Category Archives: Furnace Installation

Winter Furnace Checklist

December 13, 2019Blog, Furnace InstallationTDobson

Winter is coming to Northern Virginia, and you know what that means. Time to turn up the heat! Furnaces are essential to keeping your home warm because they heat the air and distribute the heated air through the house using ducts. Unless you plan on keeping a fireplace running 24/7, it’s probably a good idea to make sure your furnace is working properly and that you know how to handle any repairs.

While our job at R.A. Dobson is to provide the best-in-class furnace repair to those who need it, we want to make sure your furnace stays running effectively. To avoid being stuck in the cold, here is a checklist of how you can maintain a healthy oil furnace.

1. Clean Or Replace Your Filter

The purpose of the furnace filter is to remove particles such as dust, pollen, and bacteria. The filter removes these particles from the air before it moves into the furnace and begins to heat up the room. A clean filter results in better air quality, so if you haven’t already, be sure to replace your filter before the freezing season starts.

2. Make Sure Your Thermostat Works

Your thermostat triggers your furnace based on what you tell it to do. Depending on the temperature you set, if the thermostat notices that the temperature drops below the number you set, the furnace will activate. Therefore, it’s important to make sure your thermostat is working properly. To do this, turn on your furnace thermostat and monitor how it reacts. If it starts without any issue, you’re good to go.

3. Clean The Venting System For Your Gas Furnace

Cleaning the venting system is something that is typically forgotten about by homeowners, and gas furnaces can accumulate dirt and grime over time. When you are cleaning your furnace, you may notice that the vents can be blocked due in part to debris or dust. To safely clean the venting system, remove the vent cover and brush off any dust or debris that may have gotten into your system. You can also use a vacuum suck up any extra residue.

4. Make Sure The Pilot Light Is Burning

A pilot light is a continuously-burning flame that is used to ignite burners in gas furnaces. The purpose of a pilot light is to provide the flame needed to light the gas coming out of the main burner. To relight the pilot light, you must find the gas valve with an ON, OFF, and PILOT setting. You then want to make sure to first turn the valve to OFF and wait a few minutes. Next, switch the valve to the PILOT setting while holding a lighted match or lighter to the opening and push the reset button on the control panel. If this doesn’t work, it’s best to leave it to a professional (like your friends over at R.A. Dobson!).

Hindsight is always 20/20, so it’s best to schedule a cleaning or furnace repair before winter officially hits. Winter is typically an extremely busy season for professional heating and air companies, so it is generally best to avoid any last-minute repairs. There are many ways to go about cleaning your furnace yourself, but if you aren’t DIY-savvy, it’s wise to call a professional.

Choose Quality Furnace Repair Services in Northern Virginia

If you find that you are in need of a new heating system or a furnace repair service, R.A. Dobson honors all manufacturer warranties on the heating systems we provide and back them with a 1-year service warranty of our own. With over 40 years in the industry, we have the experience to give the gift of warmth this season – from our family to yours. Happy Holidays! Contact us to schedule a free estimate on your furnace repair service today!

6 Types of Home Heating Systems

October 24, 2019Blog, Furnace Installationfurnace installation options, furnace installation service, furnace installation technicians, furnace repair service, heating and cooling, heating and cooling repairs, home heating appliance, home heating installation options, home heating system, Sterling VA furnace installationTDobson

As the winter season begins, Northern Virginians heavily depend on their heating systems, as the weather quickly falls into freezing temperatures. Before it does, you should make sure that your home has a heating system that will keep it warm and toasty throughout the cold winter months, while ensuring it’s also durable and energy efficient.

Before this year’s transition into the cold seasons, call R.A. Dobson to discuss getting a reliable furnace installation in Northern Virginia. Through our sources, we provide you with affordable heating, cooling, and plumbing appliances and fixtures. We offer our knowledge on which type or model would be appropriate for your household. We have been a responsible and trustworthy company to homeowners in Northern VA for over 40 years, so you can rely on us for your next service. Here is a list of the different kinds of heating systems available to you:

1. Furnaces

A central furnace provides heat by blowing heated air through the ducts into the rest of your house. It can be powered by either electricity, natural gas, or oil. Your thermostat activates the system and controls it so your home is kept at a comfortable temperature. When you’re looking for a certain type of heater make sure to do your research on various furnaces that you may want to install or replace in your home.

Look for furnaces with higher AFUE ratings. AFUE stands for Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency. The higher it is, the better fuel efficiency it has. For example, an 80% AFUE rating on a furnace means that 80% of that warm air will be used directly to heat your house. The remaining 20% will likely be wasted out the flue.

You’ll also need to decide if you’d like to have a single or two-stage furnace. If you feel that your home needs to adjust to a colder environment, then you may want a two-stage furnace, as the second stage will turn on once the temperature falls below a certain degree, getting the furnace operating more efficiently and making your house warmer.

2. Boilers

Boilers are considered special-purpose water heaters, using hot water instead of air to create heat. Using pumps, a boiler circulates hot water through pipes within your home and then into a radiator, where heat is then released. Steam boilers are less common in homes today, but if you have recently bought an older house, then you may have one. They carry heat through the rest of the house as the water is condensed.

Installing a boiler is a great alternative for homeowners with allergies because they do not transfer heat by blowing air through ducts within your home, allowing for sending all sorts of allergenic pollutants along with it. Boilers also have better temperature consistency and are satisfyingly quiet as well. Another benefit is that since they are great at converting fuel into usable heat, significantly decreasing your heating costs.

3. Heat Pumps

Heat pumps act more like two-way, heated air conditioners. In the winter, the heat pump works by taking air from the cold outdoors, then it adds heat to the air as it enters into your house with the help of your electrical system. On the other hand, ground-source heat pumps get their heat from the ground beneath your home, where the temperatures are more or less stable year-round. Heat pumps work best through a ground-source system,they are more sustainable and efficient.

4. Space Heaters

You have most likely seen or even used one of these appliances, as they are quite popular to use during the winter. They’re small and portable, which makes them great for warming one area or room of the house. They do tend to use a lot of electricity to run them, so they may not be an ideal heat source. However, if you’d like a little extra heat in your drafty living room or bedroom, a space heater is your best choice.

5. Wood-Burning Stoves & Fireplaces

If your house has a wood-burning stove or fireplace, then you have a great way for you to heat your home without any added expenses. Fireplaces are also appealing to potential homebuyers, as it creates a rustic style that has become appealing to many enthusiastic about their home’s interior design. Purchasing wood is relatively cheap, as well as it’s more sustainable than other fuel sources. If you are able to produce and chop your own wood, you will essentially have your own self-sustained heating system.

6. Radiant Floor Heating

Radiant heating systems involve tubes or pipes beneath the floor of your house filling up with hot water, producing heat that emits through the floor, warming you from toe to head. Radiant floor heating is often an excellent addition for bathrooms, as most come with tiled floors, which are really good at conducting heat.

R.A. Dobson: Professional Furnace Installation in Northern Virginia

No matter what type of home heating system you choose, R.A. Dobson can install it in your home quickly and with little hassle. We aim to provide the best for our clients by ensuring that we offer the best appliance prices and rates for services, such as our expert furnace installations throughout Northern Virginia. We’ll help you with any HVAC, plumbing or heating service you need, and communicate with you at every to ensure you satisfaction. Contact us at 703-481-3700 today and schedule an appointment with one of our professional technicians.

Why Hire A Professional to Install & Repair Your Furnace

September 10, 2018Blog, Furnace InstallationTDobson

Autumn has arrived and temperatures are starting to drop. One of the best ways to warm up during the colder seasons is by installing a furnace in your home. If you are looking for a way to save more money on energy bills this season, then a furnace installation may be your best option. While it is important to note that having a furnace is more environment-friendly since it uses less fuel, it is also vital to hire a professional to ensure that the furnace is installed securely and uses long-lasting materials to keep you warmer for longer.

Sometimes it’s better to leave heating and cooling installations and repairs up to the experts. Below are a few reasons why you should consider hiring a professional furnace installation company in Northern Virginia.

Cost-Effective

Upgrading your heating system with the help of an experienced furnace installer will help you save energy and money. Furnace professionals are trained to distinguish the best heating system materials to use at an affordable price that’s suited to your needs.

Ensures Quality Services

While professionals are trained to use quality materials at a price that suits your budget best, they also have the years of experience to make sure your furnace is quickly installed and secured. Hired heating experts provide dependable furnace systems that will significantly reduce the chance of new furnace issues and breakdowns.

Saves You Time & Effort

If you have no prior experience in installing a furnace, then getting the job done in a timely manner can be a great challenge. When you choose to hire a furnace professional, they come with the required training and experience to provide exceptional furnace installation services. Not only will hiring a professional alleviate your stress, but it will keep you from getting hurt from installing your new furnace yourself. Furnace professionals are reliable and will help your heating system run smoothly!

Contact R.A. Dobson in Sterling, Virginia for your Furnace Installation or Repair today!

R.A. Dobson is a family-owned business that has over 40 years of experience in providing efficient furnace installation services to clients all around the Northern Virginia area. Our employees receive the necessary training and qualifications to install and repair your furnace, water heater, generators, and more. R.A. Dobson also honors every manufacturer heating system warranty to make sure you are receiving the comfort you deserve in your own home.

Contact us today for a free furnace installation quote. Call us at (703) 481-3700 to speak with an R.A. Dobson professional today!

Time for a New Heating System? Heat Pumps vs. Furnaces

January 25, 2018Blog, Furnace Installation, Heat Pump ServicesTDobson

Should you have a heat pump or furnace installed in your Northern VA home?

You may know that a furnace blows heat throughout your home, but do you know what really happens? Understanding the basics of how your furnace works will help you make an informed decision between whether to invest in a heat pump or furnace installation for your home in Northern Virginia.

Difference between a Heat Pump and Furnace

A Furnace is more often chosen where there are natural gas lines. Natural gas is one of the cleanest fossil fuels and is very efficient when it combusts to produce heat for your home.

The furnace turns on when signaled by a low temperature in your home. A valve opens in your furnace that allows natural gas to light burners. Once the air is hot enough, blower fans turn on sending the warm air throughout your air ducts. The gases used in this combustion process are vented to the outdoors.

Unlike a furnace, a heat pump relies on electricity and works in conjunction with your Air Conditioner year-round. A heat pump moves warm air from outside into your home in the winter and transfers heat from your home to the outdoors in the summer. Since it is moving heat around and not creating heat it uses less energy overall. Refrigerant in the compressor helps absorb and release heat as it transfers between the outdoors and your home.

New Furnace Installation vs. Heat Pump Installation Northern VA

If a heat pump sounds like a lucrative option, consider whether you want to use alternative method of heating when temperatures fall below freezing. The heat pump is not as energy-efficient during the coldest days of Northern Virginia winters. While your gas bill may seem high in the winter, electricity can be more expensive than natural gas. Newer furnaces are more efficient than old ones. Unlike a heat pump, it is only used in the winter, so will likely not need to perform maintenance as often.

If you do not already have gas lines leading to your home, installing a heat pump may make more sense. Northern Virginia is generally a mild climate, so a heat pump installation will help reduce costs for the majority of the year. There are supplemental heating sources available for those few times the temperature falls below freezing.

If you are replacing your AC as well, it’s a great time to see what alternatives and complimentary heat pumps are available. A heat pump installation generally costs less than a whole furnace installation, but again, it varies depending on the specs and your current home set-up. Also, once your heat pump is installed, it is a lot less noisy than a roaring furnace.

Heat Pump & Furnace Installation in Northern VA

R.A. Dobson has been proudly serving Northern Virginia with Furnace and Heat pump repairs and installations since 1975. As a family run company, we believe in the offering quality products at affordable prices. We not only honor all manufacturer warranties but add-on our own 1-year service warranty.