Our Blog | HVAC Tips | General Sheet Metal in Kalispell, MT

Strategies for Safely Using a Space Heater in Your Home

October 19, 2021

Each year, when the temperatures in Kalispell, Montana, get chilly, people turn to their convenient space heaters. Space heaters are designed to quickly heat rooms of the home that just don’t get warm enough with the use of an HVAC system. While space heaters are nice to have, they can also be dangerous when not used properly. Luckily, there are some space heater safety tips that you can follow in order to protect your home and family. Unplug and Turn Off Your Unit When you’re not in the process of using your space heater, always

What Tasks Are Performed During Furnace Maintenance?

September 20, 2021

Annual maintenance on your heating system provides a long list of benefits. At the top of the list are longer equipment life and fewer heating failures. When your maintenance technician arrives to tune up your furnace, here are a few things that they will take care of. Examining the Equipment The inspection process allows your technician to find signs of wear and damage that need to be addressed. The venting system, intake grilles, electrical connections and belts will be examined. Any cracks will be noted, blockages and debris will be removed and items will be

Protecting Your AC Unit From Wildfire Smoke Damage

August 16, 2021

It’s no secret that wildfire smoke can pose a problem for your AC unit. People rely on their air conditioners on hot days to keep cool, often fearing they simply can’t avoid any damage that could be caused by wildfire smoke. There are, however, ways you can keep both yourself and your cooling system safe from wildfire toxins. Eliminate Pollution Indoors When wildfires are raging nearby, the outdoor air is already being filled with toxins. Since your air conditioner absorbs heat and moisture from the air indoors, it’s imperative that you keep the air as clean

How to Reduce AC Noise

July 26, 2021

Getting a good night’s rest while your AC unit is hissing, squealing, or rattling is almost impossible. Luckily, you don’t have to just accept the perceptible nagging of your AC. Here are four ways you can troubleshoot commonly reported AC noises. 1. High Pitched Noises High-pitched squealing noises coming from your AC unit may signal high pressure under the hood, particularly within the condenser unit. The pressure build-up may be caused by airflow restriction due to high debris accumulation. Clear the debris from the condenser and re-check the readings on your condenser’s gauge.

What Is the Ideal Temperature for Home Air Conditioning in the Summer?

June 28, 2021

As you turn your thermostat to its cooling function, you need to set the desired temperature. This temperature needs to be comfortable for your family while still being affordable for your budget. Fortunately, you can utilize an energy-efficient technique that will keep your energy bills feasible and your family comfortable throughout the entire summer season. Use a Programmable Thermostat Most newer home air conditioning systems come standard with a programmable thermostat. This allows you to program in specific temperatures for specific times and days throughout the week. By utilizing this feature, you can help to set

Does Humidity Affect My Air Conditioner?

May 24, 2021

Whether indoors or out, excess humidity is a real concern for residents of Kalispell, MT. This is especially true when it comes to the performance and efficiency of their air conditioning systems. If you have continuously damp, humid living environment, your cooling system is doing far more work than it should. When the weather outdoors is excessively humid, your air conditioner’s outside compressor is subject to additional strain as well. The Problem With Excess Humidity Inside of Your Home Too much humidity indoors is guaranteed to make everyone feel hot and sweaty. Unfortunately, even with

Should I Turn Off My Gas Furnace in the Summer?

April 12, 2021

As you leave the cold Montana winter behind, you might be just as glad to stop thinking about your furnace for a while. But if you have a gas furnace, you can probably save time and money by actively turning it off instead of letting the thermostat handle it. Doing this will depend on what sort of HVAC system you have! Turning Off Your Gas Furnace for the Summer Can Save You Money You might wonder whether this step is really needed. After all, you have a thermostat, don’t you? Won’t that keep the

The Best Ways to Heat a Garage

March 9, 2021

Garages aren’t designed to stay warm when it’s cold out. They lack insulation and have a cold concrete floor. You can use yours throughout the year, though, if you keep it at a comfortable temperature. Insulate Your Garage If you’re going to heat your garage, first insulate it so that warm air stays inside. Put insulation on the walls, ceiling, and garage doors. This will reduce the cost of heating your garage. Radiant Floor Heat Radiant floor heat is a great way to heat your garage, especially if you enjoy working on

Why Is My Furnace Blowing Cold Air?

February 8, 2021

Without a furnace sending warm air throughout your home, the winters in Kalispell would be almost unbearable. That’s why it can be so frustrating when your furnace runs but blows cold air instead of hot air. At General Sheet Metal, Inc., this is a frequent problem that we encounter in customers’ homes. Here are a few of the common culprits behind this problem. Extinguished Pilot Light In a gas furnace, the pilot light is responsible for igniting the gas in the burner when the furnace turns on. Both electronic and standard pilot lights can go out, although standard pilot

How Long Do Furnaces Usually Last?

January 5, 2021

A furnace is a major investment in your home, so you want it to last as long as possible. There are factors that affect just how much life you can expect out of one. While some furnaces last for 40 years, they typically die between 15 to 20 years old. How Can I Help My Furnace Last? You should buy a high-quality furnace as they last significantly longer than cheap ones. Buy one from a company known for producing quality products. Make sure you hire an HVAC company that knows how to install one correctly.

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