Blog | Barron - Part 21

Barron Technician School providing classes, labs, on-the-job training for job candidates

September 7th, 2018

Barron Heating & Air Conditioning, seeking qualified candidates in a tight job market to fill positions at its three Northwest Washington locations, recently launched Barron Technician School at its Ferndale campus.

“Our team is seeking exceptional apprentice and journey-level HVAC, electrical, and plumbing candidates that are career-oriented, exhibit a positive attitude and have a strong desire to help others,” said John Barron, owner of Barron Heating. “Our campus is now equipped with fully functioning service and installation labs, with classes taught by industry leaders.”

Job candidates accepted by Barron Technician School are paid for their classroom, lab, and on-the-job training and don’t pay tuition. Employees are reimbursed for continuing education units and fees for trade-specific licensure. Entry-level apprentice HVAC wages begin around $16 per hour. Journey-level technician, electrician and plumbing wages can reach the $35-$45 per hour range for full-time, year-round positions.

“Our goal with Barron Technician School is to attract the best apprentice and journey-level job seekers,” said Brad Barron, who led the development of the school for Barron Heating. “We know that our on-the-job and BTS training approach results in the best-trained technicians, electricians, and plumbers. Our field managerial staff and BTS trainers have hundreds of years of combined experience.”

Barron Heating has become one of Northwest Washington’s largest and most respected home performance experts with locations in Ferndale, Burlington and Marysville. Approximately 130 employees serve customers in Whatcom, Skagit, Island, San Juan and Snohomish counties. Technicians, electricians and plumbers are busy all year because heating (winter) and cooling (summer) seasons are bridged by Barron Heating’s Air Solutions and energy systems services in the spring and fall.

Barron Heating’s Ferndale location is in the Pacific Industrial Park at 5100 Pacific Highway, along the east side of Interstate 5 between West Smith and Slater roads. For more information about Barron Technician School, call (360) 676-1131 or visit https://www.barronheating.com/barron-technician-school/.

HVAC During the In-Between Seasons

August 29th, 2018

Knowing when to switch your thermostat from heating to cooling mode isn’t always easy. Keeping air circulating is important in the spring and fall, but the weather is often so mild that you may not need the power of your furnace or air conditioner to stay comfortable. As summer winds down, here are some things to keep in mind when it comes to your heating and cooling equipment:

Don’t turn off your equipment

It’s important to keep air circulating during the spring and fall, especially if you suffer from allergies. If your equipment doesn’t seem to be coming on as often or the air is getting stale, try setting the fan on your thermostat to “ON.”

Commit to your thermostat settings

While it can be hard to know when to change your thermostat from one mode to the other, it’s important to not keep switching back and forth. On and off cycles are the biggest energy hog for a heating and cooling system, so keeping them to a minimum is key.

Don’t rely on open windows

Again, keeping your air clean during the fall and spring is very important to stave off allergies and pollutants in the air, so open windows sparingly.

Consider investing in a heat pump

A heat pump and gas furnace can be an ideal duo for year-round heating and cooling in your home, allowing you to always use the most efficient heat source for the season. Heat transfer (the heating method used by a heat pump) is more energy efficient than heat creation (the method used by space heaters). As we come into these milder September nights, when you don’t yet need the power of your furnace, your heat pump can step in to keep you cozy.

Want to learn more about operating your heating and cooling equipment during the mild seasons, or stepping up your system? Contact the Barron Heating Team today!

7 Deadly HVAC Sins

August 17th, 2018

Are you guilty of bad homeowner HVAC habits? Here are seven deadly sins that could affect the lifespan and efficiency of your heating and cooling equipment.

1. Constantly adjusting the thermostat

Start-up and shut-down is the most wearing part of your air conditioner or gas furnace’s job. When you are constantly adjusting the thermostat, on and off cycles can be much more frequent.

2. Planting too close to your equipment

Blocked airflow is a killer for efficiency and performance. Placing outdoor plants too close to your equipment can block airflow — or worse — grow into and affect components, leading to costly emergency repair.

3. Closing registers and vents

Heating and cooling equipment is designed for a certain amount of space. When you close registers and vents, or block them with furniture, you are altering the amount of space to be heated or cooled. This makes your system act like it is improperly sized, which can lead to longer run times, a frozen evaporator coil and shorter system life.

4. Using a condenser cover

Condenser covers can affect airflow – decreasing the life of your system, lengthening run times and affecting your overall comfort.

5. Forgetting to change the furnace filter

A dirty filter can block airflow and significantly lower the quality of your indoor air. Disposable filters can be inexpensive and relatively easy to change out. At the very least, change your filter every season.

6. DIY repairs, maintenance and installation

There is a reason why technicians go to school, attend additional trainings and carry licenses. HVAC systems are complicated pieces of equipment and require a skilled hand for installation, maintenance and repairs. So, save yourself money in the long run and leave it to the professionals.

7. Not scheduling preventative maintenance

Neglecting maintenance is the worst habit of all! Make sure to have your air conditioner looked at in the spring and your gas furnace in the fall to catch minor issues before they become big ones. Your service technician will make sure that your equipment is running as efficiently as possible, saving you money during the peak season. Barron makes it even easier with a WholeHome™ maintenance membership – never forget your preventative maintenance again!

Have you scheduled your annual WholeHome™ membership maintenance yet? Contact Barron Heating today! 1-800-328-7774

What’s That Noise?

July 17th, 2018

Is your heating and cooling system getting NOISY? There are some hums, squeaks and pops that can alert you to issues, while others are just a result of normal operation. If your equipment is not new, but you are noticing new noises, give Barron a call! 1-800-328-7774

BE AWARE OF THE FOLLOWING:

• Air moving in your ductwork

This is a normal indication that your equipment is running, but if you notice a loud hissing or a change in airflow, there could be a blockage or leak in your ducts.

• Hum from your outdoor condenser

Even the most efficient air conditioner will make some noise while operating. Newer units may be quieter, while older ones may be obvious every time they kick on. Make note of changes – especially loud bangs or thumps.

• Squeaks during startup or shutdown

While a squeak may be normal for older units, most squeals are generally an indication that it is time for a tune-up. If your unit is newer, this can be an indication that a part is dirty or loose.

• Scurrying or thumps in your ductwork

Household pests may make your ductwork their home. If you hear what sounds like an animal moving behind your walls or vents, have someone come out and inspect your system.

• Popping or crackling inside your ductwork

Metal ductwork expands and contracts as it is heated and cooled. This is completely normal, but if the pops are interfering with your daily routine, Barron can help.

Barron Heating donating ductless heat pump systems and furnaces valued at over $25,000

July 11th, 2018

Barron Heating & Air Conditioning’s Christmas in July giving event is a way to emphasize giving and compassion for others.

Barron Heating is seeking recommendations through July 31 for families in need in Whatcom, Skagit, Island, San Juan and Snohomish counties. Three families will be selected to receive a Daikin Ductless Heat Pump installed at their home.

Also, $100 will be donated to a “furnace fund” from the sale of each Daikin comfort system purchased between now and Aug. 31, making it possible for another three families to be given a new furnace later this year.

The value of the heat pumps and furnaces with installation is estimated at more than $25,000.

“We know there are good families in our communities who are facing difficult challenges,” said John Barron, owner of Barron Heating. “A ductless heat pump delivers energy efficient heating and cooling, providing year-round comfort to a family that otherwise may not have heat this winter.”

The ductless heat pumps will dramatically cut energy costs for the families receiving them. The average monthly cost of using a ductless heat pump in an average-sized home is about one-fourth the cost of using an electric or oil furnace and about one-fifth the cost of electric baseboard heating.

Family recommendations may be made at www.barronheating.com/christmasinjuly/ or any of the three Barron Heating locations.

Barron Heating has become one of Northwest Washington’s largest and most respected home performance experts with locations in Ferndale, Burlington, and Marysville. Approximately 130 employees serve customers in Whatcom, Skagit, Island, San Juan and Snohomish counties.

Committed to improving lives through its Air Solutions team and Certified Home Performance Experts, Barron Heating provides a wide range of heating, cooling, and indoor air-quality products and services, as well as a large selection of stoves and fireplaces.

Barron Heating’s Ferndale location is in the Pacific Industrial Park at 5100 Pacific Highway, along the east side of Interstate 5 between West Smith and Slater roads. Hours are 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays. For more information, call (360) 676-1131 or visit www.barronheating.com.

Welcome Michael Takemura!

May 8th, 2018

Barron Heating & Air Conditioning recently appointed Michael Takemura to manage its division responsible for providing indoor air quality solutions and energy efficiency in homes and businesses.

As Building Performance Manager, Takemura leads the Home & Building Performance Division team of licensed engineers who analyze air quality and energy efficiency to help develop custom solutions for each home and commercial building.

“Home and building performance is so exciting to me because it really gets to the root of the customer’s discomfort,” Takemura said. “It’s a method backed by scientific data that shows customers how they can improve their comfort, health and indoor air quality while saving money in the process.”

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, most commercial duct systems leak 20 percent over recommended levels. “That means more than 20 percent of the air that you are paying to heat or cool is leaking out to areas it is not intended,” Takemura said.

Takemura is a Certified Air Duct Cleaning Specialist and Building Analyst after completing requirements of both the National Air Duct Cleaners Association and the Building Performance Institute.

The comfort and health of family members and employees are becoming top priorities for many home and business owners, according to John Barron, owner of Barron Heating.

“More often than not, just replacing the furnace or heat pump won’t solve common challenges such as hot or cold rooms, excessive dust and high utility bills,” Barron said.

Barron Heating has become one of Northwest Washington’s largest and most respected providers of home comfort products and services with locations in Burlington, Ferndale and Marysville. Approximately 125 employees serve customers in five counties: Skagit, Whatcom, Island, San Juan and Snohomish.

Get Your AC Unit Ready for Summer

April 23rd, 2018

Don’t wait until your family is uncomfortably hot this summer to check in on your air conditioning unit. Make sure its ready to beat the heat by following these simple steps below.

Barron Heating installs largest commercial solar electric system in Whatcom County

January 9th, 2018

There may be no ceiling to the potential electricity savings that solar energy offers, but Barron Heating & Air Conditioning found their roof to be a good place to start.

Late last summer, Barron Heating installed the largest commercial solar electric system in Whatcom County at its Ferndale headquarters. The solar array consists of 375 panels on the roof of its Fabrication and Warehouse building. The panels are tied to seven inverters, creating a 123.75 kW system.

“This solar project, in conjunction with an LED lighting overhaul of our facilities, takes Barron Heating’s Ferndale campus to net positive electrical generation,” owner John Barron said. “We now generate more electricity annually than we use in our two Ferndale buildings.”

Barron added that by saving $13,000 annually in electricity costs, the project will pay for itself in less than four years.

“This shows that environmental stewardship and smart business go hand in hand,” Barron said. “We encourage other businesses to look into the opportunities that solar energy provides.”

Barron Heating has become one of Northwest Washington’s largest and most respected providers of home comfort products and services with locations in Ferndale, Burlington and Marysville. The Bellingham/Whatcom Chamber of Commerce named the company its Green Business of the Year in 2013. Approximately 115 employees serve customers in five counties: Whatcom, Skagit, Island, San Juan and Snohomish.

Barron Heating offers a wide range of heating and air conditioning products and services, including ductless heat pump and in-floor radiant systems. It also features a large selection of gas, wood and pellet stoves and fireplaces.

The Right Insulation for Your Part of the Country

November 3rd, 2017

No matter what part of the country you live in, you do in fact, need home insulation to some degree. The more extreme temperatures that you face throughout the year, the more obvious it will become that you will need to improve your existing level of insulation. For example, if you live in a colder climate, you will know pretty quickly what areas of your home are letting cold air in when a cold snap hits. Those old windows and doors let you know in a very brutal and unforgiving fashion just how much air is coming into your home on a daily basis. This realization can be jarring, but luckily, there are steps you can take to keep the cold at bay in the winter and the hot air outside in the summer!

In this article, we will cover some tips on what kind of insulation is right for your part of the country and the region in which you live. If you live in New England, parts of the West or the Midwest, you already know that insulation is your friend. However, what you may not realize is that not all insulation is created equal. If you find that your home is very cold in the winter, the fact is that you don’t have to live with this problem. Further, this issue is costing you a great deal of money in the form of energy bills that are higher than they need to be.

There are many ways that you can make your home a warmer one. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, older homes often have less insulation than more modern ones. Yet, even if you do have a new home, you can likely recap the cost of your insulation in just a few years. [1] The good news is that if you live in a cold climate, taking steps to improve insulation will help you save money in the summer months as well. Draft proofing is such an easy fix that homeowners often overlook this issue. Easy changes, such as adding insulated curtains and insulated shades, are a quick way to deal with window related issues. Another way is to use insulated strips around your windows. Doors are another problem area, and insulated strips can help there as well.

Aside from windows and doors, you can also consider drafts from floorboards, keyholes, pipework and ceiling to wall joints. [2] Much of your heating loss in the winter may be due to poor insulation in your attic and in your walls. Spray foam insulation can work well in both cases. If you need more attic insulation or wall insulation, spray foam can really do the trick, as it can get into these hard to reach spots and bring your home’s R-value up literally overnight! You might be tempted to use a spray foam insulation kit for this job, but for the most reliable and optimal results, you will want to opt for letting a professional handle it. If you live in a warmer climate, such as the South or Southwest, you will want to keep the cool air produced by your heating and cooling unit on the inside and the hot air on the outside. The points that we have discussed thus far will also work very well for keeping your home cool.

Some additional items you will want to consider are steps such as adding a solar powered attic fan. Attic temperatures can exceed 160 degrees, and an attic fan can reduce costs by up to 30%. [3] A solar powered attic fan will work to keep hot air from building up in your attic. Obviously, a build up of hot air in your attic will make your entire home warmer, so keeping this from occurring should be a top priority. Follow the tips that we have outlined here in this article, and you will find that your home is just the temperature you want it to be year round. Just imagine all that you can do with the considerable amount of money that you will save both this year and in years to come.

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Barron Heating and Air Conditioning celebrating 45th anniversary

September 27th, 2017

Barron Heating and Air Conditioning, founded by Dan and Vivian Barron in 1972, is celebrating its 45^th anniversary Saturday, Oct. 7 at its Ferndale showroom.

Now owned by John Barron and Bill Pinkey, Barron Heating will be offering appetizers and cake from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Customers also may complete entries at the showroom during this time for a prize drawing. The winner may choose from a Daikin Ductless heat pump, a fireplace from Hearth & Home Technologies. The drawing will be conducted Oct. 23 after anniversary celebrations at Barron Heating showrooms in Burlington (Oct. 14) and Marysville (Oct. 21).

Barron Heating has become one of Northwest Washington’s largest and most respected providers of home comfort products and services. The Bellingham/Whatcom Chamber of Commerce named the company its Green Business of the Year in 2013. Approximately 100 employees serve customers in five counties; Whatcom, Skagit, Island, San Juan and Snohomish.

“We specialize in home performance & duct leakage testing,” John Barron said. “We recently added AeroSeal, a new technology that seals ductwork from the inside out, to our services that can greatly improve comfort, health and energy efficiency for customers.”

Barron Technician School providing classes, labs, on-the-job training for job candidates