HVAC QUESTIONS

If I am going to replace my old gas-guzzler furnace, do I need to replace it with the same BTU capacity?
In most cases the answer is ‘no’, you won't need as large of a furnace. With today's furnaces obtaining 80% to 90% and more in efficiency you don't need to spend the extra dollars on the larger units. Some of the older units waste as much as half of their heat by sending it up the flue. A Maitz Home Services comfort specialist can help you in deciding what system is right for your home.

How will I know it's time to replace my system?
That’s easy when your system starts giving problems, and the problems are not cost effective to repair. But newer equipment is more energy efficient and there may be a case made for replacing your system before it breaks. For more detail, download our free "Homeowners Report" from the home page. You can also call and speak to a Maitz Home Services comfort specialist who will evaluate your system for efficiency, integrity and safety. Then, if a new system is right for you we will present a number of options that will fit your budget and your lifestyle.

Is there anything I need to do to get my heating system ready for winter?
Most heating systems are very reliable and will provide you with comfortable heat when you need it…providing you take good care of the system. Maitz Home Services highly recommends that your furnace system be cleaned and inspected by one of our professional technicians every year before the cold harsh winter sets in. One of the biggest killers in the home is carbon monoxide. Carbon Monoxide is a colorless and odorless gas that can be emitted by your furnace. Even low levels of carbon monoxide have been shown to be dangerous to all especially those with heart and lung disease, the elderly, pregnant woman, and children. Carbon monoxide poisoning produces flu-like symptoms, headache, sore throat, rapid heart beats, memory loss, thinking difficulties, and sensitivity to light, sound, smell, etc. As the seasons change you are going to close your house up tight and ask your furnace to work hard all winter long. Trust the pros at Maitz Home Services to give you peace of mind that your furnace is ready to keep your family safe and warm.

What causes cracks to form in a gas furnace heat exchanger?
In the normal course of a gas furnace operation, the heat exchanger experiences repeated heating and cooling, which causes a corresponding expansion and contraction of the heat exchanger metal. As the heat exchanger ages over the years cracks will tend to form in areas of the heat exchanger that are weak, such as the areas that have been welded together. More weak spots and holes will form as a result of corrosion. Corrosion of the heat exchanger often signifies problems with the exhaust venting. The annual Maitz Home Services Heating Protection Plan will assure you that your furnace is running safely and as efficient as possible.

How long should a central air conditioner last?
The useful "life" of an air conditioner can vary greatly. Such factors as climate, maintenance care, and quality and capacity of the original equipment can increase or decrease the service a system will give by months or even years. On the average, a residential central air conditioner will last from ten to fifteen years. The Maitz Home Services Central Air Conditioning Protection Plan includes an annual inspection and cleaning of your system to assure you are kept cool and comfortable all summer long.

How Serious Is Indoor Air Pollution? What solutions can Maitz Home Services offer?
Most people are aware that outdoor air pollution can damage their health but may not know that indoor air pollution also can have significant harmful effects. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) studies of human exposure to air pollutants indicate that indoor levels of many pollutants may be two to five times, and occasionally more than 100 times, higher than outdoor levels. At Maitz Home Services we can help you control the quality of your indoor air by offering many humidification, dehumidification and filtration options.

We have a heating oil system. Can these systems be ‘tuned up’?
Yes! If you heat your home with oil, you may be able to save over $400 per year in energy costs by having your heating system tuned up. Regular maintenance and servicing will keep your boiler operating at peak efficiency. Maitz Home Services offers an Oil System Maintenance Tune Up Plan to assure that your system is running at peak efficiency all winter long.

Can I upgrade my heating oil system?
Yes. In addition, new oil heat technologies are available as equipment retrofits to existing heating systems and as new high efficiency furnaces and boilers. They require considerably less oil to provide heat and they reduce the release of harmful pollutants. Maitz Home Services can help you upgrade your heating oil system and save you energy dollars.

I currently heat with oil. What are the benefits of converting to natural gas?
If you heat with oil, you could be experiencing unpredictable oil deliveries, highly fluctuating oil prices, high cost of maintaining heating oil systems, leaky oil tanks and the costs of clean up and in some cases sooty walls, furniture and carpeting. Heating with natural gas offers many advantages including reliable supplies, stable rates, higher fuel efficiencies and a cleaner fuel byproduct. Switching to natural gas is simple and affordable. Maitz Home Services can help match the right system for your home and turn more of your energy dollars into comfortable, warm natural gas heat.

Maitz Home Services Serves the Counties of: Lehigh, Northampton, Berks, Monroe,
Upper Bucks, and Upper Montgomery and the following cities.