In the winter months in South Charleston, WV, the temperatures can get quite chilly. This is when homeowners switch over to their heating equipment to stay cozy and comfortable. It’s very important that you can rely on an efficient and reliable furnace to help you maintain your indoor air quality throughout the winter. Regardless of how old your furnace is, routine maintenance is an important part of preparing for the long winter ahead.

Improving Efficiency

Having one of our professionals inspect and service your furnace can help your heating equipment function more efficiently. This can reduce your monthly utility bills and increase the overall comfort of your home. Part of routine furnace maintenance is cleaning and lubricating the interior components of your system. This can help things like the motor work smoothly, reducing excessive energy consumption. Your system may not have to run as frequently to reach the temperature set on your thermostat.

Increasing Reliability

It’s very important that you can rely on your furnace to turn on when your indoor temperature drops below a certain point. If something goes wrong, this can lead to your home becoming very cold in the middle of winter. If you’re on vacation or away from home for an extended period, this puts other parts of your home at risk, such as your plumbing. You don’t want to come home to burst pipes and excessive water damage. You also don’t want to experience a heating system shutdown only to find out that a professional can’t get to you for a few days.

Routine maintenance allows one of our professionals to spot minor issues early on. They can be fixed during your maintenance appointment, often eliminating the need for emergency repairs in the heart of winter.

Focusing on Indoor Air Quality

Routine maintenance ensures that all aspects of your heating system are functioning optimally. Along with the rest of your HVAC system, your furnace is an important part of maintaining healthy indoor air quality. If an inefficient furnace is allowing particulate matter to circulate throughout your home, this can lead to an increase in allergy symptoms such as a runny nose, itchy eyes, a scratchy throat, etc. We will check things like your furnace filter, ensuring that optimal filtration is taking place. We can also recommend a better-quality filter, if necessary.

If you are concerned that indoor air quality is a problem, we can perform an indoor air quality assessment to see what kind of particulates are in your air, and improvements can be made to address issues. This may include the installation of a whole-house purification system or a whole-house dehumidifier. You’ll notice improved indoor comfort throughout the winter and beyond.

Extending System Lifespan

Scheduling routine maintenance for your furnace can lengthen the amount of time that it will be able to efficiently function and keep your home cozy and comfortable. Your average furnace should last somewhere around 15 to 20 years. This isn’t a cheap purchase, so it’s important to keep your unit running as long as possible.

Making minor repairs during routine maintenance and cleaning the interior components of your system will protect it. Also, routine maintenance enables you to monitor the health of your system. As it ages and more frequent repairs are needed, you can start to prepare for a replacement and budget accordingly.

Maintaining Warranty Coverage

Your furnace may come with warranty coverage that will cover periodic repairs as needed. When you notice something is amiss with your furnace, it’s ideal that you schedule service as soon as possible to help maintain indoor comfort. Many manufacturers will require you to keep up with routine maintenance to keep your coverage valid.

Professional Furnace Maintenance Services

If you need routine maintenance for your furnace, reach out to the team here at Mullen Plumbing, Heating and Cooling. We would be happy to check your equipment regularly, in addition to performing necessary repairs, installing new equipment, and addressing your heating and cooling concerns. We also offer plumbing services, such as pipe installation, sewer repair, unclogging drains, backflow prevention, and gas line work. We install, repair, and maintain ductwork, including performing routine cleanings, as well.

Reach out to Mullen Plumbing, Heating and Cooling for more information or to schedule an appointment in the South Charleston area.

If you have been hearing a strange sound coming from your furnace, it can certainly be disconcerting. Thankfully, not all furnace sounds are equal. While some sounds may indicate the need for a major repair, there are others that will only require a minimum level of professional maintenance work to address. There is even the possibility that the sound your furnace is making is completely normal since most mechanical devices do make some type of noise as part of their standard operational use. Whatever sound your furnace may be making, getting it looked at by a professional is the smart thing to do.

Some Common Furnace Sounds

Scraping

If you hear a scraping sound coming from your furnace, it is usually attributable to an issue with your blower wheel. This scraping sound will most often have a metal-against-metal quality to it. One possible reason that you are hearing that sound from your blower wheel is that it may simply require a replacement. It may also have gotten loose, and the sound could be from it pounding up against the blower casing. If unresolved, this could wind up putting major wear and tear on your system.

Squealing or Screeching

The culprit for a squealing or screeching noise is also typically the blower motor. A blower motor has bearings that can dry over time, so this problem can often merely require a professional to apply lubricant. Another possible reason for this type of sound could be a broken belt, which will require a replacement of the part.

Whistling Sounds

Yet another issue that can often be due to the blower motor is if you hear a whistling sound. This can happen when your blower develops an airflow problem. Low airflow will strain its drawing of air, which will result in a whistling sound. This issue can be resolved with a professional first changing your air filter, if necessary, and ensuring the vents are all open. If this fails to stop the problem, a technician may look for a more involved solution.

Banging and Popping

If you are hearing banging and popping noises coming from your furnace, rest assured, it does not always mean that there is a problem. Furnaces can make these sounds during normal operation as ducts contract and expand. If you notice that the sounds are particularly loud and frequent, it could be that there is an issue with your ductwork or a burner is dirty, causing ignition to delay. Loud banging and popping noises require a professional to have a look at your furnace as soon as possible, as they may result in a cracked heat exchanger.

Rattling

When you hear a rattling sound coming from your furnace, it is most likely that there is a loose door or panel. A technician will first check for this and tighten any loose screws to resolve the issue. If this turns out to not be the problem, they will also look to see if there are any other loose parts that may need tightening. In the most severe cases, the rattling sound could be due to a cracked heat exchanger, which will need addressing immediately as it could wind up leaking carbon monoxide into your residence.

Rumbling

It is possible to hear a slight woosh, roar, or rumble when your furnace completes a cycle. This is a normal occurrence, and there is no need for alarm. A rumbling sound is only indicative of a major problem if it is excessively loud at the end of a cycle. The loud rumbling sound is often due to an issue with the burner, leading to fuel still burning in the chamber after the burners shut down. This could potentially be a serious issue, and if encountered, you should turn off your furnace immediately and seek the help of a professional.

Clicking

If you initially hear a clicking sound when you fire up your furnace, this is not something of concern. You should, however, take note if you continue to hear the clicking sound throughout the furnace cycle. This repeated clicking sound could be attributable to an issue with your ignition system. If this sound is occurring, it could be due to an array of potential reasons. Turn off your furnace, and contact a professional right away.

Contact Our Team Today

If you are hearing these or any other furnace noises and are in South Charleston, WV or the surrounding area, our team at Mullen Plumbing, Heating and Cooling would love to help. We are a family-owned business whose roots stretch way back to 1950, and we are ready to put all of our years of experience to work for you. Not only can we handle your furnace noise issues, but we are also a full-service plumbing, heating, and cooling team. That means that we can address anything from AC installation to drainage problems. Give Mullen Plumbing, Heating and Cooling a call today so that we can make sure your furnace noise concerns become a thing of the past.

A furnace is an essential piece of equipment for keeping your house warm and comfortable in the winter. But if you don’t take adequate care of it, you can wind up with a dangerous, ineffective, or defective furnace. To make sure your furnace is in good condition that can serve you for many years to come, here is the ultimate maintenance checklist that our technicians perform.

1. Examine the Heat Exchanger and CO2 Detector

The heat exchanger is a component of the furnace that distributes heat from the combustion chamber to the air ducts. The colorless, odorless, and lethal gas carbon monoxide (CO2) can seep into your home from a broken or damaged heat exchanger.

We check for any indications of corrosion, cracks, or holes in order to prevent this. We also inspect the CO2 detector, a gadget that warns you if the amount of CO2 in your house is too high.

2. Clean and Inspect Burners and Flame Sensor

Burners ignite fuel to generate heat while the flame sensor senses if there is a flame. If there isn’t one, the sensor turns off the gas valve. The effectiveness and safety of your furnace may be impacted as a result of the burners and flame sensor becoming dirty or worn out over time.

To know whether they are operating appropriately, the flame’s color and shape should be blue and steady. So, if the flame is uneven, flickering, or yellow, we change or adjust the burners.

3. Replace the Air Filter

The air that enters the furnace and flows around your house is filtered by the air filter. Your furnace may experience increased wear and tear, decreased efficiency, and reduced airflow if you have a filthy or clogged air filter. It may also have an impact on the quality of the air and harm your family’s health.

You should change the air filter at least once every three months; if you live in a dusty area, have pets, or suffer from allergies, you should do it more frequently. Speak with our technicians who will make sure the new filter fits the dimensions and style of your furnace and is oriented correctly. When we perform our furnace maintenance, we replace the air filter as well.

4. Examine the Fan

The fan’s job is to force warm air into the ducts so that it can be distributed throughout your house. Your furnace’s comfort and performance may be impacted by noise, vibration, and restricted airflow caused by a malfunctioning or unclean fan. Our technicians inspect and clean the fan blades, removing dirt, dust, or debris.

5. Calibrate the Thermostat

Your furnace’s temperature and operation are managed by the thermostat. Your furnace may run too frequently or insufficiently due to a malfunctioning or inaccurate thermostat, wasting energy and money while also causing your house to become excessively hot or chilly.

We ensure the thermostat is in the appropriate mode and at a temperature that is pleasant for you and your family. Additionally, we inspect the calibration, which must be precise and reliable, as well as the wiring and connections, which must be tight and secure.

7. Seal Air Leaks

Air leaks are the openings or breaches in your house that let in outside air and allow heated or cooled air to escape. Air leaks can raise your energy costs and carbon footprint while also lowering the comfort and efficiency of your furnace. Air leaks should be conveniently sealed as soon as you notice them.

8. Lubricate All Parts

Lubricating your furnace’s working parts is another fundamental furnace maintenance task that we perform. These parts include the fan, belts, bearings, and blower motor. By lubricating these components, wear and tear, noise, and friction will be decreased. It will also save you expensive repairs and increase the furnace’s lifespan.

To oil these parts, we will need to shut off your furnace’s gas and electricity supplies. Next, we’ll find your furnace’s oil ports and fill each one with a few drops of light oil.

Contact Furnace Professionals

A well-maintained furnace can last longer, perform better, and save you money on your utility bills. Furnace maintenance needs qualified and experienced furnace professionals who can inspect, clean, and repair your furnace as needed. Don’t wait until your furnace breaks down.

Contact us today at Mullen Plumbing, Heating and Cooling to schedule your furnace maintenance service in South Charleston and The Kanawha Valley. Our other services include plumbing repair, drain cleaning, faucet repair and installation, toilet repair and replacement, AC installation and repair, duct work, and more.

There’s a lot of discussion about what’s happening with fossil-fueled appliances, like gas furnaces. With all of this discussion, it’s easy to get confused about proposed and passed regulations and what you’ll have available in the future. Discover whether gas furnaces are being completely phased out, and the financial incentives available right now to help you convert to different forms of electric heating.

California: Phasing Out by the End of the Decade

The one state in the US that has made progress toward phasing out gas furnaces is California. Their plan is that by 2030, all new heaters sold will be zero-emission units, which means they aren’t burning gas. Homeowners won’t have to proactively replace gas-burning furnaces by this date, but will no longer have the option to replace them with a similar unit.

The drive behind this push is to reduce gas emissions. However, the benefit for homeowners is that newer technology systems offer better cost-efficiency in many climates. You’ll enjoy lower heating and cooling costs along with simplified maintenance. There is no regulated requirement for converting a gas furnace in West Virginia. However, there are several federal financial incentives if you choose to do so, both in the form of rebates and tax incentives.

Understanding Efficiency Improvements

When considering the options for updating your heating system, it’s critical to first understand the differences in evaluating heating efficiency. The HVAC industry uses two different standards for measuring heating efficiency. Furnaces use AFUE or Annualized Fuel Utilization Efficiency. This compares the amount of heat generated to the amount of heat lost in the exhaust. The highest-efficiency gas furnaces currently have an AFUE of just over 98%, losing less than 2% of the heat with exhaust.

Heat pumps, including geothermal heat pumps, use HSPF to measure efficiency, which stands for Heating Seasonal Performance Factor. This compares the total heat output for the season to the total energy consumed.

When talking about how the government looks at heating technology, they consider two factors. The first is gas emissions produced by the heating appliance. The second is the total energy consumed to heat your home. The financial incentives available aim to reduce both of these factors, protecting both the environment and lowering the costs for consumers.

Federal Rebates to Move Away From Gas

The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 both created new and extended some existing rebate programs. Rebates offer the purchaser cash back on their system. There are currently three Federal rebate programs, the HOMES Rebate, the High-Efficiency Home Rebate, and the High-Efficiency Electric Home Rebate.

HOMES Rebate Program

The Home Efficiency Rebate, also known as the HOMES rebate, is designed to help low- and moderate-income households. There are two factors that will determine how much you’ll qualify for your rebate. The first is that you must have a projected energy savings of at least 20%, with over 35% receiving the most benefit.

The second is your household’s income, with a maximum benefit of 50% of project costs for households with incomes greater than 80% of the area’s median income. For households with income lower than 80% of the area’s median income, the maximum benefit increases to 80% of the projected costs.

High-Efficiency Electric Home Rebate Act of 2023

This rebate requires a household income of less than 150% of the area’s median income. If your household’s income is between 80% and 150%, you may qualify for a maximum of 50% and for households with an income less than 80%, you may qualify for a full 100% rebate, up to $8,000.

Tax Credits That Encourage Converting

Aside from rebates, there are also several tax credit programs available to help offset the costs of these high-efficiency systems. While tax credits don’t offer cash back on your installation, they do help reduce your year-end tax liability.

Nonbusiness Energy Property Credit

This tax credit gives the homeowner a nonrefundable credit of 30% of heat pump installation costs, up to $2,000. The nonrefundable credit means it will reduce your tax liability, but won’t contribute toward a tax refund.

Residential Energy Efficient Property

All homeowners qualify for this tax credit for energy efficiency upgrades made to their primary residence. Geothermal heat pumps will qualify for a 30% tax credit up to $2,000, which can include installation costs. This is also a nonrefundable tax credit.

Since 1950, people around South Charleston have trusted Mullen Plumbing, Heating and Cooling for trusted home services. Our team provides AC and heating installation, maintenance and repair—along with a full range of residential plumbing services and indoor air quality solutions. Call to schedule a consultation with one of our expert technicians to explore converting to a high-efficiency heat pump.

If you are a homeowner, you might wonder how long your heating system is expected to last. We are here to answer that question. Different types of heaters have various life expectancies. Your specific heating system could be a gas or electric furnace, a boiler, or a heat pump. Besides the system type, whether or not you get regular maintenance for your heating system makes a substantial difference in how long it will last. Here are several factors that can give you a general idea of how long your system might last.

Type of Heating System

A traditional gas furnace should last 15–30 years or more with proper maintenance. On average, electric furnaces and boilers have a longer lifespan than gas varieties. They can function for 20 or more years if well maintained. Heat pumps usually last for around 15 years.

Make and Model of Your Unit

Not only does the category of heating system make a difference in how long it will last, but the quality of the system plays a significant role as well. Lower-end units will not generally last as long as higher-end ones. You cannot simply count on the brand since most brands have various costs and corresponding quality tiers.

Location Plays a Factor

The location of your heater can be a determining factor in its lifespan. For example, if your furnace is in a crawlspace, it will likely have a shorter lifespan than one in a garage. This is because heating systems in crawlspaces have to contend with pests, excess moisture, and outdoor temperatures. Encapsulation can help protect the heating system from the outside elements.

Heating systems installed in attics can also have shorter lifespans. The extreme heat that builds up in such a location makes them more prone to overheating. There are ways to decrease the risk. Proper insulation and ventilation can help limit heat damage.

Proper Maintenance

One cannot overstate how important proper maintenance is to the lifespan of your heating system. When you call us for maintenance, the tune-up includes many checkpoints, including changing filters. The technician will inspect the entire system, looking for worn, damaged, or otherwise failing components. They check and tighten all of the electrical connections. Cleaning and lubricating the system and conducting safety checks are also included.

All of these tasks help the system run more smoothly and efficiently. As a result, it extends the life of your system. We recommend a heating maintenance visit every fall before you turn the system on for the season. This helps avoid a breakdown when you need heating the most.

Proper Installation

Your heating system is only as good as the technician who installs it. A heater that is improperly installed is bound to have a reduced lifespan. You can rely on us for the proper installation of your next heating system.

The Right Company for Increasing the Lifespan of Your Heater

If you are in South Charleston, WV, or the surrounding area and are wondering about the lifespan of your heater, Mullen Plumbing, Heating and Cooling is here to help. We are a family-owned company that has been working on heating systems since 1950. Our experience with heating stretches back far enough that we can answer any questions you might have, regardless of the age of the unit. We are happy to offer peace of mind by looking at your heating system and offering recommendations for extending its lifespan. The services we offer do not end with heating systems, either. Our team hopes to be your go-to for all your air-conditioning and plumbing needs.

Unfortunately, no heating system will last forever. Continuing to use a heating system past its prime can result in high energy bills, inconsistent heating, and safety concerns. Should your heater be at the point where a replacement makes the most sense, our team can provide a quality installation and maintenance plan to optimize your new system’s longevity. With our installation services, we ensure that your new system is appropriately sized for your home, as that can also affect the lifespan of your heater. If you are ready to help your heating system last as long as possible, fill out our online form or give Mullen Plumbing, Heating and Cooling a call today.

Keeping your heater maintained is of paramount importance. You can avoid a variety of issues by making sure that your heater is running as well as it possibly can. Many people wonder just how often they should have their heater checked, and there are a few reasons that should prompt you to schedule a tune-up.

1. Gap in Usage

There can often be a period of several months during which you have not turned on your heating system at all. You may have taken a lengthy trip for a few months, or maybe you have more than one home, so the heater has stayed off. Perhaps it is just that it is too warm in the spring and summer to run it, but now the colder months are approaching. In any of these cases, it is worth making sure that your heater is working properly after being turned off for so long.

2. Moving Into a New Residence

If you have recently moved into a new residence, it is a good idea to have the heater checked. Once you move into a new place, you may not be certain of the last time the heating system was turned on, so it’s best to have it looked at to make sure that it’s working properly and efficiently.

If you have purchased a new home, the heater may not come with maintenance records, so you’ll have no way of knowing how well-maintained the heater is until you schedule an inspection with an HVAC professional. You’ll certainly want to have the system cleaned to get it up and running again after all the time the home sat on the market.

3. An Upcoming Change in Weather

The most typical reason for having your heater checked is that you are preparing for the fall and winter when the heater is going to be used the most often. Getting the heater checked ahead of the colder months is important so you can be sure that it works properly. Having your heater fail during the winter is an uncomfortable and possibly dangerous situation. It is best to have the heater checked well before you actually need it; that way, you do not have to get a technician to come out when other customers are having heater issues during the winter. This helps make sure that you will not have to wait for service.

4. Monetary Savings

Another fantastic reason for having your heater regularly checked is that it saves you money. Regular checks of your heating system help to make sure that your heater is running at optimal efficiency, which saves you money on energy costs. Having your heater checked also prevents any small issues that might be present from becoming larger ones, which could lead to costly repairs.

5. Safety

There is no better reason to have your heater checked than that it keeps you and your loved ones safe. When an HVAC professional inspects your heater, they will check for loose connections and leaks that could cause dangerous gases to escape into your home. When you get your HVAC tune-up, it’s a good reminder for you to change the batteries in your carbon monoxide detectors as well.

6. Regular Maintenance

You should have your heater checked at least once a year. It is recommended that this be done ahead of the colder months, preferably in late summer before the fall. Some customers opt to have it checked more often than that. Adding a service appointment in late spring can allow the technician to get your heater ready for the period of inactivity that will happen during the summer.

If you need a reminder to have your heater checked, smart thermostats come with the ability to set alerts so that you know when it is time for your annual heater inspection. Be sure that the inspection is done by a licensed and certified professional technician such as one from Mullen Plumbing, Heating and Cooling. This way, nothing will be overlooked. Doing it yourself or having an unlicensed contractor come in could void your equipment’s warranty.

Scheduling an Inspection

If you are in South Charleston, NC or the surrounding area and it is time to have your heater inspected, look no further than our team at Mullen Plumbing, Heating and Cooling. The roots of our company stretch back to 1950, and we have always put the needs of our customers first. Not only are we prepared to meet any of your heating needs, but we also offer a full range of cooling and plumbing services as well. Give Mullen Plumbing, Heating and Cooling a call today for your heater inspection so that you and your loved ones are never left in the cold.

A properly functioning heating system becomes paramount as the temperature drops and winter approaches. Many homeowners overlook the significance of regular heating tune-ups, assuming that everything is fine as long as the heat is on. However, neglecting routine maintenance can lead to a cascade of issues regarding comfort and safety. This article delves into the potential consequences of not getting a heating tune-up and highlights why preventive maintenance is crucial.

1.Reduced Efficiency

Reduced efficiency is one of the most immediate impacts of neglecting a heating tune-up. Over time, heating systems accumulate dust, debris, and wear and tear, causing them to work harder to achieve the same level of warmth. This inefficiency translates into higher energy bills as the system consumes more fuel or electricity than necessary. An annual tune-up can address issues like dirty filters, clogged vents, and worn-out components, ensuring your heating system operates optimally.

2. Increased Risk of Breakdown

Imagine the coldest night of the year, and your heating system suddenly breaks down. It’s not only uncomfortable but also potentially dangerous. Regular maintenance can significantly decrease the risk of unexpected breakdowns. During a tune-up, technicians can identify and address minor problems before they escalate into major malfunctions. By avoiding breakdowns, you save money on emergency repairs and ensure your family’s safety and comfort during harsh weather conditions.

3. Compromised Air Quality

Heating systems that haven’t been properly maintained can negatively impact indoor air quality. Dust, mold, and other contaminants can accumulate in the ducts and vents, circulating polluted air throughout your home. This can trigger allergies, worsen respiratory conditions, and compromise overall well-being. A heating tune-up includes cleaning and inspecting these components so you can have healthier indoor air quality for you and your loved ones. At Mullen Plumbing, Heating and Cooling, we have products that assist homeowners in getting the best indoor air quality in South Charleston and the Kanawha Valley.

4. Fire and Carbon Monoxide Hazards

Perhaps the most alarming consequence of neglecting heating maintenance is the potential for fire hazards and carbon monoxide leaks. Furnaces and heating systems that run on gas can develop cracks or malfunctions that lead to the release of carbon monoxide, a colorless, odorless, extremely toxic gas. Additionally, clogged or faulty components can increase the risk of overheating, possibly resulting in a fire. Regular tune-ups include safety checks and inspections.

5. Shortened System Lifespan

Heating systems are a substantial investment, and homeowners expect them to last for years. However, without proper care, the lifespan of your heating system can be significantly shortened. Components not regularly inspected and maintained are prone to premature wear and tear, leading to more frequent repairs and a shorter lifespan. A heating tune-up helps extend the life of your system, saving you money in the long run.

6. Voided Warranties

Many heating systems come with manufacturer warranties that require regular maintenance to remain valid. Neglecting tune-ups can lead to voided warranties, leaving you responsible for the full cost of repairs or replacements. Regular maintenance ensures a smoothly running system and protects your investment by upholding warranty terms.

7. Unpleasant Surprises

When you turn on your heating system after months of inactivity, you might be greeted with strange noises, odd smells, or weak airflow. These surprises are often indicators of underlying issues developed during the inactive period. A heating tune-up before the winter season can identify and address these issues, ensuring a seamless transition into the colder months.

In-home maintenance and heating systems deserve special attention, especially as winter approaches. Refrain from regular heating tune-ups to avoid problems ranging from reduced efficiency and increased energy bills to potential safety hazards. Homeowners can enjoy a comfortable, safe, and efficiently heated living space by prioritizing preventive maintenance. Remember, a heating tune-up is not just an expense. It’s an investment in your comfort, health, and the longevity of your heating system.

At Mullen Plumbing, Heating and Cooling, we offer replacements, installations, troubleshooting and repairs and maintenance for our clients in South Charleston, Kanawha Valley, Putnam County, WV and the surrounding areas. Our team of experts will assist you with all your heating and cooling needs. We start by assessing the situation before assembling everything that will be needed to handle the problem at hand in the best way. Our strategic approach saves our customers money and time.

Contact us today to learn more about our services!

Having a functional and high-performing furnace in your South Charleston, WV home is essential. One large part of keeping your heating system in excellent condition is learning about its components and understanding how to maintain them. Although you probably don’t think much about your furnace’s plenum, this component plays a vital role in hot air distribution. More importantly, if your furnace plenum fails, it can permanently damage your heating equipment. Read on to find out what a plenum is, what it does, and how you can take care of it.

What Is a Furnace Plenum?

The plenum is essentially the backbone of your HVAC system’s air distribution process. Also known as a plenum box, this component handles air as it enters the ductwork of your forced-air heating system. Furnace plenums regulate airflow and humidity as they bring air in, distribute it, and remove it. Indoor air enters this chamber when your heating system is on, and it exits via another plenum before it gets pushed throughout the building.

Different Plenum Types

Forced-air heating systems typically have two plenums: a supply plenum and a return plenum. The supply plenum moves fresh, heated or cooled air into the living environment. It also routes exhaust gases out of the building. The supply plenum box is the first place that warm air enters before it’s pushed through your ductwork and out of your heater vents, grilles, or registers.

Supply plenums are typically located at the lowest points of homes such as in their basements or garages. Supply plenum boxes have louvers for servicing various zones or rooms throughout buildings, and they’re usually made from aluminum, cast iron, or steel.

Return plenums do exactly what their name implies. They send air that’s already been heated and filtered back to furnaces via fans. Return plenums usually have their own air filters that keep heating equipment protected from airborne contaminants. Return plenum boxes draw indoor air in through the HVAC air vents and move it to the return outlets in furnaces.

Benefits Provided By the Furnace Plenum

Your furnace’s plenum streamlines the process of moving heated air both throughout the HVAC system and throughout your home. When installed and working correctly, a furnace plenum allows for quieter HVAC operation. Furnace plenums also optimize airflow so that indoor humidity is decreased and furnace stress is minimized.

It’s also important to note that the furnace plenum offers an additional measure of air filtration. Although the plenum filter is largely intended to protect your HVAC equipment, it still limits the number of particulates being circulated throughout your home. Thus, it allows for a higher indoor air quality (IAQ) overall.

Having a properly functioning furnace plenum can lower your home heating and cooling costs by maintaining the efficiency of your HVAC equipment. It can also extend the lifespan of your furnace by minimizing stress, preventing air pressure issues, and reducing exposure to micro-fine debris. Everyone in the building will breathe a bit easier due to your higher IAQ, and they won’t be bothered with loud humming or rattling sounds when your furnace is on.

How to Avoid Plenum Problems

The first step in making sure that your furnace plenum is working like it should is having it professionally installed. This is a job that should always be handled by a licensed HVAC technician. Mistakes that are made during plenum installation can cause the entire HVAC system to fail. HVAC failure can also occur if the plenum ever becomes blocked or excessively dirty.

The functioning and well-being of the plenum is affected by the condition of your HVAC ductwork. If your HVAC ductwork isn’t installed correctly or if it isn’t regularly maintained, this can cause damage to the furnace plenum and to the furnace itself.

Scheduling professional ductwork cleaning approximately once every three to five years and annual HVAC ductwork inspections should be sufficient for keeping duct-related plenum problems at bay. During your annual furnace service, your HVAC technician will inspect both the supply and return plenum boxes to check for blockages, air leaks, and other problems or signs of distress.

At Mullen Plumbing, Heating and Cooling, we have a longstanding reputation for providing fast, friendly, and reliable HVAC services. We’ve been serving residents of Southwest Charleston, West Virginia and the surrounding areas since 1979. Residents of the Kanawha Valley can turn to us for plumbing, heating, cooling, and water heater service. To find out more about your furnace’s plenum or to schedule furnace maintenance, give us a call!