The fan on our furnace runs all the time.

Question from: Maggie.

Dear Shell,

We have moved into a new home and the furnace runs continually. The furnace is a Trane 2 stage. I have been told to replace the thermostat in order to shut the fan off but I do not want to use a programmable one. Please let me know what you suggest.

Thank you,

Maggie

Dear Maggie,

Your furnace is running as it should with a two stage two speed motor (do not shut the fan off). If you feel an inflow of cold air during the non-heat cycle, you could have your furnace technician install a Hoyme Damper on your make up air duct. The Hoyme Damper will prevent the inflow of cold air during the non-heat cycle. Call Hoyme Manufacturing 1-800-661-7382 for more information and ask for Cliff. Also, if the fan is blowing too hard, the next time you have your furnace serviced you may be able to have the technician adjust your fan speed and slow it down to a more comfortable level.

It’s Just That Easy

Shell Busey

Shell Wins Gold

Shell wins Gold!

Shell Busey was very pleased to hear that his renovation of the old Rankin farmhouse took the Gold for best renovation at the recent Georgie Awards. Shell was quick to praise the many companies within his HouseSmart Referral Network whose efforts helped make Shell’s vision come to life. The old Rankin Farm House was originally situated in the middle of a 25-acre parcel of farmland that was transformed by Portrait Homes into the beautiful award winning Sawyer’s Walk subdivision. Portrait Homes won their own Georgie last year when Sawyers Walk took the gold for best new residential subdivision. Shell moved the old farm house 700 feet down to a corner of the Sawyer’s Walk subdivision and transformed it into a beautiful, energy efficient home complete with the latest in building products and energy efficient design. Says Shell, “It just goes to show what’s possible if you have the right people working with you on a project like this. The HouseSmart Referral Network and I have turned the old 1929 farm house into a wonderful new home that the new owners will enjoy for many years to come.”

Noisy Hot Water Tank

Question from: Nancy
Prince George, BC.

Dear Shell,

It sounds like someone is playing the drums inside our hot water tank! The tank is 10-14 years old–except for the noise no problems. After we use hot water (i.e. shower, laundry, dishwasher) the hot water tank is thumping for about 1/2 an hour. It’s loud enough we can hear it upstairs. A plumber told us it is due to the cold water hitting the hot water in the tank but we are wondering if there is another reason and if our only choice is to replace the tank. We are noticing more noise in the colder weather we’ve had recently in Prince George.

Thanks, Nancy

Dear Nancy,

Your plumber may be wrong! From many years of experience I know the probable origin of your thumping. Hard water deposits on the bottom of your tank over top of the boiler cap have built up a helmet-like cap. When the burner is heating the water, the helmet of mineral build up moves up and down with the heated water making a drum like noise.

It’s just that easy

Shell Busey