Barron Heating AC Electrical & Plumbing Blog: Archive for the ‘Blog’ Category

Learn All About Barron Technician School

Monday, February 7th, 2022

At the Barron Technician School, we provide classes, labs, and on-the-job training for our job candidates. Are you looking for your next career opportunity? We’re hiring! Licensed HVAC, Electrical, and Plumbing positions, in addition to Apprentice positions, are available now. 

We’re on the lookout for honest, hardworking, and mechanically inclined individuals, whether you’re just beginning your career or advancing it. 

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SCARY Monthly Energy Bills?

Sunday, November 3rd, 2019

Are you SCARED of your monthly energy bills? You shouldn’t have to be. Big changes, like investing in high-efficiency heating and air conditioning equipment, will obviously have the largest impact on your monthly statements. But smaller, mindful changes around your home can really add up!

Check out these tips for lessening your energy demands:

1. Turn off the lights when you aren’t in a room or use a timer.

2. Switch to high-efficiency light bulbs.

3. Lower or raise the temperature your thermostat is set at (depending on the season).

4. Wear layers instead of cranking up the thermostat during the winter.

5. Set your thermostat to “AUTO” instead of “ON.”

6. Keep all your vents and registers open.

7. Keep the windows and doors of your home closed and seal them properly.

8. Change your furnace filter.

9. Sign up for budget billing if your utility company offers it.

10. Avoid using space heaters and other supplementary heating methods.

11. Operate your ceiling fans correctly for the best air distribution—clockwise during the winter and counter-clockwise during the summer.

12. Wash your clothes in cold water.

13. Take shorter and cooler showers.

14. Open or close curtains depending on the season.

15. Unplug items like televisions and kitchen appliances when they aren’t in use.

From small changes around the house to big ones like investing in new, high-efficiency heating and cooling systems, taking steps toward lessening the energy demands of your home can make a big impact on your energy footprint and your monthly bills. Contact Barron Heating & Air Conditioning to give your comfort and savings a boost: https://www.barronheating.com/contact/

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Solar by Barron Launching to Serve Residential, Commercial Clients

Monday, March 4th, 2019

Barron Heating & Air Conditioning is launching Solar by Barron, a new division providing sun-powered, energy-efficient heating and cooling solutions in Northwest Washington.

“Our certified solar designers create systems for residential and commercial buildings that don’t require direct sunlight,” said John Barron, owner of Barron Heating. “Heating and cooling systems are the largest consumers of energy in the home. Our solar designs not only eliminate that expense but also address the entire energy usage of the building.

“Solar energy reduces one’s electricity costs, adds to a home’s value and is better for the environment,” Barron added. “A rooftop solar array can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by as much as 24 vehicles driven for one year.”

Solar by Barron will host an open house from 5-7 p.m. March 28 in the Ferndale showroom at 5100 Pacific Highway, along the east side of Interstate 5 between West Smith and Slater roads. Refreshments from Catering by Boundary Bay Brewing will be provided along with up to $8,000 in door prizes and giveaways (must be present to enter). Space is limited and RSVP is requested at www.BarronHeating.com/solaropenhouse  by March 14.

Barron Heating has become one of Northwest Washington’s largest and most respected providers of home comfort products and services with locations in Ferndale, Burlington and Marysville. Approximately 145 employees serve customers in Whatcom, Skagit, Island, San Juan and Snohomish counties.

Barron Heating offers a wide range of heating and air conditioning products and services, including ductless heat pump and in-floor radiant systems. It also features a large selection of gas, wood and pellet stoves and fireplaces.

For more information, call (360) 676-1131 or visit www.SolarByBarron.com.

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Tips for Cleaner Winter Air

Monday, December 3rd, 2018

It’s rainy, windy and downright chilly out—sounds like a typical winter in the Pacific Northwest! And it’s about to get colder, which means you’ll be cooped up inside for what feels like the foreseeable future. What a drag!

Since you’re spending so much time inside these days, it’s extra important that the air quality in your indoor spaces is high. And one of the best ways to tackle it is with a clean home. You may be tempted to spend your weekend curled up with a blanket and a hot cup of coffee, but taking some time to clean will be well worth it.

Here are five household chores that can raise the quality of your indoor air this season:

1. Vacuum and rotate your mattress

Your mattress can harbor all sorts of unpleasant odors and bacteria. Freshen it up to help remove particles and breathe easier.

2. Clean fan blades

The blades of your ceiling fan can be dust traps, especially if they aren’t in use. And if you proactively keep your fan dust-free, you won’t wind up with a snowstorm once you decide to turn it on. Yikes!

3. Dust

While it’s nobody’s favorite chore, keeping dust off indoor surfaces helps prevent harmful particles from unnecessarily filling the air you breathe. If you are noticing more dust than usual, it could be an issue with your furnace filter. Filters are a key line of defense against poor indoor air quality, so change yours monthly during the winter to keep your home fresh.

4. Take off your shoes

Leave your dirty street shoes at the door and stick with slippers or socks inside. You could be tracking all sorts of dirt, germs and unpleasantries from the outdoors into your home if you leave your tennies on—not only making it necessary to clean your floor more often, but lowering the quality of your indoor air.

5. Deep clean carpets

Carpets, like ceiling fans and mattresses, can be traps for dust and bacteria. Deep cleaning your carpets and rugs at least once a year will help you get all those deeply embedded particles out of your home.

Keeping your home clean is an important step in bettering the quality of your indoor air. For those areas that are harder to reach, like your ductwork and furnace, contact Barron’s Air Solutions Team: www.barronheating.com/airsolutions/.

Happy cleaning!

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Calling Doctor HVAC

Tuesday, October 9th, 2018

It’s cold season—and the flu will be here next.

We all know to get our flu shots, wash our hands frequently and wipe off common surfaces to help avoid the dreaded bugs. But did you know your HVAC system can help you fight the flu?

FILTRATION

Air filters are a front-line defense for your home. They come in a variety of styles and levels, so be sure to always use a good quality pleated version. Look for one with a minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV) of 9 or higher—this will trap at least 85% of air particles that cause irritations like allergies and asthma, especially if it’s changed often.

Our Air Solutions Team recommends that you step up your level of filtration even more with three additional barrier levels to help keep smaller particles and germs out:

  • Electronic Air Cleaner (EAC): This positively charges air particles as they move through the unit and then captures them with negatively charged collector plates. EACs are very effective and can be cleaned instead of replaced.
  • HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filter: This filter has the highest level of particle capture of any filter system. HEPA filters trap smaller viruses and pathogens and prevent them from entering your home.
  • Air scrubber: This uses ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) technology to actually kill viruses before they enter your home. The ultraviolet bulbs are long lasting—they just need to be changed when they grow dim to be most effective.
HUMIDITY

An appropriate level of humidity in your home’s air can actually help minimize the flu virus’ ability to transfer from host to host. The moisture forms droplets that the virus adheres to as it is coughed into the air. The droplets then sink, minimizing chances that the germs will reach and infect others. Boiling water, adding indoor plants or taking long showers are all simple ways to increase humidity in your home, but the most effective way is to maintain a relative humidity level between 40-50%.

DUCT CLEANING & SEALING

The air that is circulating your home is vented through your duct system, so dirty ducts or leaks in that system can lead to you ingesting contaminated air. Air drawn into your home as a result of leaks is most often pulled from crawl spaces, attics and walls, carrying dust, fiberglass shards, rodent urine, molds and germs—all of which can wreak havoc on your health and immune system.

Our Air Solutions Team can clean and seal your ducts with the patented Aeroseal® process, creating a barrier to help keep that unhealthy air out—and that can help you breathe easy.

Filtration, humidity and cleaning and sealing ducts are all big steps towards bettering the quality of the air in your home. And clean air means a healthier you. To learn more about using your HVAC system to fight off viruses this cold and flu season, contact Barron’s Air Solutions Team and ask about our Ultimate Indoor Air Quality Upgrade: https://www.barronheating.com/airsolutions/.

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Let’s Talk Furnaces!

Thursday, September 13th, 2018

Upgrading your heating and cooling system is the best way to increase both comfort and energy savings. And as we come into chillier weather, your furnace’s performance is going to be tested once again. Here are some points when considering a new system:

Efficiency

Furnace efficiency is measured with “AFUE” or “Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency.” The higher the AFUE percentage, the more efficient the equipment. Furnaces over 90% AFUE are considered “condensing” models and convert the highest percentage of fuel into heating your home.

Sizing

Your home is unique, with requirements that may not fit into a predetermined package. Different sized homes need different sized equipment, but a Barron Tech will also take into account your home’s insulation, number of rooms, windows and more.

Rebates and Financing

Are you feeling limited by pricing? Ask about current promotions and financing options. A manufacturer rebate, for example, could bring the price of your dream high-efficiency furnace down to a point that is within your budget.

Indoor Air Quality

Heating and air conditioning equipment is a key line of defense against poor indoor air quality. Add-ons to your new furnace installation can really step up your healthy-home game, so be sure to ask. Our Air Solutions Team are experts in air purification, duct cleaning and duct sealing, for example, which could be just what you need to reach ultimate home comfort.

Maintenance Agreements

Annual maintenance is an important way to keep your new equipment running smoothly year after year. Barron makes it easy with a Silver Shield maintenance agreement – never forget your preventative maintenance again!

Warranties

Most manufacturers have an “out-of-the-box” warranty and one that goes into effect after a piece of equipment is registered. Ask what is offered with your new unit for your peace of mind for years to come.

We hear you – HVAC shopping is overwhelming! Just remember, the most important thing you can do is choose the right contractor for the job. You can breathe easy with Barron Heating – our knowledgeable team is here to help find the best fit for your comfort and pocket.

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Barron Technician School providing classes, labs, on-the-job training for job candidates

Friday, September 7th, 2018

Barron Heating & Air Conditioning, seeking qualified candidates in a tight job market to fill positions at its three Northwest Washington locations, recently launched Barron Technician School at its Ferndale campus.

“Our team is seeking exceptional apprentice and journey-level HVAC, electrical, and plumbing candidates that are career-oriented, exhibit a positive attitude and have a strong desire to help others,” said John Barron, owner of Barron Heating. “Our campus is now equipped with fully functioning service and installation labs, with classes taught by industry leaders.”

Job candidates accepted by Barron Technician School are paid for their classroom, lab, and on-the-job training and don’t pay tuition. Employees are reimbursed for continuing education units and fees for trade-specific licensure. Entry-level apprentice HVAC wages begin around $16 per hour. Journey-level technician, electrician and plumbing wages can reach the $35-$45 per hour range for full-time, year-round positions.

“Our goal with Barron Technician School is to attract the best apprentice and journey-level job seekers,” said Brad Barron, who led the development of the school for Barron Heating. “We know that our on-the-job and BTS training approach results in the best-trained technicians, electricians, and plumbers. Our field managerial staff and BTS trainers have hundreds of years of combined experience.”

Barron Heating has become one of Northwest Washington’s largest and most respected home performance experts with locations in Ferndale, Burlington and Marysville. Approximately 130 employees serve customers in Whatcom, Skagit, Island, San Juan and Snohomish counties. Technicians, electricians and plumbers are busy all year because heating (winter) and cooling (summer) seasons are bridged by Barron Heating’s Air Solutions and energy systems services in the spring and fall.

Barron Heating’s Ferndale location is in the Pacific Industrial Park at 5100 Pacific Highway, along the east side of Interstate 5 between West Smith and Slater roads. For more information about Barron Technician School, call (360) 676-1131 or visit https://www.barronheating.com/barron-technician-school/.

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HVAC During the In-Between Seasons

Wednesday, August 29th, 2018

Knowing when to switch your thermostat from heating to cooling mode isn’t always easy. Keeping air circulating is important in the spring and fall, but the weather is often so mild that you may not need the power of your furnace or air conditioner to stay comfortable. As summer winds down, here are some things to keep in mind when it comes to your heating and cooling equipment:

Don’t turn off your equipment

It’s important to keep air circulating during the spring and fall, especially if you suffer from allergies. If your equipment doesn’t seem to be coming on as often or the air is getting stale, try setting the fan on your thermostat to “ON.”

Commit to your thermostat settings

While it can be hard to know when to change your thermostat from one mode to the other, it’s important to not keep switching back and forth. On and off cycles are the biggest energy hog for a heating and cooling system, so keeping them to a minimum is key.

Don’t rely on open windows

Again, keeping your air clean during the fall and spring is very important to stave off allergies and pollutants in the air, so open windows sparingly.

Consider investing in a heat pump

A heat pump and gas furnace can be an ideal duo for year-round heating and cooling in your home, allowing you to always use the most efficient heat source for the season. Heat transfer (the heating method used by a heat pump) is more energy efficient than heat creation (the method used by space heaters). As we come into these milder September nights, when you don’t yet need the power of your furnace, your heat pump can step in to keep you cozy.

Want to learn more about operating your heating and cooling equipment during the mild seasons, or stepping up your system? Contact the Barron Heating Team today!

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7 Deadly HVAC Sins

Friday, August 17th, 2018

Are you guilty of bad homeowner HVAC habits? Here are seven deadly sins that could affect the lifespan and efficiency of your heating and cooling equipment.

1. Constantly adjusting the thermostat

Start-up and shut-down is the most wearing part of your air conditioner or gas furnace’s job. When you are constantly adjusting the thermostat, on and off cycles can be much more frequent.

2. Planting too close to your equipment

Blocked airflow is a killer for efficiency and performance. Placing outdoor plants too close to your equipment can block airflow — or worse — grow into and affect components, leading to costly emergency repair.

3. Closing registers and vents

Heating and cooling equipment is designed for a certain amount of space. When you close registers and vents, or block them with furniture, you are altering the amount of space to be heated or cooled. This makes your system act like it is improperly sized, which can lead to longer run times, a frozen evaporator coil and shorter system life.

4. Using a condenser cover

Condenser covers can affect airflow – decreasing the life of your system, lengthening run times and affecting your overall comfort.

5. Forgetting to change the furnace filter

A dirty filter can block airflow and significantly lower the quality of your indoor air. Disposable filters can be inexpensive and relatively easy to change out. At the very least, change your filter every season.

6. DIY repairs, maintenance and installation

There is a reason why technicians go to school, attend additional trainings and carry licenses. HVAC systems are complicated pieces of equipment and require a skilled hand for installation, maintenance and repairs. So, save yourself money in the long run and leave it to the professionals.

7. Not scheduling preventative maintenance

Neglecting maintenance is the worst habit of all! Make sure to have your air conditioner looked at in the spring and your gas furnace in the fall to catch minor issues before they become big ones. Your service technician will make sure that your equipment is running as efficiently as possible, saving you money during the peak season. Barron makes it even easier with a Silver Shield maintenance agreement – never forget your preventative maintenance again!

Have you scheduled your annual Silver Shield preventative maintenance yet? Contact Barron Heating today! 1-800-328-7774

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What’s That Noise?

Tuesday, July 17th, 2018

Is your heating and cooling system getting NOISY? There are some hums, squeaks and pops that can alert you to issues, while others are just a result of normal operation. If your equipment is not new, but you are noticing new noises, give Barron a call! 1-800-328-7774

BE AWARE OF THE FOLLOWING:
• Air moving in your ductwork

This is a normal indication that your equipment is running, but if you notice a loud hissing or a change in airflow, there could be a blockage or leak in your ducts.

• Hum from your outdoor condenser

Even the most efficient air conditioner will make some noise while operating. Newer units may be quieter, while older ones may be obvious every time they kick on. Make note of changes – especially loud bangs or thumps.

• Squeaks during startup or shutdown

While a squeak may be normal for older units, most squeals are generally an indication that it is time for a tune-up. If your unit is newer, this can be an indication that a part is dirty or loose.

• Scurrying or thumps in your ductwork

Household pests may make your ductwork their home. If you hear what sounds like an animal moving behind your walls or vents, have someone come out and inspect your system.

• Popping or crackling inside your ductwork

Metal ductwork expands and contracts as it is heated and cooled. This is completely normal, but if the pops are interfering with your daily routine, Barron can help.

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