Roznovak's Services Blog:
Archive for November, 2014

What to Look for in a Residential Heating Service Company

Friday, November 28th, 2014

It’s that time of year where the need for heating service becomes a distinct possibility. Unfortunately, as we switch on our heating systems and run them for longer portions of the day, the chances that you’ll need heating repair increase as well. Parts begin to wear down, you may notice an increase in your utilities, and you might not get the heating performance you once did. When it comes time to contact a heating technician, you want to make sure you find a company who knows all about heating, so they can get in and out as quickly as possible and so that you get the most thorough service possible. Here’s what we recommend you look for in a residential heating service.

A Wide Range of Heating Services

You should choose a company that offers the widest range of services possible so that you can ensure you have found a quality company for future services as well. Make sure your technician is trained on your particular type of heating system by searching through the website or inquiring when you call about what types of systems they service. Find a company you can return to for maintenance, repairs, and even upgrades like zone control or a new thermostat.

Offers a Residential Maintenance Program

You should also consider finding a company that offers a residential maintenance program. If you enroll in a maintenance program, you’ll get two maintenance visits a year, usually at a low package rate. Many homeowners neglect to schedule maintenance every year, even though it’s vital for proper operation of their heating and cooling system. With a heating maintenance program, you’re guaranteed two visits a year for cleaning, adjustment and inspection, which could help reduce repair needs, lower your bills, and keep your unit running longer.

Duct Cleaning and Sealing

If your heating doesn’t seem to be as powerful as it once was or if you notice hot or cold spots in areas of the house, it could be due to a problem in the ducts. If this is the case, some heating companies will simply refer you to a duct sealing company. Instead, look for a company that performs both duct and heating services, so you can get all your repairs from one contractor.

Here at Roznovak, we think you’ll find that our residential heating service in Hutto, TX exceeds your expectations. Give us a call now!

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Will Thanksgiving Turkey Really Make You Sleepy?

Wednesday, November 26th, 2014

We’ve all heard it before: you feel so sleepy after a Thanksgiving meal because of the main event: the turkey. For years, people have credited extraordinary levels of tryptophan in turkey as the reason we all feel the need to nap after the annual feast. But contrary to this popular mythology, tryptophan is probably not he largest responsible party for your post-meal exhaustion.

Tryptophan is an essential amino acid, which means it’s something that our bodies need but do not produce naturally. Your body uses tryptophan to help make vitamin B3 and serotonin, which is a neurotransmitter that sends chemicals to the brain to aid in sleep. But in order to get this essential amino acid, we have to eat foods that contain it.

Turkey has somewhat high levels of tryptophan, but so do many other foods, including eggs, peanuts, chocolate, nuts, bananas, and most other meats and dairy products. In fact, ounce-for-ounce cheddar cheese contains a greater amount of tryptophan than turkey. In order for tryptophan to make you feel sleepy, you would have to consume it in excessive amounts, and serotonin is usually only produced by tryptophan on an empty stomach.

The truth is, overeating is largely responsible for the “food coma” many people describe post-Thanksgiving. It takes a lot of energy for your body to process a large meal, and the average Thanksgiving plate contains about twice as many calories as is recommended for daily consumption. If anything, high levels of fat in the turkey cause sleepiness, as they require a lot of energy for your body to digest. Lots of carbohydrates, alcohol, and probably a bit of stress may also be some of the reasons it feels so satisfying to lay down on the couch after the meal and finally get a little bit of shut-eye.

If you feel the need to indulge in a heaping dose of tryptophan this year, go ahead! Turkey also contains healthy proteins and may even provide a boost for your immune system. Here at Roznovak, we hope your Thanksgiving is full of joy and contentment this year. Happy feasting!

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Why Is Thermostat Installation an Important Part of Heating Service?

Friday, November 14th, 2014

Your thermostat controls when your system operates and the temperature of your home. As such, having the right thermostat for your home can be a great tool for achieving the control you want over your home’s heating. There are a few choices when it comes to installing a new thermostat, and with any upgrade to your heating system, it’s best to have installation performed by a professional. Roznovak specialists have been offering comprehensive heating service in Georgetown since 1979, including thermostat installation, so call us today!

Why Install a New Thermostat?

Here are a few reasons why an upgraded thermostat can help you and your heating system:

  • Better energy efficiency – with a programmable thermostat, you can program your heating according to your schedule and accommodate for times when your home is occupied or unoccupied. This allows you to gain great control over when and how much you heat, which can help you reduce your energy usage.
  • Better comfort – the precision and accuracy of digital thermostats allows you to set an exact temperature setting versus aiming for one, as can be the case with slide or dial thermostats. This can help improve your comfort level.
  • Less wear on your system – with a programmable thermostat, you will most likely use less heating, which means your system will operate less. Less operation means less wear on your system.
  • Convenience – it can be challenging to remember to turn down your heating when you leave for work during the week or when you go to bed. With a programmable thermostat, this isn’t an issue as you can set the program to handle all the temperature changes you want.

What Are My Choices?

  • Digital
  • Programmable
  • Smart
  • Wireless

Upgrading your thermostat can help you increase your energy efficiency and comfort while also helping your heating system. If you are ready for a new thermostat, call Roznovak and schedule an appointment for residential heating service in Georgetown today.

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Steps to Take for a New Heating Installation

Friday, November 7th, 2014

A new heating system can help increase your energy efficiency, improve comfort and provide you with a reliable performance. But to make sure you install a system that fits you and your home, it’s important to take a few critical steps. Since 1979, Roznovak has provided residential heating services in Austin, TX, and our expert technicians have installed all kinds of heating systems. If you are ready for a new heating system, call us today!

Step 1: Type of System

There are so many options available to homeowners when it comes to choosing a new heating system that it can be overwhelming. One of the best ways to manage this is to understand what types of systems are available and the basics of how they work. Roznovak carries the following types of systems:

  • Furnaces – gas and electric
  • Heat pumps
  • Geothermal systems
  • Ductless systems

Each of these systems can effectively heat your home, but each heats differently. Furnaces are one of the most common and traditional types of heating systems, commonly using gas, oil, propane or electricity to heat your home. Heat pumps don’t generate heat at all; instead, they transfer heat from one area to another. Geothermal systems harness that natural, steady temperature of the Earth below the frost line to heat your home, and ductless systems use heat pump technology to heat and cool your home without the use of air ducts.

Step 2: Sizing

Too often, we hear that all you need to know to buy a properly-sized heater is the square footage of your home; this is not true. To accurately calculate the heat load for your home, you need to factor in your home’s orientation, daytime heat gain, the type and number of windows and doors you have, insulation levels, floor plan, number of occupants and number of rooms. It is a complex calculation, and one that a trained technician can help you with.

Step 3: Fuel Type

The most commonly-used fuel types for heating systems are natural gas, oil and electricity, but you can also use propane, solid fuels and solar energy. Some households do not have access to all fuel types, so this is something to be aware of when selecting a new heating system.

Taking these steps before choosing and installing a heating system helps ensure that you select a system that will provide you and your family with many years of warmth and comfort. If you need help deciding what system best fits with your home, take advantage of our Roznovak residential heating services and schedule an appointment with one of our specialists today.

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