Preinstalled inside of this valve, in this brass section here, is a strainer screen. That is used to filter the water before it gets in the valve, and catch things like sand and dirt which might plug up the valve. Now, this valve needs to be replaced roughly every ten years, more often if it fails, stuck open or closed.

Prior to performing any replacement, check the condition of all components, like the wires, tubes and lines looking for any discoloration, buildup, odd smells or other signs that something could be wrong. If you see something amiss, STOP and call your licensed tech. After notifying him or her, turn off all power and water to your unit and follow any additional instructions your tech gives you.

Replacement is easy. Here’s how:

Part 1

The first step is to locate the arrow found on the solenoid valve that is currently installed in your unit, write this down and remember that the arrow should be pointed towards the feed tube. When doing this, also note where the wires are connected.

Your solenoid should look similar to the one below:

The arrow has been circled in RED below:

Step 2

Turn off the power before performing any maintenance.. 

Step 3

Shut off the water. You can do this by finding the saddle valve and turning it clockwise until it stops. Pictured below is a saddle valve.

Step 4

Gather the following tools:

• 1/2" Wrench
• 7/16" Wrench
• Phillips head screwdriver

Once you have your tools, double check that the water is turned off and the electrical is disconnected.

Now it's time to remove the solenoid valve.

Step 5

First thing we’ll do is loosen up the pipes. 

Then remove the pipes.

Step 6

Now we’ll remove the mounting. This is done by unscrewing the two mounting screws.

Don't forget to write down-or take a photo-of which direction the arrow is pointing!

Now it's time to begin Part 2: Installing the New Valve

It’s important that the arrow be pointing towards the feed tube. That’s the direction of the water flow. 

Step 1

Let’s mount it to the unit first. Make sure to tighten up the screws. 

Step 2

Now we’re ready to connect the water lines. 

Here’s the water inlet line. Make it hand-tight. 

And the feed tube. Make it hand-tight as well.

Step 3

Now let’s snug them up. 

Now the only thing remaining is to connect the electrical. 

If you encounter problems, please watch these other videos for assistance:

Aprilaire Strainer Screen 

Aprilaire Feed Tube Assembly

Water Leakage

Aprilaire Orifice Basics

All information above is owned by and created by Aprilaire. Climatedoctors is not responsible for the content or advise contained above.

The holiday season is upon us once again and, with it, the coldest part of the year also returns. At this time of year, nothing is more important than keeping your family and friends warm and comfortable on those chilly nights when you get together for some good times and holiday cheer.

Keeping things warm and toasty means more than just good intentions. It also requires a reliable and efficient heating system. An excellent heating system is more than just a good idea, it is actually a necessity in this day and age. Old or dilapidated furnace systems are more than just costly; there are also potential safety hazards.

A prudent homeowner should schedule a professional furnace inspection before the onset of the winter heating season. This simple step will assure that your furnace system is working up to its full potential and also identify any possible future problems before they occur. Especially, ensuring that your furnace is energy efficient. That way, you and your loved ones will always remain warm. It will also reduce your repair and energy bills.

A well maintained heating system is simply the best way to keep you, your family and your friends in the best of health and holiday spirit. Be sure that yours is up to date and well-maintained. Your family and your guests will appreciate it and so will your wallet.

Honeywell has introduced their new T Series as a replacement for over 36 current thermostat models. The market is flooded with so many different options and they all do the same thing: keep the temp in your home comfy. 

So why should we get excited? 

Honeywell's flagship model, the Lyric T6 Pro Wi-Fi, is the brand's next iteration of smart thermostats. The T Series programmable thermostat streamlines everything from product selection and installation to customer service and support. With a standard footprint and simple interface, the T Series will enhance the entire thermostat experience for everyone. 

Here are some additional features of the Honeywell Lyric T6 Pro:

• New design: The T6 has a glossy white finish, a white trim and is touchscreen programmable
• Related app: The Lyric T6 Pro will be accessible via the Lyric app for Android and iPhone
• Geofencing: Use the app to set custom Home and Away distances so your phone can make the changes automatically
• Auto changeover: Program the T6 to decide for you if your thermostat should be set to heat or air conditioning
• Smart response: The T6 is supposed to learn your routines and set the heat or A/C to the exact temperature you want
• Smart alerts: You can opt in to alerts based on needing to change a filter and extreme temperatures

Climatedoctors is proud to announce Crown Velocity's New Fire Tube Boilers. These Boilers were made for quicker installation and setup, as well as greater energy efficiency. They come setup for Natural Gas, but can be easily field converted to Propane. They even come with an easy to use touch screen, 5-to-1 turndown ratio and an outdoor reset function. These boilers qualify for the Energy Star Program and in certain states are eligible for state tax deductions.

The Raptor also has a 5 year parts warranty!

From Crown Velocity's Company News:

Philadelphia, PA (April 20, 2016) – With the introduction of Velocity Boiler Works’ newest Raptor and Shadow models, wholesalers and contractors have a full line of highly efficient condensing boilers from one source with exciting new designs and features.

The stainless steel, gas-fired Raptor is Velocity Boiler Works’ first fire tube design for natural or LP gas offering superior efficiency and performance with a 95% AFUE. The boiler is available in five sizes – 85, 110, 155, 205, and 270 MBH. A 155-MBH combi model is also available featuring a thermostatic mixing valve and brazed plate heat exchanger.

All Raptors include a user-friendly touch screen interface, 5-to-1 turndown ratio and an outdoor reset function to ensure top performance in response to demand and outdoor temperature changes.

“The Raptor and Raptor Combi offer home heating and optional domestic hot water built on world-class engineering,” said Lee Ensminger, National Sales Manager at Velocity. “We have already seen great interest in the market for these products.”

To meet demand for a smaller, lighter, high-efficiency, stainless steel condensing boiler that can be installed quickly and used immediately, Velocity Boiler Works designed the Shadow. The wall-mounted Shadow is a gas-fired, condensing boiler that pairs high efficiency with impressive ease of installation and operation. It is available in five sizes – 80, 100, 120, 150 and 180 MBH, with up to 95% AFUE. The compact and lightweight design includes a modulating burner with a 5-to-1 turndown ratio and an LCD display, offering a clean and simple boiler that is easy to operate. A combi version of the Shadow is in development for release in heating season.

“The Shadow’s streamlined plug-and-play design was made specifically for fast installation and setup,” said Yale Steingard, President of Velocity Boiler Works. “With the addition of the Raptor, Raptor Combi and Shadow, we have expanded our line of condensing boilers to meet every segment of the market.”

1. Check and change your filter.

If you find that you do need a new filter, make sure to get the correct measurements then head over to climatedoctors.com to find your filter.

2. Switch your thermostat from cooling to heating.

Or better yet, switch to a wireless Honeywell Thermostat so you can monitor your home's heating and cooling from anywhere!

3. Take out window screens and installs storm windows.

By installing storm windows you will be able to decrease the amount of heat leaking through your windows and into the outdoors. These will be more energy efficient.

4. Inspect your chimney.

You should be checking for any obstructions, such as bird nests or debris. Furthermore, you should also make sure there is no significant soot buildup, as it can be a dangerous fire hazard. If your chimney hasn't been inspected in a long time, call a professional to check it and clean the ducts.

5. Make sure the burners are free of debris and dust.

Dust can accumulate during the summer. Therefore, it's very important to check and clean the furnace burners before the start of the colder seasons. While cleaning the burners, check for signs of misalignment and rust.

6. Oil the furnace blower if needed.

When preparing your furnace for winter it is important to make sure all the components of your heating system are clean and in working order. The furnace blower motor plays a big role in how your heating system functions. It should be oiled once a year and it shouldn't make any unusual noises when started.

7. Make sure your thermostat is working properly.

If a thermostat is not working correctly, your heating system may not be working efficiently. Turn on your thermostat and monitor how it responds, it should start up immediately without any problems. If you have an old thermostat that must be controlled manually you should consider updating it. Set-back thermostats are the best choice because they allow you to completely control the temperature in your home. A set-back thermostat can be automatically turned down when you're asleep or away, which can save you a lot of money.

8. Check all heating vents to make sure they are completely uncovered.

Throughout the year, furniture is often moved around and new furniture is brought into the home. Double-check around your house to make sure that nothing is blocking your heating vents. Blocked vents are not only useless since heat can't get out, but they can also drive your heating up. In addition, a blocked vent can result in an overheated furnace. Check both your supply registers, heat blows out of these, and your return registers, the air is drawn into these.

9. Schedule an appointment to clean your furnace early in the season.

If your furnace looks like this when you open it, it's time to bust out the vacuum and some canned air and get rid of that mess!

Professional companies get very busy at the onset of winter, so it's a good idea to schedule your appointment ahead of time. The best way to save money in the long run is to have a professional clean your heating system. Systems cleaned by professionals will work better and more efficiently. Check with your local BBB (Better Business Bureau). Make sure the company you want to call is an Accredited BBB member with an A+ rating.

These tips are a great start, but keep in mind that you should contact a professional if you aren't familiar with how your heating system works. Keep your furnace clean, and replace equipment as needed. With proper maintenance, your furnace will work more efficiently, and save you money on expensive energy costs.