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HVAC and Airborne Viruses: Separating Fact from Fiction

August 2, 2020

With all the talk of the COVID-19 pandemic, many homeowners in Salem, OR, wonder if their heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems will offer protection against viruses. Some people fear that a poor HVAC system will make viruses spread more through a household. Because Salem has cool winters, rainy springs and autumns and warm summers, you’ll be using your heating and cooling system almost every day of the year. The information about COVID-19 is changing as scientists learn more about the virus that causes this disease, and there’s a lot of misinformation online. Read on to learn some myths and

8 Air Conditioner Tips to Beat the Heat

July 11, 2020

Regular maintenance is the best way to maximize the efficiency of your cooling system in Salem, OR. Maintenance preps the unit for use in the summer month. By having it looked at during the off-season, too, it gives professionals like us at Woodward Heating the opportunity to double-check if it is still in good working condition. This is a great time to spot potential issues. Even when you keep up with your AC maintenance, there are still more ways to maximize your cooling system’s efficiency. Here are some tips to consider: 1. Seal Leaks

My Furnace Is Running – Why Is My House Still Cold?

February 28, 2020

At Woodward Heating, we know that being cold in your own home can get frustrating, especially when your furnace is running but not improving the situation. Are you asking yourself, “My furnace is blowing cold air? What should I do?” Check these places first, check if your air filter is dirty, if your thermostat is set correctly or if you need to change your thermostat battery! The air coming out of your vents might feel cold when the furnace first kicks on, but it should warm up fairly quickly. However, if the air is simply not heating

The Benefits of a Ductless System for Oregonians

February 27, 2020

For decades, home heating was done the same way. Whether you used a boiler or a furnace, you were stuck burning fuel to heat up the air in your home. Additionally, you were required to spend time and money on extensive ductwork that makes your system inherently less efficient because the ducts absorb some of the heat you generate. On top of that, the fuel you burn is not going to be 100% efficient. With so many inefficiencies in the system, there had to be another way, right? The Answer: Ductless Engineers in Japan in the

How To Avoid Spring Allergy Season

February 27, 2020

The first day of spring is here! As we head into the new season, many of us are dreading coming allergies. Hay fever is another name for those seasonal allergies, and you may not realize that 10% to 30% of all Americans suffer from it. The more pollen there is in the air, the more sinus irritation and respiratory problems you’ll have this spring. Fortunately, you have some control over the air in your home. Here are our tips to limit allergens from your indoor air. What Comes In As we mentioned, pollen is a substantial

AFUE Explained

January 29, 2020

Shopping for a new furnace? If so, you probably have a lot of questions. For instance, how do you compare one furnace to another? Which one is the most energy-efficient? Are more costly units really worth the difference? Fortunately, there are some key furnaces characteristics you can use to help you choose the best system for your home. One of these is the AFUE rating. What is the AFUE rating? AFUE stands for annual fuel utilization efficiency. It is a standardized measure of the furnace’s energy efficiency over a one-year time period. In many ways, it

New Year’s Resolutions for a Safer, Cost-Effective Home

January 10, 2020

Now that the new year and new decade have arrived, it’s time to make a resolution for 2020! While many folks lean towards the usual pledges (to eat healthier foods, exercise more, etc.), this could also be a great year to take some practical steps toward improving the safety and cost-effectiveness of your home. How can you ensure that your home is safer and your utilities are lower in 2020? Just make a couple of items from this list your New Year’s Resolution! Take the Time to Declutter Make the

Should I Buy a Gas or Electric Furnace?

December 13, 2019

Are you preparing to install a new furnace or replace your existing one? If so, then you might be wondering whether it would be better to install a gas furnace or an electric furnace. Both types have their advantages and drawbacks, so it always pays to do some research to determine which one will best meet your heating and budgetary needs. To assist you in that research, we’ve broken down the basic characteristics, pros, and cons of gas furnaces and electric furnaces below. How are gas furnaces and electric furnaces similar? Both furnace

Tips for Keeping Your Holiday Guests Cozy and Comfortable

December 9, 2019

Are you hosting some overnight visitors this holiday season? If so, use these tips to ensure their stay is welcoming and comfortable! 1. Vacuum and dust. This can make a massive difference to those who are especially sensitive to dust and dander. When dusting, a microfiber cloth or wand will be the most effective tool, as opposed to a traditional feather duster. Make sure you don’t forget to dust these often-neglected nooks and crannies: Furniture (including the undersides) Ceiling corners Baseboards, molding, and chair rails

4 Smartphone-Compatible Thermostats That Take the Guesswork Out of Energy Savings

November 13, 2019

With so many smart thermostats on the market, narrowing down your choices can be tough. Most people know they want one that they can program with a schedule and control with their phone–but are there other factors that set specific models apart from the competition? If you’re feeling overwhelmed by your options, our HVAC experts recommend one of these four thermostats: Honeywell T10 Nest Lennox iComfort® S30 ecobee4 Not only are they smartphone-compatible, but they come with practical features that we will