Why a Cracked Heat Exchanger Is No Laughing Matter

February 6th, 2023
Inside a gas furnace. Focus = the top of the middle flange. 12MP camera.

It’s true that all of the components inside your HVAC system are equally important. Each one has to work together to produce heat for your home in the winter and cool air in the summer. But, when it comes to heating your home, the heat exchanger is arguably one of the more high-profile components. Without the heat exchanger, nothing else inside your heater matters.

Other components are easy to tighten, fix, or replace when something goes wrong. But if you develop a crack in your heat exchanger, it’s a very serious matter. If you suspect that you have a cracked heat exchanger, you may need furnace repair in Rochester Hills, MI. Don’t ignore the signs of a cracked heat exchanger, because it can lead to dangerous consequences. Keep reading to learn more about why a cracked heat exchanger is no laughing matter. 

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Signs That Your Heating Element Is About to Go Out

January 23rd, 2023

If you pay close attention, you will notice the signs that your electric water heater needs repairs before it stops working completely. Of course, this particular appliance is usually out of sight and out of mind. Water heaters are often hidden in your garage or a closet. But we encourage you to take time to inspect and listen to your water heater regularly.

Doing this can help you identify when the heating element in the electric water heater is about to go out. If you’re able to fix a problem before it affects your hot water availability, that is ideal. If you do suspect that your heating element is about to go out, you may need a water heater repair in Sterling Heights, MI. Our team can help, whether it’s answering questions about the signs you’re noticing or scheduling an appointment to come out and assess the situation for ourselves.

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How to Know If Your Furnace’s Heat Exchanger Is Okay or Not

January 9th, 2023
Inside a gas furnace. Focus = the top of the middle flange. 12MP camera.

If you have a furnace, it relies on a heat exchanger to create the warm air that flows into your home during the winter. This heat exchanger is arguably the most important part of your furnace. And if the heat exchanger breaks down, it is not only a very expensive part to replace, but can also pose very serious risks to your health and home if you don’t fix it quickly.

The heat exchanger works by combusting gas inside a sealed chamber to create heat. Your furnace’s heat exchanger blocks the fumes created during this process from entering the blower. The blower is the part that sends warm air through your air ducts, and vents, and into your home. If your heat exchanger is not airtight, those dangerous fumes may make it into the air blowing into your home. If you suspect that your furnace’s heat exchanger is not OK, you may need furnace repair in Troy, MI. Keep reading to learn more about the signs that something is wrong with your heat exchanger.

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A Tech Finds a True Horror Tale in the Basement

December 26th, 2022
problem-furnace-in-basement-1

It’s our goal at Charter Home Comfort to provide our customers with the highest quality service on every job. We stick to our core values and never compromise on quality because we know how important it is, not only for our customers’ comfort, but for their health as well.

Nothing reinforces our dedication to continuing to provide the best HVAC service more than discovering poor work other contractors have done. In today’s installment of “Tales From Our Technicians,” we’re going to look at a serious nightmare situation that one of our techs discovered in a customer’s basement. This isn’t the stuff of horror movies, it’s a real-world danger!

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One of Your Home’s Systems Needs Biannual Maintenance—But Which One?

December 12th, 2022
Inside a gas furnace. Focus = the top of the middle flange. 12MP camera.

We talk a lot about annual maintenance for HVAC systems and heaters. But there is one type of system that actually requires maintenance twice per year instead of just once, and that’s a heat pump. If your home has a heat pump system, it is unique to other types of air conditioners and heaters. Traditional HVAC units have a separate component for heating, but a heat pump works to both heat and cool your home, meaning that it runs year-round. 

If you want to schedule a service for heating repair in Troy, MI, give our team a call. We can make sure that your heat pump is working at its best so it can heat and cool your home without any hiccups. We can also make suggestions for ways that you can lighten the load on your unit this season and keep it running efficiently. 

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What You Should Know About Smart Thermostats

November 28th, 2022
Intelligent home automation system: controlling house temperature with a multimedia touch screen display, mounted on an apartment wall and wireless connected to a main computer unit. Intelligent system for energy saving, climate control and environmental conservation. Temperature is expressed in Fahrenheit degrees (see more images from my portfolio for other units). Shows thermometer, warm and cold air conditioning icons, relative humidity and current temperature.

You probably don’t give your thermostat much thought unless you’re adjusting the temperature or changing the settings. But if you have a smart thermostat, it can do much more. Your thermostat—whether it’s a smart version or not—can contribute to your heater working great or having problems.

It’s possible for your thermostat to be miscalibrated, which will affect its ability to communicate correctly with your heater. Your thermostat also runs on batteries, so it’s possible that they need to be changed out over time as they lose charge. But even so, a smart thermostat is a great investment to make for your home. If you don’t already have a smart thermostat in Rochester Hills, MI, our team can help. 

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Yes, Your Furnace Has a Filter: Here’s Why You Need to Change It

November 14th, 2022

We’ve covered a lot of important topics surrounding heating your home, from signs that something is wrong with your heater to highlights about why maintenance is important. But there’s one thing you can do for your furnace that’s arguably more important than anything else, and it’s super simple.

Change your air filter! Yes, your furnace has an air filter and you have to change it regularly to help maintain your furnace and improve your home’s air quality. If you need furnace repair in Warren, MI, our team can help. In the meantime, you can keep reading to learn more about why that furnace filter is so important. 

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Will My Water Heater Have to Work Harder This Winter?

October 17th, 2022

Have you ever noticed that your water doesn’t get quite as hot during the winter? That’s because your water heater has to battle against the cold outdoor temperatures to keep the water warm. Your heater is working just as hard, but it’s not producing the same results. 

If you need Harrison Township water heater repair, our team can help. You don’t have to accept a water temperature that is less than your expectations. While cold weather is a factor, your heater may also be losing efficiency because of repair needs. Don’t settle!

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Why Water Heater Tanks Should Be Flushed Annually

October 3rd, 2022

If you have a water tank that’s attached to your water heater, it needs annual maintenance. Many homeowners have no idea that water heater maintenance is a thing—but it is! And it’s very important for the efficiency of your water heater because many homes have hard water. 

Hard water doesn’t necessarily pose risks to your health, but it is high in mineral content. Over time, these minerals can build up inside your plumbing, including your water tank. This build-up is called scaling, and it can prevent your water heater from effectively heating the water for your home. If you live in Harrison Township and need water heater service, give our team a call. 

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How Long Should I Expect My Air Conditioner to Last?

September 19th, 2022

HVAC systems last an average of ten to fifteen years. Many AC manufacturers cover repairs and replacement through ten years under a manufacturer’s warranty. But ideally, you want your system to last closer to fifteen years before it needs to be replaced. That five year difference in how long your HVAC unit lasts is a significant one.

Many factors go into your air conditioner’s life expectancy, but it all comes back to use and care. Are you overusing your HVAC system and causing more wear and tear? Or do you understand system limitations and choose use settings that prevent wear and tear? If you have questions about your air conditioning in Harrison Township, MI, our team is here to help. In the meantime, you can learn more about steps that help your HVAC system last for fifteen years or more. 

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