What is the importance of a vent pipe and whistle?

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As oil is being pumped into a heating oil tank from your fill pipe, it displaces air. The air flows out of the vent pipe, which causes the whistling sound. When the vent pipe stops whistling, this indicates to our driver the tank is full. In most cases that is true, but sometimes your vent could be clogged with dirt, cobwebs, insects, etc… Without a working whistle, a driver can not put fuel in a basement tank. Sometimes our delivery driver can clear the clog while on site. In the event of an extreme blockage, a service technician may be needed.

Under normal operation (when we are not filling) your vent is designed to relieve the vacuum created from your oil burner pulling oil from the tank.

It is important during winter months to make sure snow and ice are cleared from your fill and vent pipe, as well as having a clear path to your fill for our delivery drivers.

Here comes the cooler weather!

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Cooler weather is coming – be ready. Bet you thought we were going to say “Winter is Coming.”

With the cooler weather just around the corner, here are a few tips on getting your heating system ready.

  • Check and if needed, change your air filters. A dirty air filter will diminish the efficiency of your unit
  • Test your thermostat to make sure your system is working. On a cool day, test run your heater by setting the thermostat to a higher temperature. If your system does not reach that temperature, you may need service
  • Schedule your annual tune-up. Having a technician service your unit prior to the full heating season is a good way to catch any problems before they become big problems
  • Make sure your air vents are not obstructed by furniture. Blocking and air vent can make your unit work harder
  • Insulating your attic and weather stripping doors and windows is great for adding another barrier to the cold wind that makes your system work harder

If you have any questions or would like to schedule an annual tune-up please call our office. 302-738-4144 or 410-398-2146 www.HillsideHVAC.com

Recent Testimonials from Hillside Customers

Hillside is always proud to boast when our employees receive reviews from customers. Our service department has been busy tuning up and repairing equipment. Here are a few recent testimonials from customers of Hillside’s maintenance, repairs, and installations.

“Mike & Shawn were both great, friendly, informative, and helpful.” – Janet P. from Hockessin 7/20/2017

“Very good service. Techs were friendly & efficient.” – Ann C from Wilmington 5/13/2017

“Mike is the best HVAC person we have ever had. His intern will be good too.” – Mark S. from Elkton 4/14/2017

“Technician was very pleasant and knowledgeable. Highly recommend Hillside for service(Tom)” – Karen D. from Wilmington 3/28/2017

“It was a pleasure to have a friendly, cheerful, and efficient technician service my boiler.” – Joline F. from Landenberg 3/10/2017

If your system is in need of repair, replacement, or maintenance, mention this email and receive $50 off the standard rate of a service call! We promise YOU will be the next Hillside customer writing a positive testimonial.

How long do oil tanks last?

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Oil tanks last many years, but they eventually give out.

Life spans vary depending on the humidity, the thickness of the steel and more. And when tanks do fail, it’s hard to see it coming, because they can erode from the inside out.

If your tank is more than 30 years old, we recommend replacing it.

Request a FREE tank replacement estimate →

150 dollars

Mention this article to receive $100 off your purchase of a new Roth tank.

Today’s oil tanks are light-years ahead of the old models.

The new generation of Roth aboveground tanks we install are the most environmentally safe tanks available. They feature a sleek design and double-wall construction that includes an outer tank of corrosion-resistant galvanized steel.

When we replace your old tank, we can also bring your fuel lines up to code. This provides even more insurance against leaks.

Helpl! I Have No Heat!

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If you’ve ever gone without heat in the middle of winter, you know how uncomfortable that can be. It’s risky for your plumbing, too, as water in your pipes can begin to freeze. During extreme weather—piles of snow and extremely low temperatures outside—going without heat can even be dangerous. How can you avoid this scenario? Make sure you have enough heating oil.

Running out of heating fuel is very common, and completely avoidable. Hillside HVAC offers the option of automatic delivery. This gives you peace of mind that your tank will never go empty, and this service doesn’t cost a penny more! While some companies charge extra for automatic delivery service, we believe that this service is not only a convenience for the customer but also for us.

We use a proven, industry-standard, computer-calculated mathematical formula to know when you need an oil delivery. The degree-days formula uses your delivery history together with local weather to forecast when deliveries are needed. If you are a new client, we base our estimate on an average of similar-sized homes in your area.*

Of course, you can also experience a lack of heat due to heating system or fuel tank failure. When your tank is not empty but the heating system has stopped blowing hot air, this is a mechanical failure of sorts. Not to worry: Hillside has a full-service department to fix or replace equipment, no matter the type of system you have. Call us, and we’ll quickly restore heat to your home. Our service trucks are fully stocked to handle most service issues in one visit.

Give Hillside HVAC a call today so you can be prepared this winter!

DE: (302) 738-4144
MD: (410) 398-2146

*Deliveries may not be made if an account has an outstanding balance, or if there is an unsafe condition due to fill, vent, or tank issues.

Is Your Home Ready for Cold Weather?

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Automatic Oil Delivery DE, MD, PA mascot CharlieAt Hillside HVAC, we see all too often the issues that arise from improper equipment maintenance. With cold weather settling in, here are some tips to get ready.

Test run your equipment. None of us wants to turn on the heat sooner than necessary. A test run gives peace of mind that your unit will come on when you need it. If your heater won’t kick on, it’s best you know before you actually need heat. A good time for a test run is one of these chilly evenings.

Change air filters regularly. This is the easiest, cheapest thing you can do to help avoid problems in your heating system. Depending on what type of filter you have, it should be checked or changed every 1 to 3 months. Even if you have expensive cleanable air filters that last a year, it is still worth a minute’s time to check them for dirt or anything that might block airflow.

Tune up your equipment. A little preventative maintenance goes a long way in avoiding untimely breakdowns and prolonging the life of your heating equipment. Hillside offers maintenance, repair, and tune-up service, as well as annual maintenance plans for most equipment types.

Close unused heating vents. If you have areas of your home that don’t need to be heated to a comfortable sitting temperature, close off the registers or vents. There’s no need to waste your money.

Look into replacing your equipment. While new equipment is a major expense, the payback time for more efficient equipment is getting shorter and shorter. An investment today can bring you utility cost savings in just a few years. Hillside ALWAYS gives free estimates on new and replacement equipment. Financing is available for qualifying individuals.

Consider a programmable thermostat. Ideal for people who leave and return home at the same time each day, programmable thermostats turn your system on and off to meet your schedule. It is warm when you get home and you still save money. If your schedule is unpredictable, consider a thermostat that is accessible using your smartphone or the Internet. Remotely turn your equipment on or off, adjust the temperature, check the outside temperature, and even change your program schedule! This is the ONLY thermostat that has no monthly, annual, or maintenance fees.

For more information, reach out to us at 302-738-4144 (Delaware) or 410-398-2146 (Maryland). We look forward to serving you!

Are you covered for winter?

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We’re well into fall and winter isn’t that far away, so we hope you’ve had your annual heating tune-up done by now (or at least have it scheduled). That service can lower your chance of a winter breakdown and help you use less fuel.

For total peace of mind, we recommend enrolling in our Heating Maintenance Plan, which provides you with two great options to save you money.

Our basic plan, available for only $59 per year, provides you with:

  • a discounted tune-up rate
  • 15% off any service invoice
  • credit toward a replacement system
  • no overtime charges for no-heat emergencies on nights or weekends
  • upfront pricing on all repairs, so you’ll know the cost before we do any work

Download Hillside’s Heating Maintenance Plan

Our higher-level plan, available for $269 annually, takes your coverage a few steps further, and includes:

  • a no-cost tune-up
  • 50% off any service invoice
  • credit toward a replacement system
  • no overtime charges for no-heat emergencies on nights or weekends
  • upfront pricing on all repairs, so you’ll know the cost before we do any work

Read more about our Heating Maintenance Plan.

Rest assured that your friends at Hillside are here to keep you warm and safe all winter long. Serving New Castle and Cecil counties and parts of Delaware and Chester counties, we are a full-service heating and cooling company that has been family-owned and operated by three generations for more than 60 years. If you need help, you can always count on us to answer the phone.

Just call 302-738-4144 (Delaware) or 410-398-2146 (Maryland). If you would like further information about any of our services, feel free to email us.

Is Your Fireplace Safe For Your Family?

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A crackling fire in the fireplace is often just the remedy to add a little extra warmth to an area of your home. Most of us love sitting by a warm fireplace. There’s something about the smell, the feeling, and the sipping of hot cocoa that brings comfort.

If you use a fireplace to supplement your heat when the weather turns cold, make sure it has been recently cleaned from chimney to hearth to prevent the risk of a fire. Failure to clean the creosote that builds up inside the chimney is a leading cause of home fires. Make sure your fireplace chimney is cleaned once a year by a professional chimney sweep and that you use a glass or metal mesh screen in front of the fireplace opening to prevent hot cinders from escaping into the room. More fire prevention tips are available at usfa.fema.gov and here.

To ensure your heating equipment is ready for the winter, contact Hillside HVAC for maintenance. Call us in Delaware at (302) 738-4144 and in Maryland at (410) 398-2146. We look forward to serving you.<

Get Your Heating System Ready for the Cold Weather

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Now that it’s October, the cold weather is not far away. To make sure your heating equipment performs optimally:

Give your equipment a test run. While you don’t want to turn on the heat sooner than necessary, a test run gives you piece of mind that your unit will work when you need it. If your heater is not going to kick on, it is best you know before you actually need it.

Change your air filter regularly. Depending on what type of air filter you have, it should be checked or changed every 1-3 months. Even the expensive cleanable air filters that last a year should be checked for dirt or anything that blocks airflow.

Close unused heating vents. If you have areas of your home that don’t need direct heat, close off the registers or vents. This saves you money.

Tune up your equipment regularly. Preventative maintenance goes a long way in avoiding untimely breakdowns and prolonging the life of your equipment. We do maintenance, repairs, and tune-ups, and we offer annual maintenance plans. Check out our services here.

programmable thermostat for DE, MD, and PA
Consider a programmable thermostat. Programmable thermostats are ideal for people leaving and returning home at the same time each day. They turn your equipment on and off to meet your schedule, so your home is warm when you get home. Plus, you save money while you are away. If your schedule is unpredictable, consider a programmable thermostat that you can access remotely with your smartphone or via the Internet. Adjust your settings or turn your equipment on or off from anywhere!

Is it time to replace your equipment? An investment in new, efficient equipment today can show payback in utility cost savings in just a few years. We provide free estimates on new and replacement equipment, and we have financing available for those that qualify.

It’s Hot But Do You Got Heat?

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It’s blazing hot outside. We know the sun is working. But is your home heating system? You could be in real trouble once winter’s frigid temperatures arrive. With fall around the corner, prepare for the colder weather by checking your oil tank’s fuel level. Is it empty? Running out of heating oil is a very common—but completely avoidable—scenario. Hillside offers automatic delivery of heating oil at no extra cost! This gives you peace-of-mind that your tank will never go empty. Using an industry-standard, degree-day formula, we calculate when you’ll need oil delivered. We make it happen!

If your fuel tank is not empty but your heating system fails to blow hot air, it is likely an equipment failure. Check out this troubleshooting checklist. Of course, we are here to help! We’ll assess the situation, no matter what type of heating system you have. We’ll then repair or replace your furnace so that your home is warm and toasty again this winter. Our service trucks are fully stocked to handle most service issues in one visit. To avoid a disruption in your heat, have us inspect your system and tune it up once a year as a safeguard to keep it running smoothly all winter long.

Contact Hillside HVAC today so you are prepared for the winter! Call us in Delaware at (302) 738-4144 and in Maryland at (410) 398-2146. We look forward to serving you!