As the days get shorter and the leaves begin to turn, we typically think of September as the beginning of fall. But in recent years, the weather in September has been anything but fall-like. In fact, many parts of the country have seen record-high temperatures for the month. Here in Westchester, NY we’ve definitely felt the heat. The average temperature in September is now nearly 3 degrees warmer than it was just a few decades ago. And this trend is only expected to continue as the planet continues to warm. Of course, not everyone enjoys the warm weather. The extended summer can be a bit of a downer for those who prefer cooler autumn temperatures. But how does this impact your home and HVAC systems? 

Clover Heating and cooling are your leading HVAC professionals in the Westchester area and are your trusted source for information and experience with the different implications of warmer weather and its role on heating and cooling systems. Contact us today with questions or to schedule an appointment and keep reading to learn more about how boilers, furnaces, and chimneys can create a problematic combination.

Homes With Chimneys 

There’s something special about living in a home with a chimney. It’s a reminder of a simpler time when families would gather around the fireplace to warm up on cold winter nights. If you have a chimney, chances are you’ve had to deal with a blocked one at some point. While it may seem like a mystery as to how they become blocked, there are actually a few common causes. One of the most common reasons for a blocked chimney is a build-up of soot and creosote. This can happen if you don’t have your chimney cleaned on a regular basis. Over time, the build-up can become so thick that it starts to block the airflow. Another common cause of a blocked chimney is a bird’s nest. If you have a bird’s nest in your chimney, it’s important to remove it as soon as possible. Not only can it block the airflow, but it can also be a fire hazard. Finally, weather can also be a factor in a blocked chimney. If there’s a lot of wind, rain, or snow, it can start to block the chimney. This is especially common in areas where there are a lot of trees. However, a blocked chimney is more than just an inconvenience – it can pose a very serious threat.

Furnace & Boiler Emissions

Furnaces and boilers burn fossil fuels to generate heat and are common sources of air pollution in the United States. The combustion of these fuels releases pollutants into the air and emits particles of soot, metals, and other chemicals into the air. The main pollutants emitted by furnaces and boilers are particulate matter, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and carbon monoxide. The best way to reduce your exposure to pollutants emitted by furnaces and boilers is to reduce your reliance on them. You can do this by using less energy, insulating your home, and using alternative heat sources. If your home has a chimney, this naturally may become your immediate thought for creating an alternative source of heat for your home. However, as mentioned earlier, fireplaces can develop blockages and drafts, which in tandem with the pollutants created by a furnace or boiler, can create a catastrophic combination.

Problematic Combo

Chimney drafts and blockages are common problems in many homes. If not properly fixed, they can cause furnace and boiler emissions to back up into the home, potentially causing a fire or other catastrophic event. When a chimney is blocked or has a poor draft, the air pressure inside the chimney is lower than the atmospheric pressure outside. This causes the furnace or boiler emissions to be forced back into the home instead of up and out the chimney. The fumes from the furnace or boiler can contain carbon monoxide, a colorless and odorless gas that can be extremely dangerous. Carbon monoxide poisoning can cause headaches, dizziness, and nausea. It is crucial to have your chimney inspected and repaired if necessary to prevent this from happening. Before these issues become a problem during the winter months, contact Clover Heating and Cooling to help you manage your heating solutions, develop a plan for usage, and mitigate any problems that may arise. If you suspect you have a carbon monoxide leak, open windows and doors to ventilate the area and call your local fire department or gas company immediately.

Your Heating & Cooling Professionals

When it comes to heating and cooling your home, you want to make sure you are getting the best possible service. Clover Heating and Cooling can help you with air quality testing, carbon monoxide testing, heating products and solutions, and ventilation services. We want to make sure your home is comfortable and safe, and our team of experts can help you find the perfect solution for your needs. Air quality testing is important to make sure that your home is free of harmful airborne contaminants. We can test for a variety of different pollutants, including mold, dust, pollen, and more. We can also test for carbon monoxide, which is a colorless, odorless gas that can be dangerously hazardous if inhaled. We offer a wide variety of heating products and solutions, including furnaces, boilers, heat pumps, and more. We can help you find the perfect system for your home, and our team of experts can install it for you. We also offer ventilation services to help improve the air quality in your home. We can install exhaust fans, air exchangers, and more to help you breathe easier. If you are looking for the best possible service for heating and cooling your home in Westchester, Clover Heating and Cooling is the company for you. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help you.

As the weather begins to transition in September, it tends to fluctuate between cool and warm temperatures throughout the month. Because of this, some people may start to experience heating and ventilation problems in their homes. This is because the warm weather can cause the air to be trapped in the house, making it difficult to circulate. Additionally, the warm weather can cause the furnace to work harder to keep the house at a comfortable temperature, which can lead to higher energy bills. Chimney blockages and drafts paired with the emissions from furnaces and boilers can mix to create a devastating cocktail. If you start to experience any of these problems, it is important to contact a professional heating and cooling company like Clover Heating and Cooling in Westchester to help you resolve the issue.

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