For some of you, this month may have been the first time you’ve used your heater since early last year. The strong winter blast has made a relatively warmer winter into the winter most people expect to see – and feel.

With the chillier temperatures, however, may have also included an unwelcome visitor. In turning on your home heating system, you may also have detected a foul stench coming from the duct work. This odor is common, but it also can be a nuisance.

Growing fungus either within your ducts or actually on the heater is the most common cause of an odor. Fungus, which can grow because of the moisture around a furnace, has an unpleasant aroma when heated. Fungus on the furnace can be an easy clean. Fungus in the ducts, however, is more of an issue.

This is when our Birmingham AL heating experts can be of service to you. Our technicians can properly clean your ducts, in addition to your furnace humidifier, to provide you clean and warm air during the winter months. In addition, the cleaner air will be a major complement for those with allergies.

Contact our Birmingham HVAC company for more information about air duct cleaning and the detection and maintenance for odors within your heating system. Call us, or contact us online today.

In shopping for a new furnace, don’t let the biggest question you may face rattle your brain.

Gas furnace or electric furnace?

The truth is, both devices have their advantages. The final decision really depends on your personal preference. Our Birmingham AL heating experts are more than willing to offer their advice if you need assistance with narrowing your decision.

In regards to energy efficiency, gas furnaces are your best bet. When discussing life span, go with an electric furnace, as some experts say they can last twice as long as gas furnaces. From a maintenance perspective, electric furnaces require less professional service than gas furnaces, which should be inspected annually.

Both gas and electric furnaces are relatively safe to operate. With electric furnaces, they’re about as safe as the average appliance. Gas furnaces have a low risk of the spread of carbon monoxide poisoning, but it shouldn’t be anything to scare you away from purchasing.

If money is your ultimate factor – and often times for consumers, it is – your answer is to go with the gas furnaces. Historically, electric furnaces are more expensive. If money isn’t going to make or break your decision, do your research with both furnaces. Both have their advantages, and you really can’t go wrong with either one. If you need further assistance, feel free to call our Birmingham heating company, or contact us online today.