Cottage Grove’s trusted heating and cooling specialists
Cottage Grove may be considered a charming small town, but when it comes to weather we experience large scale weather events that require our HVAC systems to be in proper working order. A furnace breakdown in the middle of a brutally cold winter night could spell disaster.
As homeowners, it’s important to know when to try to fix heating and cooling issues on your own, and when it’s time to call in the HVAC experts.
Not sure? Harker’s team of HVAC specialists are available to conduct an in-home estimate to determine your heating and cooling problems. And with more than 65 years under our toolbelt, you can rest assured that our estimates are always fair, and our work is always top notch.
Maintaining your furnace system
Your heating system is the largest energy expense in your home. While Harker encourages all Cottage Grove homeowners to call us for an annual inspection, there are a few steps you can take to maintain your furnace system and keep it running safely, and efficiently.
- Remove any flammable objects from the furnace area. Be sure to clear the area of clothing, chemicals or paper products, which all pose a fire risk.
- Clean or replace your furnace filter: Filter catch dust, pet dander, pollen and more, but a dirty furnace filter can impede your system’s airflow. Change your filter every 30-90 days.
- Properly seal your home for winter: Seal gaps, attic areas, and foundation cracks can allow cold air to flow through your home — and make your furnace system work harder.
- Check household vents for obstructions: A closed or covered vent prevents heat from circulating your home. Remove any obstructions, and while you’re at it, make sure the exhaust flue is clear, too.
If you’ve taken all necessary precautions to maintain your furnace and are still experiencing issues, call the heating specialists at Harker.
Signs you need to repair your air conditioner
In Cottage Grove, winter may be our longest season but having air conditioning during the summer is a must. The average temperature in July is 83 degrees, which is hot enough to pose a health risk to your family. Don’t wait until the dog days of summer to test out your a/c system — learn to recognize the signs of a faltering unit before it’s too late.
- The a/c unit is blowing out hot air
- You hear rattling, grinding or grating sounds
- You notice strong, heavy odors when the a/c kicks on
- Higher than usual energy bills
Harker’s team of cooling experts is on hand to conduct air conditioning maintenance and repairs so these issues don’t lead to total equipment failure.
Providing indoor air quality solutions
In summer, getting fresh air is a breeze. But in winter, throwing open the windows just isn’t possible — which means your home is at risk of poor indoor air quality.
When most homeowners think of pollution, they think of life in the big city. But indoor air pollution can be an even bigger problem inside your home, even in suburbs like Cottage Grove.
Irritants such as dirt, dust, and dander can trigger allergies, headaches, fatigue or respiratory problems. Harker’s IAQ specialists can help you find the indoor air quality solutions to help you get back to breathing easy.
Hot water issues leaving you cold?
There’s nothing like waking up to a hot shower until it suddenly turns cold. If your shower is running hot and cold, you could have a problem with your hot water heater. While it could be your thermostat, if you notice your shower losing pressure, sediment in the drain, or rusty water — or if your water heater is more than a decade old — it may be time to think about a new water heater installation.
Our HVAC technicians can help you wade through all of the hot water heater options, including electric water heaters, gas water heaters, or tankless water heaters, at a cost that’s affordable to you.
Visit our showroom to see the latest home heating & cooling equipment on the market
