WJOL Podcast Featuring Johansen & Anderson Inc

March 14th, 2023

There are big changes coming to the ways that people heat and cool their homes. That’s exactly what our very own Rick Cronholm discussed on radio station WJOL’s recent podcast. 

Rick joined host Scott Slocum and Andy Armstrong, the president of BASE Solutions, to discuss how changes implemented by the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) are affecting HVAC manufacturers, contractors, and consumers. BASE Solutions are distributors of York products.

The tax credits and rebates that they discussed are of particular interest to homeowners. You can listen to the podcast to learn more about the tax incentives and point-of-sale rebates that are available when you have a new HVAC system installed.

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Why Won’t My Heat Pump Switch Modes?

April 15th, 2024
two-thermostats-showing-high-and-low-temperatures

A heat pump is very much like an air conditioner. Almost all of the components are the same or very similar. This means that when there’s a problem with how it’s working, chances are, it is one of the same problems that air conditioners encounter. This could be something like a problem with the blower fan motor, or refrigerant leaking from the coils somewhere.

However, there is one type of problem that heat pumps can have which is totally different from anything you’ve had to deal with from an air conditioner before. This is because of the one way that your heat pump really differs from an air conditioner. A heat pump can switch between heating and cooling with a component called a reversing valve. This part can fail, leaving your heat pump stuck in one mode.

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These Furnace Repairs Shouldn’t Wait

April 1st, 2024
HVAC-technician-repairing-a-furnace

In general, we always advise against postponing heating repairs. If something is going wrong with your furnace, continuing to run it while it struggles can worsen the problem. In addition, a struggling heating system will use more energy in order to keep trying to get the job done. This means postponing repairs will drive your utility bills up.

But it’s just about springtime! Surely if there was any time to put off heating repair, it would be now. You’re almost done running the heat. Can’t your furnace repairs wait until fall? Certain heating problems are bigger concerns than others. Here’s what you should never delay repairing.

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3 Benefits of Late-Season HVAC Replacement

March 18th, 2024
Service technician with a customer. Plumbers, electricians, cable repair, etc.

We’ve almost made it through another winter! Spring is coming soon. If you’ve been looking forward to being able to turn off your heating system, you’re almost there. And there’s no doubt that it’s a relief—especially when it comes to paying your utility bills—when you can stop heating your home. But what if your relief is because you were afraid your heating system wouldn’t make it through the winter?

If you’ve got a struggling heating system, and you know you’ll need to replace it in the near future, we urge you to start that process now. Why would you replace your heating system at the end of the season? There are a few major benefits you’ll enjoy if you don’t wait until fall. 

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Yes, Your Boiler Needs Annual Maintenance

March 4th, 2024
a-modern-boiler-for-home-heating

Boilers are truly fantastic heating systems. They’re great at keeping the temperature in a home very consistent. They use water to heat, so they don’t blow around dry air and dust like a forced-air furnace does. And they’re also less likely to require repairs than a furnace. This is because they have fewer moving parts and are less prone to corrosion.

But you know the one basic truth of the universe: nothing works perfectly forever. If you keep running that boiler, eventually, you’re going to run into a problem that requires repair. But there is something you can do to make it even less likely that your boiler will need repair: annual maintenance. It has other benefits, too!

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A Heating Repair Guide for Newer Homeowners

February 19th, 2024
family-holding-key-to-their-new-home

Homeownership can be unexpectedly challenging. When you were frantically sorting out down payments and closing costs and inspections and moving trucks, you probably imagined that once the house was officially yours and you were moved in, you would be able to relax. You could breathe a sigh of relief and simply settle in.

While everyone was busy congratulating you on owning a home, did they bother to warn you about any of the things you should expect? Did they tell you about routine maintenance, or did they give you a fruit basket and go on their merry way? We’ll give you clear instructions on caring for your home’s heating system, so you won’t have to wonder, guess, or simply wait until something breaks down.

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4 Strange Boiler Sounds & What They Mean

February 5th, 2024
person-with-hand-to-ear-listening-to-strange-sounds

Boilers are fantastic heating systems. The heat they provide is very even, keeping your whole home perfectly comfortable. They’re longer-lasting than pretty much any other option, sometimes running for three decades before they need to be replaced. And they also require fewer repairs than other types of heating systems, largely because they have fewer moving parts which can break down.

However, no system is perfect. Nothing works forever without encountering a single problem. So on rare occasions, your boiler will have trouble and need repairs. It’s always best to have boiler repairs done promptly so the problems won’t get worse. How can you tell it’s time for repair? Listen for these sounds.

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Heating Maintenance Is Worth Every Penny, and Might Be Cheaper Than You Think

January 22nd, 2024
hand-dropping-a-coin-into-a-piggy-bank

We talk a lot on this blog about heating maintenance. We really want everyone to know just how important it is. Yet the fact remains, not everyone has their heating system maintained every year. There are even folks who never have heating maintenance done! We’re concerned that they might be trying to cut expenses by not scheduling maintenance, when the truth is, they’re actually increasing their expenses.

If you’ve thought that paying to have a technician maintain your heating system sounds like a bill you don’t want to have to pay, please consider what we’re about to tell you. Heating maintenance will definitely save you money, and we believe in it so strongly that we’ve got a great offer that will save you even more.

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Why a Cracked Heat Exchanger Repair Can’t Wait

January 8th, 2024
person-installing-a-carbon-monoxide-detector

Your gas furnace has a lot of different components. Some have purposes related to functionality: they help with the generation of heat. Some have purposes related to safety: they prevent things from going dangerously wrong. Your heat exchanger does both. It is critical to the function of the furnace, and it is also critical to your safety.

Sometimes, people postpone having furnace repairs done. If their home just isn’t getting quite toasty enough, or the heat doesn’t seem like it’s evenly distributed, they might feel like it’s not an urgent enough concern to address immediately. If you suspect that your heat exchanger is cracked, you absolutely must get it repaired right away. Here’s what you need to know.

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Should I Repair or Replace My Water Heater?

December 25th, 2023
rusty-water-leaking-from-a-water-heater

Water heater problems are a huge inconvenience! Whether you’re experiencing basement puddles or cold showers, you can’t just let the problem keep getting worse.

But it can be hard to tell exactly what needs to be done. How can you tell whether you should have your water heater repaired or replaced? Here are some key things you should know that can help with your decision.

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A Healthier You in the New Year: Air Filtration Systems

December 11th, 2023
close-up-of-an-air-filter

According to the National Institutes of Health, the most common category of New Year’s resolutions is those related to physical health and well-being. However, exercise and dietary change can be time-consuming and frustrating. How about a resolution about breathing? You do that all the time anyway. What if you could do that in a healthier way?

During the winter, the air in your home is easily contaminated and not easily aired out. Contaminants and germs can build up and cause illness. What can you do to make the air you breathe healthier? Let’s talk about the wide variety of air filtration systems and how they can help.

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