2023 HVAC Regulation Changes
In 2023, the Department of Energy (DOE) released a new set of rules that aim to improve the energy efficiency of new HVAC units across the country. And if you’re planning on replacing your home comfort system this year, these regulations apply to you, too! Here’s what you need to know about the DOE’s new HVAC regulations—and what they mean for your next home comfort system Starting on January 1, 2023, all newly manufactured and installed HVAC systems in the Northern region of the US, including Nebraska, will be held to a higher SEER standard. A SEER—which stands for Seasonal [...]
Why Earth-Powered Heaters Offer the Ultimate Energy Efficiency
The best home heating source is just a few feet underground. And it’s not natural gas, electric, or propane… It’s the earth! Geothermal heating is a type of renewable energy homeowners can tap into to access an endless supply of steady warmth. And the process of drawing heat from the ground is incredibly energy efficient—offering up to 600% efficiency on the coldest nights! Geothermal heating uses the earth’s stored heat to warm your feet A geothermal heat pump, installed and maintained by Burton, works by running a series of pipes carrying water and refrigerant beneath the ground. Just a few [...]
Homeowner Hacks: The Guide to Maintaining Your Home Furnace
Your home furnace is one of those comfort systems you probably don’t think about much— until you wake up with cold feet! But as we’ll cover in today’s Homeowner Hack, taking a few moments to give your furnace the TLC it deserves throughout the winter can prevent a much more costly and uncomfortable repair down the road. These simple tips are easy enough for even amateur home handypersons to complete. But as with any Homeowner Hack, if you’re not confident working on your comfort system or you have questions about your specific equipment, Burton’s furnace repair team here in Omaha [...]
Let’s Talk Energy Efficiency: Furnace vs. Fireplace
It goes without saying, in the winter, you want to keep your home as warm and comfortable as possible, while spending as little as you can on gas or electricity. So when temperatures drop, you may be wondering, should you turn up the furnace, or light your fireplace? Which heat source is more energy efficient? Does one method save you a little more money in the long run? Or should you run your furnace and fireplace at the same time? Comparing the energy usage of fireplaces vs furnaces The efficiency of your home fireplace really depends on the type of [...]
Space Heater Safety: What To Consider
Dear Burton, When it gets below freezing, some of the rooms in my home just won’t warm up. We’re freezing over here! How can I safely use a space heater to help my furnace keep these back rooms comfortable? Are space heaters safe to use while the furnace is running? - Chilly and Chattering Dear Chilly, The short answer: Yes, you can use a space heater to supplement your furnace, if you’re careful. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, as many as 1,700 home fires are started by space heaters every year. But is it the heater’s fault, or [...]
Heating Services in Omaha You Can Get at Burton
When is the best time to find your new go-to furnace and heating services company? When your furnace still works! Because nothing takes your day from bad to worse than coming home to a chillingly cold house, and having no clue who to call. To save you furnace frustration when the winter blues strike, we’ve put together a quick list of the most common reasons Omaha homeowners give us a call: 1. For furnace inspections, cleaning, and tune-ups Our annual furnace preventative maintenance service is hands-down one of the best services we offer because it keeps your furnace running at [...]
Heat Your Home for Less with These 5 Ways to Save
As energy costs rise, it’s becoming increasingly expensive to keep your home comfortable year-round. And here in Omaha, where chilly weather can push the temperature down into the single digits—or worse—you may feel like you’ve only got two options: Spend or shiver! The weather may be crisp and cold this month, but with these 5 energy-saving tips, your family doesn’t have to be! 1. Fresh filters improve your furnace’s performance You’ve heard us share this tip a hundred times— always, always keep clean filters in your home’s comfort systems! There are dozens of reasons why a clean filter improves the [...]
The 3 Faulty Furnace Problems We Solve Every Day
When your furnace is on the fritz, it can feel like the only solution is a completely new system! But when you work with the expert service technicians here at Burton, you may have other options. Here are three common furnace problems that seem like the end of your unit, but may actually be easily repaired: 1. Your unit won’t produce heat We know what you’re thinking—a furnace that won’t heat is a lost cause! But there may be a simple solution. When you call Burton to request a furnace inspection and repair, we’ll check: Your thermostat settings. If your [...]
Do These 5 Things Before You Turn Your Furnace On for Winter
Fall is the perfect time of year to give your furnace a quick tune-up before the cold weather really sets in. A cleaning and testing in early fall gives you plenty of time to schedule a home furnace repair, if needed, and gets your home ready for that first freeze of the season. Prepare your furnace for the real Omaha cold with these 5 prep-steps: 1. Put in a new filter Not only is a clogged furnace filter inefficient, it can cause your unit to overheat. Put in the new filter and set a reminder on your phone or calendar [...]
Hunger Action Month: It’s Time for Happy Homes and Fed Families
September is Hunger Action Month— our opportunity to unite in the fight against hunger. Hunger Action Month is an initiative launched by Feeding America, the largest hunger-relief organization in the nation. Every September, Feeding America partners with hundreds of food banks and thousands of Americans to restock pantries nationwide, just in time for winter. At Burton, we take every opportunity we can get to serve and support this local community. And Hunger Action Month is no different. That’s why we’re bringing back our annual hunger-fighting special for the 4th year in a row: This September, a $55 Furnace Inspection and [...]
Electric or Gas Furnace? It’s a Hot Topic!
When it’s time to replace your furnace, you’ve got a big decision on your hands. Go with a low-impact, easy-to-install electric furnace? Or opt for a high-efficiency, higher cost gas furnace? Once you’ve narrowed down the type of furnace, who do you call to install it? Before you make up your mind (and make that service call), read this quick comparison. Furnace technology has improved significantly over the past decade. And the best choice for your family now may be different than you think! Here are four considerations to keep in mind when picking a new furnace: 1. Electric furnaces [...]
Home Furnace on the Fritz? Try these 3 Tips!
Feel that chill in the Omaha air? Around here, that means it’s time for two things— Husker football and furnace tuneups! And while the Huskers never disappoint, sometimes our home furnace can let us down when we need them most…. If your furnace just won’t fire up this fall, we’ve got three quick tips any home handyperson can try to get it back up and running. (Or you can save yourself the hassle and just call the furnace repair team at Burton!) If you try your hand at these tips, with a bit of luck and a little elbow grease, [...]