Spring is Here: Add AC Maintenance to Your Spring Cleaning List

April 10th, 2023

Spring is the perfect season for air conditioner maintenance. Your AC endured all of last summer, laid dormant in the winter, and it’s in need of a tune-up before the hot weather hits.

Annual maintenance is important, but so is the timing. Your AC sees the most use during summer, so preparing it just before your air conditioner’s busiest season simply makes the most sense. Add AC maintenance to your Marysville spring cleaning list for benefits like:

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Protect Your Home Automatically—How a Standby Generator Eliminates Stress

March 13th, 2023
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Blackouts are stressful. When the power goes out, nearly all modern conveniences go down; there’s no telling when the lights will come back on. That’s a situation nobody wants to be in.

There’s added stress when you think about rising temperatures and humidity from your HVAC system being out, and home security systems being offline. Not to mention any critical at-home medical equipment.

WholeHome™ generators are the remedy. Find out how a WholeHome™ generator installation can save your sanity in uncertain times.

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Replace Your Full System, Both Heating and Cooling: Skip the Line and Save

March 13th, 2023
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Let’s face facts: your air conditioner is on its last leg, and your furnace takes forever to heat up your home.

You know that you need an entire HVAC system replacement, but your home improvement budget keeps you from going through with it.

Or you don’t have cooling in your home, you remember how hot and stuffy it got last summer and into the fall! Plus, your furnace is due for an upgrade. 

Whatever the scenario, your current system is likely impacting your day-to-day quality of life, and it’s starting to show. Thankfully, there’s a way that you can save up $4,000 for a full system replacement. If you’re unsure whether your furnace is the problem, take a look at when it’s time to replace your furnace to help guide your decision.

WholeHome™ Members can take advantage of qualifying rebates and our preseason AC special to save big and upgrade their current system. 

Do I Really Need a Full System Replacement?

Replacing two entire systems is a lot for anyone, so how do you know if it’s really time to pull the trigger and finally replace your home heating and cooling system?

  • If you have multiple unit repairs each year.
  • If your electric bills are starting to soar.
  • If you notice foul smells coming from either your AC or furnace.
  • If you hear loud, strange sounds on a constant basis.
  • If you don’t have AC and are done with being uncomfortable in the heat!

Let’s be honest: you clicked on this in the first place because deep down, you know that you need to replace your heating and cooling units. If any part of that list jumped out at you, it’s time for a full replacement. Not only will an upgrade improve your comfort, but it will also enhance your home’s energy efficiency. Learn more about why furnace replacement is a good choice when considering a full system upgrade.

Begin Your Replacement Today

This offer extends until April 30th, 2023–now is the perfect time to save. 

Plus, with our preseason AC special discounts apply to anything that cools, including air conditioning, ductless, and electric heat pumps, with energy savings you’ll enjoy for years.

Call today, our Home Performance Experts are ready to size the right equipment for your home and budget. And if you aren’t a WholeHome™ Member, now is the time to join. Beyond saving up to $4,000 on your full system replacement, you receive comprehensive performance maintenance, WholeHome performance assessments and so much more!  If you’re also dealing with an aging water heater, now might be the perfect time to check how old is too old for a water heater and consider upgrading your home’s entire heating and hot water system for maximum efficiency.

Our team of Home Performance Experts has served the I-5 corridor from Blaine to Marysville, Oak Harbor to Concrete, and the San Juan Islands since 1972 with a mission of Improving Lives™. We look forward to serving you too! Contact Barron Heating & Air Conditioning today for a full system replacement.

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Slow Sink Drain Cleaning Special

March 12th, 2023
Plumber using a drain snake on a bathroom sink for clogged drain service.

Slow draining sink? Before it causes bigger problems, it’s time to take hold of our current special and deal with that slow draining sink once and for all.

Right now, Barron Plumbing is offering a $100 Slow Sink Drain Cleaning to resolve a sluggish drain before it backs up. With this deal, you don’t just get a drain fixed–you also get a WholeHome™ Plumbing Inspection and Sink Drain and Trap Cleaning included for a limited time.

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New Year New SEER

February 27th, 2023

2023 has brought some changes to the HVAC industry and with those changes are details and vocabulary every homeowner should know about. Previously, the industry has used something called seasonal energy efficiency rating system, often known as SEER.

SEER measures air conditioner and heat pump cooling efficiency, by taking the cooling output for a typical cooling season and dividing it by the total electric energy input during the same time frame.

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Heat Pumps: How They Heat and Cool Your Home

February 13th, 2023
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Heat pumps are the highly energy-efficient alternative to central air conditioning, boilers, and gas furnaces. But do they actually replace all of those different HVAC units at once?

Yes and no. There are some operating restrictions, such as extreme temperatures, but heat pumps really can do the job of both a furnace and air conditioner.

They work differently than you’d expect. Let’s start right from the beginning.

Heat Pumps Transfer from Sources

There are two types of heat pumps. The first one is air source heat pumps, which move air from inside your home to the outside of your home. They don’t actually generate new heat; they move or “pump” it from one area to another.

Then you have ground source heat pumps, sometimes referenced as geothermal heat pumps. These use a closed loop system that’s either filled with water or refrigerant. It moves through pipes that go into the ground outside.

When it’s cold out, water or refrigerant actually heats up as it travels through the underground pipe. When it comes back to the surface, the heat that it generates is then pumped into your home.

They’re Also Air Conditioners

Take that as literally as you want–heat pumps have identical functions to air conditioners. They use refrigerant and pull hot air from inside your home, releasing it outdoors, and pushing cool air into your living space.

There’s no distinct difference in the operational capabilities of heat pumps over air conditioners for cooling your home. Both are effective solutions, but only one doubles as a heater.

We Need to Talk About Efficiency

Heat pumps are extremely energy efficient, but this changes based on the temperature. In extreme cold, heat pumps have a hard time because they’re not actually generating new heat.

The amount of energy your heat pump will use to heat your home increases as the outside temperature drops. In most climates in the US, heat pumps will work effectively and extreme ranges shouldn’t be a major issue if you’re considering switching to a heat pump.

Our team of Home Performance Experts has served the I-5 corridor from Blaine to Marysville, Oak Harbor to Concrete, and the San Juan Islands since 1972 with a mission of Improving Lives™. We look forward to serving you too! Contact Barron Heating & Air Conditioning today for heat pump installation.

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The Pay Back Program: How You Can Save Up to $1,500 on a New Furnace Today

February 6th, 2023

We’re going on a furnace hunt and giving away free air conditioning to the owner of the oldest furnace Barron replaces, plus free AC to one randomly drawn winner who upgrades to a new, high-efficiency furnace during Barron’s Pay Back Program—with up to $1,500 in savings!

Hanging onto your dinosaur equipment might finally be paying off. Call to take advantage of the savings today or send in a Free AC entry for your own classic unit. The Pay Back Program is on now through February 28, 2023!

Your Old Furnace is a Money Pit

The older your furnace is, the more it costs to run and hit the same in-home temperature that you’re used to. Wear and tear takes its toll, and just because your furnace still kicks on doesn’t mean it’s doing as good of a job as it should. As much as 40% or more of its energy could be wasted, costing you money. Upgrading now can help you avoid unnecessary expenses—check out how an older furnace can cost you more and why a new system is a smart investment.

If your furnace is 9 years or older, it’s time to start thinking seriously about replacing it with a high-efficiency model of today. This is your opportunity to save up to $1,500 on a new furnace upgrade and save money on every utility bill afterwards. If you’re unsure whether now is the right time, take a look at when it’s time to replace your furnace to help guide your decision.

What About a Free Air Conditioner on Top of it?

During Barron’s Pay Back Program, you could win free air conditioning! Two lucky customers will win air conditioning, including the customer with the oldest furnace. No purchase necessary. Contest runs 1/16/2023 – 2/28/2023. See Official Rules details. If you’re considering replacing both your heating and cooling system, now might be the perfect time—learn more about how replacing your full system can save you money and improve your home’s efficiency.

Our team of Home Performance Experts has served the I-5 corridor from Blaine to Marysville, Oak Harbor to Concrete, and the San Juan Islands since 1972 with a mission of Improving Lives™. We look forward to serving you too! Contact Barron Heating & Air Conditioning today for furnace replacement.

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Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Boiler

January 16th, 2023

Boilers are designed to be as reliable as possible. They’re powerful heating systems that are also some of the most long-lasting systems on the market. Seriously, a boiler can last 20+ years of running efficiently without major hiccups, and we see this all the time in homes throughout the area.

However, boilers aren’t designed to last forever and sometimes they’ll give off strange noises, foul odors, and other issues that can be a premonition of a replacement to come.

Your boiler gives off warning signals when it’s nearing the end of its lifecycle, though not all those signals are loud and apparent. Sometimes it’s a subtle difference that you need to pay attention to before you can know for sure. To know if you truly need boiler replacement in Bellingham, WA, consider these signs.

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Orcas Island Residents: Get $1,000 Off Tankless Water Heater Installation

January 16th, 2023
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Your storage tank water heater has served you well, but it’s finally time for a replacement. Switching to a tankless water heater might be the right move for you.

On average, tankless water heaters last for twice as long as storage tank water heaters, but that’s not the only benefit. Let’s talk about what life would be like if you made the switch to tankless. If you’re unsure whether your current system is nearing the end of its lifespan, check out how old is too old for a water heater to determine if it’s time for an upgrade.

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When is it Time to Replace Your Furnace?

January 9th, 2023
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Furnaces don’t last forever. Proper maintenance and care will extend a furnace’s life expectancy to (or sometimes slightly past) the usual limits, but all good things come to an end. Most furnaces typically last between 15 and 25 years, and understanding when to replace them is key to avoiding unexpected breakdowns and managing furnace replacement cost. Choosing a high efficiency model can also help lower your monthly utility bills, providing long-term savings in addition to reliable comfort.

When considering installation costs, it’s important to prioritize professional installation to ensure safety and performance. Installation quality directly affects how well your system operates. Professional heater installation and maintenance—whether for furnaces, boilers, or other heating units—are crucial for maximizing system efficiency and ensuring long-term performance. Once your new furnace is installed, ongoing maintenance and service are essential to maintain efficiency and comfort over time. Emergencies like total heat loss are prioritized for repairs by HVAC contractors, ensuring that critical heating issues are addressed promptly.

Replace or Repair? How to Decide for Your Furnace

  • If a repair will cost 50% or more of the price of a new furnace, replacement is the smarter choice.
  • Furnaces older than 15 years with frequent breakdowns are typically at the end of their lifespan.
  • Rising energy bills, uneven heating, or loud, unusual noises are strong signs it’s time for a new unit.

The question is: how do you know when your Ferndale, WA furnace nears its final days without waiting for a complete breakdown?

Let’s help you find out. Our straightforward process starts with a professional assessment of your furnace’s condition, followed by clear recommendations to help the customer make an informed decision about whether to repair or replace.If a repair will cost 50% or more of the price of a new furnace, replacement is the smarter choice. Furnaces older than 15 years with frequent breakdowns are typically at the end of their lifespan. Rising energy bills, uneven heating, or loud, unusual noises are strong signs it’s time for a new unit.

The cost to replace a furnace can range anywhere from $3,800 to $10,000, depending on several factors such as the type of furnace, its size, and its efficiency rating. Average costs for furnace replacement are influenced by furnace cost, fuel type, furnace types (gas, electric, oil), and efficiency features. Installation costs, installation cost, and labor costs are significant contributors to the total expense, as they can vary based on the complexity of the job and regional rates. Additional costs and additional expenses, such as new ductwork, venting, or electrical upgrades, may also arise during installation. The total cost of furnace replacement includes all these factors, so it’s important to budget accordingly. When considering furnace replacement cost and furnace costs, be sure to account for every aspect of the project to avoid surprises.

When choosing a new furnace, consider how fuel type and furnace types impact both the initial investment and long-term operating costs. High efficiency models, such as those with AFUE ratings of 90% or higher, and an energy efficient furnace can offer long-term savings through reduced energy bills. Alternatively, a heat pump provides both heating and cooling, making it a versatile and energy-efficient option for many homes. Modern features like variable speed blowers and a secondary heat exchanger can further improve comfort and efficiency. Reputable brands, such as Carrier furnaces, are known for their reliability and performance. If your HVAC system includes an air conditioner, its efficiency rating will also affect your overall energy use and costs. For an in-depth look at how SEER2 standards impact energy savings, this guide on SEER2 efficiency improvements can help you better understand the benefits of updated systems. The need for new ductwork during installation can significantly impact the final price, so be sure to assess your current system. Professional installation is essential for safety, warranty protection, and optimal efficiency. Remember to consider other factors beyond price, such as advanced features and installation quality, when making your decision.

How much does a furnace cost to replace? Estimating this involves looking at all the factors above. While repairing an old unit may seem like the affordable option in the short term, replacement can be more cost-effective over the long run, especially as most furnaces approach the end of their lifespan.

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