.gov.
If you need help figuring out why your heater isn’t as efficient as it should be, contact Morvent’s One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning. Our expert technicians can easily diagnose and repair any problem that your heater may be experiencing. If you’re looking to buy a new furnace, our team will also be happy to install it for you. To learn more, call us at (484) 734-1445.
Last updated 27 days ago
You may have been able to make do without a properly functioning heater during the fall, but now that winter is here, you need something that’ll keep you and your family warm. Call a heating technician to ensure that your heating system is functioning as it should.
Here are a few reasons why your furnace may not be as efficient as it could be:
Just like any other home appliance, your heater is susceptible to overuse. It’s OK to use your heater a lot during the winter—that’s what it’s made for. You just have to make sure that your heater receives the proper maintenance at least once a year. If it isn’t well-maintained, a dirty air filter or slipped belt could greatly affect your heater’s efficiency.
Even if your heater has performed well in the past, there’s always a chance that a random malfunction can impact its efficiency. If you notice that your furnace is on high but not blasting enough hot air, the gas burners may need adjustment or the air flow to the combustion air chamber may be obstructed. In any case, it’s always a good idea to have a professional take a look.
Your heater mat not be very efficient simply because it’s too old. Over the years, advanced technology and higher efficiency standards have changed the way heaters are made. If your heater was made over a decade ago, it’s less efficient than newer, Energy Star-rated heaters. If you’ve noticed that your energy bill is through the roof, it may be wise to invest in a whole new heater.
If you need help figuring out why your heater isn’t as efficient as it should be, contact Morvent’s One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning. Our expert technicians can easily diagnose and repair any problem that your heater may be experiencing. If you’re looking to buy a new furnace, our team will also be happy to install it for you. To learn more, call us at (484) 734-1445.
Last updated 1 month ago
You may have been able to make do without a properly functioning heater during the fall, but now that winter is here, you need something that’ll keep you and your family warm. Call a heating technician to ensure that your heating system is functioning as it should.
Here are a few reasons why your furnace may not be as efficient as it could be:
Just like any other home appliance, your heater is susceptible to overuse. It’s OK to use your heater a lot during the winter—that’s what it’s made for. You just have to make sure that your heater receives the proper maintenance at least once a year. If it isn’t well-maintained, a dirty air filter or slipped belt could greatly affect your heater’s efficiency.
Even if your heater has performed well in the past, there’s always a chance that a random malfunction can impact its efficiency. If you notice that your furnace is on high but not blasting enough hot air, the gas burners may need adjustment or the air flow to the combustion air chamber may be obstructed. In any case, it’s always a good idea to have a professional take a look.
Your heater mat not be very efficient simply because it’s too old. Over the years, advanced technology and higher efficiency standards have changed the way heaters are made. If your heater was made over a decade ago, it’s less efficient than newer, Energy Star-rated heaters. If you’ve noticed that your energy bill is through the roof, it may be wise to invest in a whole new heater.
If you need help figuring out why your heater isn’t as efficient as it should be, you should always contact the professionals at Morvent’s One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning before attempting to fix the problem yourself. Our expert technicians can easily diagnose and repair any problem that your heater may be experiencing. If you’re looking to buy a new furnace, our team will also be happy to install it for you. To learn more, call us at (484) 734-1445.
