hvac-Blog Articles

When to Replace (or Repair) Your Heat Pump

November 7, 2023
Technician checking a heat pump

Wondering when to repair or replace a heat pump? This article has you covered.

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Tank vs. Tankless Water Heater

October 26, 2023
Technician checking water heater

Learn more about tank vs. tankless water heaters and how to decide which is best for you.

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How to Prevent Mold in Your HVAC System (and HVAC Mold Removal if it’s Found)

October 26, 2023
Burns & McBride team member working on a Carrier HVAC unit.

Mold in your HVAC system can be dangerous. Learn how to check for it, prevent it, and get it removed.

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How Often Should You Change Your HVAC Filter?

October 2, 2023
Burns & McBride team member working on a Carrier HVAC unit.

Your HVAC air filter is an important part of your home’s air conditioning and heating system. It helps to keep the air in your home clean and free of dust, pollen, pet dander, and other allergens. A dirty air filter can reduce the efficiency of your HVAC system, which can lead to higher energy bills…

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HVAC Maintenance Tips for Winter

October 2, 2023
Technician providing emergency services on a heater

The winter months can be a tough time for your HVAC system. The cold weather can put a strain on your furnace, and the increased use of your heating system can lead to more wear and tear. That’s why it’s important to take some time to winterize your HVAC system and keep it in good working…

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Protect Your Home with Surge Protectors for Your HVAC System

June 28, 2023
Lightning striking near a house.

Protecting your HVAC system from a power surge can help avoid costly repairs and other issues. Read on to learn the benefits of surge protectors for HVAC equipment.

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How to Reduce Your Heating Bill in the Winter

May 26, 2023
A couple wrapped in blankets in their home.

Is your heating bill too high? Read on to learn how you can reduce your heating bill this winter.

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What to Do if Your Water Heater is Leaking

May 26, 2023
Call an expert if you find a leaky water heater.

What should you do if your water heater is leaking? Read tips and step-by-step instructions.

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Are HVAC Maintenance Plans Worth It?

December 6, 2022
Technician providing emergency services on a heater

Are wondering if HVAC service contracts are worth it? Read about the possible benefits of a maintenance plan.

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Efficiency Changes for Air Conditioners in Delaware

September 16, 2022
Man and woman look at an ipad during an HVAC service call with a Burns & McBride technician.

Big changes are coming to Delaware homeowner’s who are looking to buy air conditioning or heat pump systems after January 1, 2023.  Every six years the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) looks at their established efficiency standards. The last time they did this was in 2017. For 2023, the DOE is increasing the minimum efficiency…

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Founders Tom & Mike are on the move…

August 9, 2022
Tom and Mike sketch

Tom McBride and Mike Burns founded Burns & McBride Home Comfort in 1949, shortly after World War II. Tom and Mike were both working in the heating and fuel industry. Tom McBride worked as a truck driver for the Esso company, which is known as Exxon today. He delivered gasoline to area service stations in…

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5 Tips to Improve Your Indoor Air Quality This Fall

October 21, 2021
Fall Indoor Air Quality

As fall weather approaches, we will be closing up our homes for the cold weather. Get ready for cooler weather here in New Castle by making sure you and your family are breathing the best possible air. Be sure to focus on enhancing your indoor air quality (IAQ) so that you can boost your overall home comfort and enjoy the autumn season to its fullest.

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Video Adds Layer of Transparency to Service Calls

October 13, 2021
XOi Technologies

Burns & McBride Home Comfort, we are outfitting our heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) pros with XOi Technologies’ software. This mobile app enhances communication with our customers in Delaware, Maryland, and Pennsylvania. 

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Conventional HVAC or a Heat Pump: Which Is Better?

September 30, 2021
heat pump, traditional hvac

Pennsylvania homeowners don’t give that a second thought—until the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system breaks down and replacement decisions need to be made. Today, the majority of homes either use a conventional air conditioner (AC) and furnace combination or a heat pump. Our team at Burns & McBride is well-versed in the difference as well as the benefits of each type of system.

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Fall HVAC Maintenance

September 17, 2021
fall hvac maintenance

Whether you’re prepared or not, the summer months and warmer weather are gone, moving aside for fall and cooler temps. That means here in  you need to think about preparing your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system for fall maintenance.

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4 Health Benefits for Using Your AC While Sleeping

August 30, 2021
sleep benefits of ac

your air conditioner during the hot summer days. You also need to keep your home comfortably cool at night as well.

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Why Is My AC Blowing Hot Air?

August 19, 2021
why is my ac blowing hot air?

We are truly in the heart of the summer in New Castle when the floor fans and the open windows just don’t cut it anymore. You head over to your thermostat and select “air conditioner” and wait for that refreshing icy air to start blowing out of your vents. When you check a few minutes later, you feel only hot air. Why?

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How Can You Manage Your Home’s Humidity?

July 31, 2021
managing your home's humidity

Indoor humidity is a drag. It makes relaxing extremely difficult—after all, you are sweating inside your home! It can affect your health, triggering asthma attacks and flaring allergies. It tends to put everyone in a sluggish mood—even the goldfish. Let’s zap that excess moisture right out of the room, and look at ways to manage your Delaware home’s relative indoor humidity.

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5 Ways to Save Money on Your AC and Summer Energy Bill

July 16, 2021
AC_A_005 How to Save Money on AC_NEW_1

During the hot summer months, we are all looking to save some pennies where we can. So why not start with your costly utility bills?

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Common AC Purchasing Mistakes to Avoid

June 30, 2021
AC Purchasing Mistakes to Avoid

When it’s time to invest in a major home appliance like an air conditioner (AC), you want to be well informed. The good news is technology has made it easy to gather a great deal of information in a short period of time. The bad news is there are so many makes and models of air conditioners available, the entire process can get quickly overwhelming.

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Burns & McBride Awarded Energy Star National Award

June 23, 2021
Happy couple making organic juice

One of our truly great rewards at Burns & McBride Home Comfort comes from helping our Delaware neighbors reduce their energy bills while improving the comfort of their homes.

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HVAC Ways To Go Green

June 17, 2021
HVAC Ways to go green

Going green is all the rage. And it’s understandable why. We all have a responsibility to care for the world around us for future generations. You probably already take at least small steps to do things like reduce, reuse, and recycle.

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5 Benefits of a Ductless System

June 1, 2021
ductless system

Maybe you’re ready to go green with your heating and cooling, switching from your traditional furnace and air conditioner to a ductless system. Or you’ve finally added on that rec room or plan to heat and cool your garage. Now is a great time to install a ductless system.

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3 Telltale Signs It’s Time for a New AC

May 25, 2021
3 telltale signs its time for a new ac

Should you repair or replace? That’s always the big question when it comes to major home systems like air conditioning (AC). Repairs are easier on the pocketbook in the short run, but too many of them can add up.

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Why Is Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Important?

May 10, 2021

Energy-efficient homes are more common than ever. Although they provide many benefits, including reducing overall energy usage and a smaller carbon footprint, they come with some disadvantages as well.

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What the Heck is a “Hybrid” Water Heater?

May 5, 2021
heat pump water heaters, hybrid water heaters, water tap with hot water steam, closeup view

Many of us are familiar with heat pumps. They have been heating and cooling homes in Delaware for years. But over the past few years this technology has come to the world of water heaters.

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5 Benefits of a Preseason Tune-Up

April 30, 2021
preseason tune up. Burns & McBride team member sitting fixing an HVAC unit outside.

At Burns & McBride, we work hard to keep your Wilmington home comfortable and want to ensure it remains this way for you over summer. With proper heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) maintenance, your system can operate more efficiently and continue providing comfort for the remainder of its service life.

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Why Do I Need AC Maintenance Now?

April 16, 2021
why do I need ac maintenance now?

An air conditioner (AC), just like a car, needs regular maintenance and service to run efficiently. At Burns & McBride, we recommend getting your air conditioning unit serviced and cleaned at least once a year. The optimum time is in the spring to ensure your system will run with the most efficiency during the hottest summer months. You need to be able to rely on your air conditioner for your comfort here in Wilmington.

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Rebates and Savings for Upgrading to a New HVAC System

March 21, 2021
Mom with kid girl dancing in living room. They are happy to save money when upgrading their HVAC system.

Looking for a way to reduce your energy usage and cut down the associated heating and cooling expenses for your Delaware home? Upgrade to a brand new heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system today. A new HVAC system offers higher energy efficiency and can help you slash your energy bills down by up to…

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Why Won’t My Furnace Stop Running?

February 15, 2021
why won't my furnace stop running?

Is your furnace blowing air without pause? If so, you’re probably feeling a bit concerned. First, your Wilmington house most likely feels like an oven. On top of that, your utility bill will be considerably higher with your furnace constantly running. Believe it or not, this is a fairly common problem our professionals at Burns & McBride see frequently, so you don’t need to worry.

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Can Aprilaire Products Improve the Indoor Air Quality of My Home?

January 18, 2021
grandparents having tea with their young grandson, Aprilaire indoor air quality products

When it comes to the indoor air quality (IAQ) of your Wilmington home, creating a clean and safe environment is more important than ever.

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Furnace Pressure Switches

December 17, 2020
Cheerful couple looking out of the window, Furnace Pressure Switches

Though you may not give much thought to the furnace in your Wilmington home, knowing a bit about it and how it works can come in handy. At Burns & McBride, our heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) professionals are always here to help and to answer any furnace questions you may have.

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Why Isn’t My Furnace Heating My Entire Home?

November 7, 2020
Middle-aged woman siting comfortable and enjoys tea

If your furnace seems to be producing heat inconsistently around your home to you, you’re not alone. Many homes have varied conditions from room to room causing spotty heating or cooling. We at Burns & McBride want you to be comfortable at home; you deserve to be! Here are seven furnace problems that could be causing uneven heat:

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Improve Your Home’s Indoor Air Quality

October 15, 2020
Improve Your Home's Indoor Air Quality, electric fan in bedroom

Stand outdoors on one of those days when the weather feels perfect, take a few deep breaths, and enjoy the fresh air. Later, take another deep breath—only inside your Delaware home. How does it compare?

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What Indoor Air Quality Accessories Can Help Keep Me Healthy?

September 22, 2020
Beautiful Caucasian young woman in casual clothes with yellow gloves cleaning furniture in living room at home.

Our Burns & McBride team wants to share with you the following list of the different indoor air quality accessories available out there. Making an investment in one or more of these helpful technologies and tools for your home just might help you and your family breathe a little easier.

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How can Your HVAC Equipment Help Protect Against Coronavirus?

September 20, 2020
Coronavirus with an orange background.

At Burns & McBride, our top priority is the health and safety of you and your loved ones. We take great pride in selling indoor air quality products to homes and businesses that are energy efficient, environmentally friendly—and extremely effective when it comes to improving your indoor air quality.

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COVID-19: What Protective Steps Are We Taking?

August 22, 2020
Burns & McBride logo

Our technicians are operating more tentatively than usual, taking the following precautions:

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What Do Those HVAC Ratings Mean?

February 5, 2017

If you’ve been shopping for a new HVAC system, you keep hearing all sorts of acronyms like “EER,” “SEER,” “AFUE,” or “HSPF” . If you don’t know what they mean, you should – all of these acronyms are rating systems that are used to score HVAC units on their efficiency. These ratings can be very important…

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Take Advantage of Energize Delaware

January 31, 2017

Posted on January 31, 2017 by burnsandmcbride Use the Home Performance with ENERGY STAR Program to Save Thousands of Dollars on Qualifying Equipment Energize Delaware is a program sponsored by the Delaware Sustainable Energy Utility to help you save energy and money . This program is there to help Delaware property owners  by paying some of…

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Customer is Warm and Safe After Winning a New Heater

December 28, 2016

Posted on December 28, 2016 by burnsandmcbride We are pleased to announce the winner of our Free Heater Contest. Ms. Lynn Spera of New Castle DE was our winner out of nearly 200 applicants She told us that she held her breath every time she needed to turn the heater on!  But thanks to Burns &…

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Why Protect Your Home with Surge Protectors

July 28, 2016

Surge Protectors A power surge happens in a split second – a thousandth of the time it takes you to blink your eyes. Maybe you see the lights flicker, or your computer locks up for no apparent reason. Maybe you don’t notice anything at all. But that little spike in the current flowing through the wires…

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What is Ductless Air Conditioning?

July 25, 2016
mitsubishi units

  Ductless technology has been around for more than 50 years, but has only been available to Delaware homeowners for about thirty years. In Japan, ductless accounts for 90% of all HVAC systems sold and in more than 80% in Europe. “Ductless” is a great product for people who: Have an older home with window…

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Is Professional HVAC Service Worth the Added Cost?

April 4, 2015

The cost of being an adult is huge. From groceries to cable bills and car payments, the amount of money owed each month is ridiculous. Who wants to add another bill with regular HVAC service? Having your heating or cooling system serviced on a regular basis may seem like a task you can skimp out…

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Everything You Need to Know About Air Conditioning System

April 4, 2015

  As a home owner, it is important to understand the basics of an air conditioning system. Most home owners know nothing about their system and find that they pay more than they can afford for new systems once the original unit is beyond repair. By understanding the basics of an air conditioning system, home…

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No Heat? Here’s a Few Things to Look For

March 8, 2015

Posted on March 8, 2015 by burnsandmcbride All of a sudden the house feels chilly. The Heater isn’t working! With the cold weather we’ve just been through many homeowners have had this problem. Here are a few things to look for: Start with the Thermostat Is the system selector switch in the “HEAT” position? Is…

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Thinking of Switching to Natural Gas?

March 8, 2015

Posted on March 8, 2015 by burnsandmcbride Thinking of converting to natural gas? Delmarva Power has been aggressively running natural gas lines everywhere they can reach. Do you live in an area or community that has natural gas available? If you heat with oil or propane, you may be thinking of switching to natural gas.…

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Burns & McBride Named Carrier Presidential Award Winner For 3rd Year

March 8, 2015

  We are pleased and humbled to announce that we have been selected as one of the Carrier Corporation’s Presidential Award winners for the third consecutive year Carrier selected 128 dealers throughout the entire country to award its President’s Award. This an honor is presented annually to a select few Carrier dealers who exemplify the…

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