During the warmer months, you fight against humidity to keep your home from feeling hot and muggy inside. While humidity’s effects are not as readily apparent during the winter, it can still cause a number of health and comfort problems. These include an increased likelihood of catching colds and flus, dry and itchy skin, aggravated asthma, cracking and peeling of woodwork and paint, and a temperature that feels lower than it is, wasting energy by you to turning up the heat. To combat these problems, there are a number of steps you can take to keep your home humidity levels up.
Creative Ways to Increase Home Humidity Levels
Air dry your dishes and clothes. The evaporating water will add moisture to your home and cut down on the energy you use on drying cycles.
Skip running your bathroom exhaust fan when you shower. Instead, use a small fan to blow the humid post-shower air throughout your home
Keep houseplants well-watered. Instead of letting them suck up all of the water, leave a little extra to be evaporated into your home.
Use a spray bottle. In a pinch, you can increase home humidity levels by using a handheld spray bottle to spread a light mist around your home. Take care not to soak your furniture, walls, or flooring to prevent damage. The mist should evaporate quickly.
For Optimum Home Humidity Levels, Use a Whole Home Humidifier
The above tricks work for quickly adding humidity when your home starts to feel uncomfortable, but they won’t help you fully control your home humidity levels. Ideally, your home humidity levels should be between 30% and 50%. Without these imprecise tricks, you could quickly find yourself in a situation where your humidity is too high instead of too low.
To achieve maximum comfort and energy savings at the proper humidity levels, install a whole home humidifier. A whole home humidifier monitors the humidity levels in your home using a hygrometer and increases them as needed.
Depending on the size of your home and layout of your current HVAC system, your whole home humidifier may tie into your existing ductwork, or it may be installed as a standalone unit. Humidifiers use significantly less energy than furnaces, so once it’s installed, you should start to see your energy bills drop even as your comfort increases.
To learn more about whole home humidifiers or to request a free estimate, contact Climate Experts today.
When you have a home, you have to keep it running as efficiently as possible. Whether it’s a home for you, you’re a home builder or you need to replace the furnace for your business, furnace sales and replacement is pretty serious business. Beyond the shock of wondering if you really need a new furnace the first question you may be asking yourself is, “how much does a new furnace cost?” That’s an excellent question and one which deserves further scrutiny.
Furnace Facts: Before we get into costs there are a few things that individuals unfamiliar with furnace functions need to know.
Furnaces make heat through combustion in the furnaces burner
Produced heat passes through an exchanger; air from air ducts is blown through thus warming it
Furnaces blow warmed air to ductwork which sends air through the home
Some think that your home’s furnace only works to keep the air in your home warm. But a good furnace actually plays a critical role in the successful operation of your home air conditioning system. This is why you hear the term HVAC being used; heating, ventilation, and air conditioning are very closely related.
Furnace Benefits: When you have a furnace that is working as it should, your home remains comfortably heated. If you have ever had your furnace on the fritz you understand the frustration. One thing furnaces do well is obviously they warm the air when your home or business needs it. However depending on the type of furnace you have you are going to be benefiting from the furnace’s level of fuel efficiency. It’s actually called the Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency or AFUE. Current models have a 80% AFUE minimum. 80% means that for every dollar you spend in heating your space, .80 is dictated to the generation of warmth. Older model furnaces have a 60% AFUE or lower. That may be one reason you are looking into getting a new furnace; your older one is working harder and harder to spit out less warm air. Current models have a 95% AFUE or better; that could be a definite component in deciding about which of the new furnaces you’re going to be getting.
Furnace Costs: So how much does a new furnace cost? Well some of these numbers may surprise you. On the lower end for a newer furnace you could be looking at somewhere around $2500. Higher end furnaces with better efficiency and features may cost you as much as $10,000. However you need to take into account just how your space is going to be heated, how often you would use it, and how long you plan to stay where you are. On a long enough time line the question “how much does a new furnace cost” becomes moot. You are where you are and you’re staying put. But even if you plan to sell and move in the future, buyers may ask about the new furnace and their realtor has to give them the full disclosure; investing in a good furnace can add significant value to your home.
You should always be thinking about your home and even when you are enjoying the warmth of the summer air, you know all too well that winter is close at hand. Replace your furnace and add value to your home or business. Call us now for a free estimate to see how much you can save!
When you think of HVAC maintenance your first thoughts are likely about calling a professional repairman to do involved or complex work on your home’s HVAC system. However, not all HVAC maintenance is that involved. There are several types of HVAC maintenance you can do yourself that are safe, won’t damage your HVAC system, and can save you on money by not having to call an expert. Here are seven maintenance and overall usage tips you can do yourself.
Check Your Air Filters
By checking your air filters you keep your system running properly and efficiently. So make it a point to check your air filters once a month and replace them as needed. In general air filters need to be replaced every 30 to 90 days but your environment can affect this.
If You Have an Outdoor Unit Keep It Clean
Outdoor air conditioning and heating units can easily be covered up by leaves, sticks, pollen, and other debris. By keeping your unit clean you increase its efficiency and help prevent damage due to blockages. Plus with better airflow the motor is less stressed which increases the unit’s lifespan.
Keep Vents and Registers Clean
Blockages in your vent system make your HVAC system less efficient which leads to longer usage cycles to keep the temperature under control. Not only does this wear your HVAC system down faster it also increases your power bill. So be sure your vents are clear of dust and debris and also make sure registers/grills are as well.
Listen For Odd Noises
Pings, bangs, and other odd sounds can be a sign something is wrong. Sometimes this something can be as simple as a blocked vent, a filter that needs changing, or a loose screw somewhere that needs tightening. By being aware that something is wrong you can perform minor HVAC maintenance before it becomes a much bigger problem.
Use Fans When You Can
One of the best preventive maintenance tips is to not overuse your system. Use fans to increase air circulation and keep cool on warm, but not necessarily hot, days. On chilly days wear a sweater before deciding to turn up the heat.
Keep the Thermostat at a Consistent Level
A bad habit many of us have is raising or lowering the thermostat to cause the unit to ‘kick on’ when it’s too hot or too cold. While nobody likes to be uncomfortable doing this puts more wear and tear on your unit’s motor which can shorten its lifespan.
A Note about Houses with More Than One Floor
Multi story houses have a reputation of being harder to heat and cool. While a larger building will certainly require more time and a bigger HVAC unit than a single story one there are ways you can make the process more efficient. Keep all vents on the 2nd floor open at 75 percent, make sure no vents are closed and that none are more open than others. This keeps the temperature even through the second floor.
As you can see there are several preventive maintenance and usage steps you can take to keep your HVAC system running efficiently and effectively. Doing so saves on repairs and keeps your system running better longer. However, be aware of when an issue is beyond your skill or comfort level. There is still HVAC maintenance and repairs that require a professional’s skill and experience. Always know when it’s time to consult an expert and remember you can get a free estimate before any work is done.
Having a gas fireplace can give your house a cozy and warm ambience. It sets a positive mood and allows you to relax and rejuvenate after a tiring day. What about owning an outdoor grill? It is a place to cook delicious meals, and spend meaningful time with family and friends. What do both of these things have in common?
They are both household items that require a gas connection, and neither can be used without a successful gas line installation.
Your gas comes from an external source and it is the gas line that then transports the gas from the source to different parts of your home. This line also helps regulate the flow of the gas. You should never try to install a gas line yourself, and always leave the installation to a professional.
Why Get a Professional?
Gas line installation requires a high amount of technical knowledge and a keen eye for detail. Knowing the layout of a home is essential, especially when it comes to awareness of an already present gas line. If the gas line installation is not done correctly, it could result in an extremely dangerous leak.
When gas leaks, one of the major problems is trying to detect it. Natural gas is odorless and invisible, making it highly difficult to detect. This is why odorants are often added natural gas, which results in a sulfur like odor. A common place to find this odor is a gas stove after just being lit, as it uses natural gas. However, this scent alone is an unreliable way to detect a gas leak. Slow leakages often cannot be detected as the scent evaporates, and can lead to natural poisoning over time.
To avoid gas leaks, the gas line has to be installed with care and technical knowledge. That is why a professional is the best choice for indoor and outdoor gas line installation. When using gas appliances, it is necessary these appliances have adequate and proper ventilation. For combustion to happen, natural gas requires an equal amount of oxygen in the air. If the air in the area is not sufficient an incomplete combustion occurs, leading to the formation of carbon monoxide. As is commonly known inhalation of carbon monoxide can be fatal.
Get Indoor and Outdoor Gas Line
In you are interested in getting a new gas line, or you have just constructed your dream home and want to have gas line both indoor and outdoor, call a professional today. The existing gas lines can be extended to any location in your home or garden. However, if you want a new gas line installation, it will require getting some permits and the professional can obtain these permits for you before starting the gas line installation work. Once the lines have been installed, it can be fun to use this affordable source of energy. It can transform the way you live, and be a source of entertainment family and friends for years to come.
Owning an older home can be a joy for many homeowners. The sense of history and timeless design are just some of the reasons you may want to buy an older home. One common drawback is the installation of a central heating and cooling system, something not typical when the house was built. Where the issue arises is in the installation of ductwork into an older home. The reason for this is that older homes were not designed with ductwork in mind. This makes for an installation process that requires careful planning on your part. However, despite the hurdles, it is entirely possible to the process of installing ductwork come to a successful conclusion. What follows is a brief overview of different methods of installing ductwork and general advice on how to approach an installation.
The Drawbacks of Traditional Duct Systems
The main drawback of traditional methods of installing ductwork is the lack of space. The installation of traditional ductwork in an older house is time consuming and requires a professional to perform an effective installation. Also due to the lack of room, in most cases the ducts themselves have to be installed in the closets. Do note that even with these drawbacks a traditional duct system can be every bit as effective in an older home as it is in a newer one. You have to be realistic about the logistics of the installation process. While this method of installing ductwork can be done by a professional, you may want to keep your closet space. If such is the case there are alternative methods of installing HVAC systems in an older home.
Ductless, Split-System Air-Conditioners
A ductless, split-system unit can prove a useful alternative to a traditional duct based system. These units don’t require ductwork at all and offer several advantages, if you choose to make use of them. They tend to be quieter than normal units and they are easier to install and move around, offering for a degree of versatility in your installation. Due to their lack of ducts they tend to not lose as much cold air when in operation and they use less energy as well. The last advantage you may want to keep in mind is the versatility of usage a ductless system offers you. If you have a larger home you can install multiple units, allowing several different rooms of the home to be cooled individually. While they are highly useful split-system air conditioners have drawbacks as well. The focal issue is in terms of appearance, as they don’t blend into a home as easily as a central air conditioning unit does.
As you can see, even in an older home you have options when installing ductwork. The traditional methods can still be used, provided you accept the tradeoffs that go with installation. However, if you feel this is too much of a compromise split-systems offer an interesting and useful alternative. No matter which way you choose to approach the question of installing ductwork, you need a professional to assure the job is done right. Climate Experts are true professionals and when you do business with us, you can rest assured you are working with innovative and highly trained experts. We can assist you in installing ductwork, split-systems, or repairing/replacing any existing ductwork you may already have. Call us today for a free estimate.
A thermostat is a basic home heating and cooling necessity. Without one, your heater and air conditioner would not know what temperature to maintain your indoor space at – in other words, they will not work properly. You will need to take steps for installing a thermostat if your current one is not working correctly or you simply want to upgrade to something better. Unfortunately, installing a thermostat is not as simple as plugging in a television. It requires several steps, but before you start, here are some things that you need to know beforehand:
Not all thermostats are made the same
Although they all look like aesthetically varying iterations of a square box with a temperature gauge on it, thermostats actually hold a great deal of differences that can affect what one can — or cannot — do for you.
Your thermostat needs to be compatible with your current heating system
Heating and cooling systems are no longer simple machines. They are pieces of technological hardware that use the latest electronic technology to function. Just as it is with your computer, smartphone and television, your heater and A/C will only work with very specific types of thermostats. Before you buy and start installing a thermostat, make sure that your heating and cooling system will work with it.
Your thermostat needs to be the right voltage
Voltage is another major concern that you need to take into consideration when installing a thermostat. If it is the wrong voltage, it could cause problems that range from not working at all to causing serious damage to the wires within your wall — which can be very costly to repair.
You can save money on your energy bill by installing the right type of thermostat
Thanks to modern technology, simply having a thermostat that works is not good enough. In order to get the most out of a new thermostat, you need to invest in one that automatically manages the climate within your home.
An automatic thermostat can, for instance, be set to turn the heating and cooling system off right when you leave and turn it back on right before you get home. Others allow you to manage your home’s climate remotely with your smartphone or computer.
The above benefits result in a lower energy bill, since your heating and cooling system isn’t running as often. This ultimately translates into big savings on your energy bill.
You may not have to install your thermostat at all
Even if you have the perfect thermostat, you need to take a step back and decide whether or not you need to install it yourself at all. Here are your options:
You can hire a professional for installing a thermostat
There are heating and cooling professionals who will install your thermostat for a very low price. If you aren’t confident in your ability to do the installation correctly, then you should seriously consider this option.
If you are getting a new heating and cooling system installed, you probably won’t have to install your thermostat yourself
If you are getting a new heating and cooling system installed in the very near future, then you will want to find out if thermostat installation is included. This would mean that you won’t need to worry about installing a thermostat yourself at all.
Now that you are pretty well informed about thermostats, it is time to go get one installed
Despite their small size and seemingly simple functionality, a thermostat plays a critical part in maintaining your indoor comfort. Using the information discussed above will allow you to get the installation of your new thermostat right. If you are looking for advice on the right type of thermostat for your home, give Climate Experts a call. We’d be happy to help you choose a thermostat that can help you manage your comfort and save energy.
Concerns over indoor air quality are growing daily — ensure that your home’s air quality is at its highest level by investing in some efficient and effective standard equipment. From reducing indoor pollution to ensuring appropriate humidity levels, these five air quality products will help you and your family breathe a whole lot easier.
Media Air Cleaner
Also known as a pure air cleaner, these machines will filter out airborne pollution to literally clean your air. When you are sleeping, they are still at work purifying the air particles, and killing bacteria and other airborne viruses. You can also custom order a metal boot for perfect installation.
Heat Recovery Ventilator
Rather than filtering your air, a heat recovery ventilator will replace indoor air with fresh outdoor air. The exchange of air can be accomplished with almost no heat loss from your home with an internal core that prevents energy loss because it retains indoor air heat. They work exceptionally well in homes that are sealed well, and since they do not give off ozone emissions, they reduce lung irritation too.
Hepa Filters for your Furnace
One of the least expensive ways to improve indoor air quality is to install a hepa filter beside your furnace or duct work. When your hepa filter is installed, it will filter air from the return air on your furnace and put the clean air back into circulation. This is an efficient way to reduce in-home air pollution without compromising your home’s interior design.
UV Lights
In the return air portion of your air ducts, UV lights are installed to reduce harmful airborne particles, like yeast, mold, viruses and bacteria. A reduction in these particles can also improve the indoor air quality by eliminating odors too. UV lights will also noticeably cut down on contaminates and pollutants that can trigger coughing, sneezing and other allergic reactions.
Humidifiers
Humidifiers retain the moisture in your air protecting you and your family’s health, along with certain building materials. A humidifier should reduce the number of complaints about sore throats and congestion, along with static electricity. For homes with a lot of natural wood or hardwood floors, humidifiers can also reduce cracking and splitting, and help maintain the finishes.
You can easily improve your home’s indoor air quality with investments in these air quality products. For an appointment to arrange a free estimate, please contact the Climate Experts.
If you notice that your home spells of eggs with no direct cause, and you’re lightheaded while walking throughout your halls, there is a good chance you will need a new gas line installation. Over time, gas lines begin to wear down and leak, and these unfortunate odors are one of the first warning signs; the source of this scent is a natural substance called Methanethiol, added to gasses to ensure you know they’re there. When you believe that your current gas line installation needs to be inspected, it’s time to call a professional at Climate Experts, but if you’re not too sure, consider these signs.
Hissing Sounds
Hissing sounds near the gas line, appliances, or seemingly coming from the walls are an immediate indicator that there may be a leak which needs to be checked immediately.
Old Lines
Gas lines wear out over time and cracks start to develop in the pipes themselves, which gas can easily leak through. A gas line that has been in place for 20 years or more should be inspected regularly, as this line is close to the end of its lifespan. Not sure when the last gas line installation in your home was? Make sure to call a professional to inspect it.
Corrosion
Corrosion tends to first occur where there are connection joints between the gas line and appliance connections, such as ovens, water heaters and other appliances. If you don’t notice the corrosion, the lines will eventually begin to wear down and leak gas throughout the house. It’s best to remove and replace worn down lines, and avoid costly leaks.
Exposed Lines
A small portion of a gas line will inevitably be exposed due to connections, however significantly exposed lines are a problem. If part of a line becomes exposed due to severe weather or erosion, it’s important to have the line inspected and repaired if necessary.
Dead Vegetation
If your gas line is near, or buried underneath, a patch of grass or garden it’s important that the line is regularly looked over. Dying vegetation around the line is a good sign that it may be leaking and is harming said plants in the process.
Property Changes
If you make changes to your property, appliances, or fixtures in the house, you’ll likely need to ensure that you don’t need a new gas line installation. Appliances that are directly attached to gas lines like fireplaces and ovens may damage the current gas line; similarly a heated pool or hot tub will also require the gas line to be looked over.
The Number to Call
When you smell gas leaking in your home, you want the problem taken care of right away. For more information on our residential and commercial gas line installation services, or to have an inspector to your property, contact us at Climate Experts Heating & Cooling Inc.
Before selecting a furnace, decide what type of fuel you’re going to use. The most popular choice today is natural gas, which is clean, not very expensive and available in a lot of places. Coal is rarely used these days, but other options would be wood, oil or electricity. If you’re living in a rural area where natural gas isn’t available, you could opt for LPG (liquefied propane gas).
Economize
Check out different types of furnaces and find out the cost of fuel for each type. Wood is an efficient fuel if you live in a rural area with ready access to wood. For a fee, oil and LPG can be delivered to your home. But oil does not burn as efficiently as other fuels and often leaves an oily residue. Electricity is the cleanest and most efficient, but can also be very expensive.
Choose a high efficiency furnace
Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency Rating (AFUE) is extremely helpful while picking a furnace. Look for a furnace system which produces heat with 90 to 98 percent of the fuel burned. Ensure that you pick one which will significantly lower your operating expenses.
Pick the right size for your home
The first thing to remember is to match the heat output with the size of the house. If your furnace is too big, it will obviously waste energy, and if it is too small, it will not produce enough heat. So, you will have to burn more fuel to heat up the room. Make sure that the output of heat is balanced with the house ductwork so that enough hot air will be forced through the system to warm up the entire house. You should always check with a heating professional to see if the furnace you are interested in is suited to your home’s size.
Make sure you compare estimates
Inquire with different heating professionals about the types of furnace systems available and your final decision should be based on whether the fuel and the location for the furnace system you have picked are both efficient. Find out installing charges and operating expenses.
Look for features like induced draft blowers, insulated blower compartments, direct drive blower units, corrosion resistant heat exchangers and pressure switches. Choose a furnace system which is quiet, durable and requires low maintenance.
If you are looking for quality and affordable furnaces, contact Climate Experts Heating and Cooling Inc. today to get a free quote for a furnace or find out more about the best high efficiency furnaces.
It is not possible to get through the chilly months of winter without an efficiently running furnace warming your house, office, or other building. It is best to have your furnace checked before the cold season descends upon us. This way, repairs can be done in time, thus eliminating the need to rush around looking for repair services while shivering in the cold in the meantime.
Are you in or around Pickering?
Whether you need installation or furnace repair in Pickering, you want to deal with professionals. This way, you can be sure that you are getting good-quality products and that they are being installed the right way. The job is ideally undertaken by licensed technicians who are very well versed with the parts and workings of major brands and models of furnaces.
Professionals will also have competitive rates. They will not take advantage of the fact that you are looking for furnace repair in Pickering as a matter of emergency and charge you extra.
As repairs are done, professionals would also take the time to explain about furnace maintenance so that you can avoid a scenario where you are looking for emergency repair services in the future. After the repairs, your furnace will be cleaned and thoroughly checked.
The technicians will also not leave until they ensure that all the control, safeties and other parts are in optimum condition. Ideally, a combustion analyzer will be used to measure the levels of noxious gases and carbon monoxide and ensure they are within the safe limits. Appliance combustion efficiency will also be checked.
Beyond repair?
In some cases, a furnace will be beyond repair. In this case, the only option you have is to have a new furnace installed. This would begin with ordering a custom sheet metal taper and boot from the sheet metal manufacturer. If necessary, a new plenum that is compatible to the new furnace will also be ordered. This will accommodate a larger air conditioning coil and hide away the patch work, screws, and tape that can be seen.
This works to reduce air leaks and makes for a more esthetic result. It also enables air flow that is more laminar, which increases air output and reduces the noise emanating from the pressure and friction.
Another part that will be added if necessary is a new filter rack or a seven inch healthy climate media air cleaner. This and venting, gas piping, electrical and drains are also installed according to the codes imposed by local building authority bodies.
Whether it is installation or repair services that you needed, the technicians will only leave once they have tested your furnace and ensured that it is running as per the manufacturer’s specifications.
Winning service
The best quality products are what Climate Experts Heating & Cooling Inc. aspires to provide all of our customers. We serve valued clients throughout the Durham Region. We’re always on hand to respond to emergency repair calls 24/7, and are fully bonded, insured, and licensed; offering installation, maintenance, and furnace repair in Pickering.
Helping hand
Sometimes, what you thought would be a repair job turns into something else, such as when a furnace cannot be repaired and you must have a new one installed. At Climate Experts, we understand this and offer maintenance plans and financing options that customers can take advantage of, especially when the money to purchase and install a new furnace or purchase parts is not immediately available. Need repairs or furnace replacement? Request a free estimate on our website with no obligation.
