Posted by admin on October 19, 2015

As a homeowner, you need to pay attention to the condition and efficiency of your air conditioner. Beyond simply keeping the air cool, air conditioners have an immediate impact on your health. The ventilation system in the air conditioner can quickly pollute the house when it’s not fully maintained, by circulating dust and debris into the air instead of removing them. Air conditioner maintenance is the easiest way to keep your air clean, and your lungs healthy.

Signs of Indoor Air Quality Problems

There are many signs that the air in your home is suffering due to a poor air conditioning system, and you need air conditioner maintenance. The most apparent is your discomfort in your own home, resulting from heavy, humid or damp air. If it’s easier to breathe outside in the middle of a humid summer day, there is a problem.

When the air temperature inside is similar to the temperature outside, even though your air conditioner is running, this is more than just a minor issue. Though you may be comfortable coming home to opening the windows and doors and letting the summer evening air run through your halls, this is not good for the items inside the home. A hot home encourages the house to become more humid, as moisture in the home begins to evaporate. This can lead to mold and mildew growth, paint peeling off walls, and air that’s harmful to breathe; all stemming from a poorly functioning air conditioner.

Another sign you may need air conditioner maintenance is an increasing visibility of dust in the home. Though small amounts of dust will always accumulate around the home, an increase of dust on your furniture or in the air may signal that the air conditioner has developed a buildup. The excess dust can cause the conditioner to overheat, overwork, and quickly break down; it is also harmful to breathe in and can be harmful to your lungs.

What Air Conditioner Maintenance Repairs

Air conditioner maintenance can help to repair a variety of different air quality problems. Maintenance will help to remove pollutants from the air, given there will be no build up or debris in the conditioner to move around. This also means that ventilation will be improved as clean air will be circulating, not air that is heavy with humidity or dusty. Depending on the specifics of your air conditioning system, high end filtration filters may be placed on your fans. This will get rid of up to 98% of contaminants in the air, without harming the actual machine or fans.

Ask an Expert

The most important part of air conditioner maintenance is to ensure you hire a professional to work on the machine itself. Whether you have a central air conditioner in the house, or a window mounted unit, only a professional HVAC technician should be the one overlooking the system. A professional will let you know exactly how well your system is running, what you need to invest in to ensure it works well in the future, and how much longer of a life you can expect out of it.

To learn more about our air conditioner maintenance techniques, and to book your appointment, contact us at Climate Experts. We’ll get your air conditioner working correctly, and have your air feel fresh again.

Posted by admin on October 05, 2015

Whether you’re looking to replace aging home heating systems, developing a new office space, or something in between, you’ll quickly find yourself overwhelmed with technical jargon, technologies, and concepts that blend together. There are dozens of variations of home heating systems available, but the vast majority fall into one or more of these four distinct categories: forced air, electric, hydronic, and geothermal. Consider what types of heating each system does, what benefits and drawbacks each offers, and what terms to be on the lookout for.

Forced Air Heating

Perhaps the most familiar home heating systems on the market, forced air systems are any heating system which utilizes air to distribute the heat. If your heating system involves ducts, vents, blowers, and filters, you have a forced air heating system. These systems can vary wildly in efficiency and method.

Heat pumps, hydronic coils, electric furnaces, natural gas, oil, propane, and much more can provide the heat in a forced air system. A system of ductwork and fans then work to push the heat throughout the property. There are two factors in determining the efficiency of a forced air system: the quality and efficiency of the heating method, and the quality of the ductwork. Bad or messy ductwork can result in significant energy and heat loss, so ensure yours is done correctly. 

Electric Heating

Electric heating, like forced air, encompasses quite a variety of solutions. Aside from forced air solutions using electric furnaces, you might see unique electric solutions such as in-floor and baseboard heating. These are heaters either along the baseboards of your home or beneath the floor, which warm the room by simple convection.

Depending on the area you need to heat, this can be inefficient or ineffective, but utilized correctly electric heating can neatly avoid problems common to forced air systems. If your home or office lacks the room for quality ductwork without massive overhauls, you enjoy the feeling of warm floors, or you simply don’t like the noise of forced air, these are great options.

Hydronic

Hydronic heating technology goes back a long way, but we’ve come very far from the steam heating of the last millennium. Modern hydronic heating systems, such as radiant in-floor heating, kick space heaters, and water-filled radiators, offer great levels of comfort, efficiency, and heating precision, at the expense of difficult installations.

Hydronic systems’ usage of water to convey heat offers a few unique benefits to how we feel heat, making it difficult to compete with a hydronic system for pure comfort. Like electric solutions, they’re also viable as home heating systems in locations which don’t lend themselves well to extensive ductwork.

Geothermal

Perhaps the most interesting of new home heating systems, geothermal heat pumps offer unparalleled efficiency at the expense of some efficacy. A geothermal heat pump can offer clean, quiet, environmentally-friendly heating and cooling while cutting utilities by as much as 70%.

Geothermal systems work by taking advantage of the constant temperature of the ground. A network of refrigerant-filled pipes buried beneath your home act in place of traditional lines running outside of your home, offering the traditional benefits of heat pump technology while overcoming the common flaws of the technology.

Want to know more about home heating systems, look into estimates for a system of your own, or ask any other questions? Contact us today!

Posted by admin on October 05, 2015

HVAC issues can have serious consequences. For example, heating and cooling problems can make it a challenge for your home systems to reach target temperatures, making your living conditions much less comfortable. Ventilation systems can clog with dirt and dust, which can cause breathing problems and other health issues. As a result, to make sure that you choose the right HVAC Ontario company, you need to put time and effort into researching your options. This is particularly true if you have a project that will be time-consuming in mind, there is nothing worse than hiring a poor contractor who does sub-par work. Consider these 5 things to look for in a HVAC Ontario company, before you get work done to your home.

Proper Education

One of the most important things to look for is to ensure that they have both the experience and the certifications needed to do their job. The best way to ensure this is simply ask! Look in to the certifications they mention and find out what this education trained them to do. You put the safety of yourself, your family, and your house into your contractor’s hands, so it’s good to know where they’ve been trained.

 Specializations

HVAC isn’t a single field, but a combination of multiple specializations and skills. This means that some contractors may be better suited to certain HVAC Ontario jobs over others, or jobs they’re simply more comfortable with. Discuss with your HVAC company and their contractor’s your job, and which employee will be the best fit.

Explanation Ability

Before work starts happening on your property, it’s important to know what exactly the contractor will be doing. Having someone who can lay out the pros and cons of the job in an unbiased manner, as well as discussing the actual steps of the work, will put you at ease. When your HVAC Ontario company can be clear and effective in their communications, it allows everyone to be more confident in the work.

History of Success

Not all homeowners will be comfortable with a brand new contractor or apprentice working on their appliances alone, without the help of a certified expert. Discuss with the HVAC company their history of success, where they have done jobs, and even read through testimonials of former customers. Knowing that they’ve been able to please other customers will let you know they’re the people for you.

Dedicated to their Craft

There is a big difference between an HVAC company that does just the fundamentals of the job you need done, and one that is absolutely thorough. Good contractors will let you know exactly what you need, and get the job done correctly. This may mean repairing a part not directly associated with the job, or explaining to you work that will need to be done in the future.

Contact Us

If you’re ready to learn more about our team here at Climate Experts, get in touch with us today. We’ll explain to you what work needs to be done in your home, and match you with the perfect contractor for the job. 

Posted by admin on January 18, 2016

The dark and cold winter months don’t have to be miserable, in fact it can be a great time of year just as long as you have a nice warm home to get back to. Your snug and cozy chamber can make the difference in winter, but if something goes wrong with your furnace, it’s a different story. Here are a few of the most common furnace problems in cold weather. 

Only Blowing Cold Air

Blocked or excessively dirty filters can be the root cause of some of the most common furnace problems in cold weather. Blocked filters impede the free flow of air and therefore your furnace has to work a lot harder. Not only is this bad economically, but it means your home will stay cold for longer. Make the sure the filters are inspected regularly. Ideally they should be cleaned or replaced every 1-3 months. If in doubt, consult one of our specialists who can show you how to clean and replace your filters. 

If your furnace is only blowing out cold air it could also be a problem with your air ducts. They may be inefficiently insulated leading to an uneven airflow and need sealing. 

Uneven Airflow

If some of the rooms in your home remain freezing cold while others are adequately heated, it is likely that an uneven airflow is occurring due to the wrong system having been installed for your home or the air ducts need attention. Inconsistencies in room temperatures could also indicate insulation and draft problems and that cold air is being allowed in rather than a fault with your furnace itself. On the other hand, if there are no insulation issues, then airflow may be the problem and the vents may need adjusting. Consult a specialist to locate the problem.

Excessive Cycling

If your furnace is switching itself on and off frequently, this could be an indicator of a blocked filter, impeded airflow, or an inappropriate thermostat setting. It could also be a sign your house is leaking air.

Carbon Monoxide

This is potentially a very serious issue. It is imperative you have a carbon monoxide detector fitted to safeguard against leakage. If you have an old furnace, it may have developed minute cracks from which this lethal gas can get into your living space. If there is such a leek then consult a professional.

Loss of Power & Heat

This one is easy to spot in the depths of winter. Possibly a loss of power to the furnace, faulty pilot light or ignition system could be the problem. Anything to do with broken pilot lights and ignition systems really need to the help of an expert. 

Furnace Won’t Turn On 

This could depend largely on the age of your unit and how well it has been maintained. Check the thermostat is set appropriately to “heat” and the fan to “auto”. Check your circuit breaker to see if the circuit has tripped.

These are just some common furnace problems in cold weather and some of the issues are more serious than others. Call Climate Experts today to make sure your furnace is in perfect working order this winter.

Posted by admin on March 02, 2015

1. Don’t blast the heat

It is easy to understand that people want to feel cozy during the winter, and in turn set your heating system on high. However, it is possible to maintain your indoor comfort without the temperature set to 75 or 80 degrees Fahrenheit. By lowering your thermostat to 68 or 70, your body’s natural heating system will maintain your desired temperature. This is one of the simplest energy saving tips, but can save you 10% to 15% on your electricity bill.

2. Seal your doors and windows.

Though you may be running your heating system on high to keep the house warm, unsealed doors and windows easily let this heat escape. Invest in additional weather stripping and plastic wrap for the windows. Not only is this a relatively easy fix, but you will stop paying to heat the great outdoors.

3. Insulate!

Without decent insulation, on average a quarter of the energy that your heating system produces can escape through the walls and the roof. By ensuring that the insulation in your house is not only existent but up to date, you can save a significant amount of money. Poor insulation is one of the leading reasons warm air escapes the house, and one of the easiest things to forget about!

4. Upgrade your lights

Incandescent lighting can waste up to 90% of the energy it demands as the bulbs produce and emit heat. Not only is this wasteful but it can be dangerous; bulbs that remain on for long periods during the dark winter can become incredibly hot and potentially explore. Upgrading to CFL’s or LED bulbs will cut both energy costs and dangerous hazards in your home.

5. Lay down a rug or two.

While hardwood, stone, and laminate floors are beautiful to look at, they are terrible at retaining heat. By adding a floor mat or rug to your room, floors will stay warmer and stop you from turning up the heat.

6. Close doors

This tip might seem too obvious, but it is easier said than done! Remember to check that the doors in the house stay closed, particularly ones connecting to the outdoors or rooms with grand windows. Doing a double check is not embarrassing, neither is the energy savings you get from it.

7. Invest in an automatic thermostat

Having the heat running all day can be incredibly costly if you are not there to benefit from it, but turning it off when you leave and arrive home every day sounds like an equally poor choice. Investing in an automatic thermostat can fix this issue for you. It will deactivate when the house is empty, and you can set it to activate just before arriving home, so that you can save money on your energy bill where possible.

8. Go on an air leak search and destroy mission

Air leaks can appear anywhere from the roof to the basement. To prevent them from increasing your energy costs, scour your entire home for air leaks. If you aren’t sure where to begin, hire a professional do it for you.

9. Upgrade your heating system

An inefficient heater will cause you to literally throw money away. By upgrading your heater to a modernized model, your energy bill can be shrunk down to almost half its size.

10. Make sure that your heating system undergoes regular maintenance

Your heater will be most efficient when it is properly cleaned and maintained. It is important that you have your heater professionally cleaned and maintained before and even during the wintertime when it gets the most use.

To learn more about how to save on your energy bill throughout the year Contact the Climate Experts Heating and Cooling team, Canada’s top indoor air quality experts! 

Posted by admin on November 17, 2014

Cold weather is meant for cuddling up in your house and staying snug and warm. Furnaces ensure that your house stays warm and is heated properly. But along with the cold winter weather, you’ll probably encounter some common furnace problems. Your furnace suddenly starts acting up and you have no idea why.

Here are seven of the most common furnace problems and how to solve them. You can opt to repair the furnace yourself if it’s a simple fix, or call in a professional furnace repair company.

1. Your furnace is only blowing cold air or is not generating enough heat

• Your air filter could be dirty: Change your filter every 1-3 months as per the type of filter you’re currently using.
• Your air ducts might be leaking: If your air ducts are insufficiently insulated, it could affect the circulation of heat. It is imperative that you seal the ducts quickly.
• The airflow could be uneven: If your air ducts were not designed properly or you picked the wrong furnace size for your home, the airflow could be uneven.

1. Your furnace won’t turn on
2. Your furnace only works for short periods of time
3. Your furnace is giving out too much carbon monoxide – If your furnace is old it could have tiny cracks in the heat exchanger. This can lead to leaking of carbon monoxide. Make sure you install a carbon monoxide detector to protect your family and have you furnace examined by a professional.
4. Your furnace is too noisy – Your furnace definitely shouldn’t be making any squeaking or rattling noises. You could have a clogged burner or some other mechanical problem.
5. The blower continuously runs – You probably need to hire a professional to change the limit switch if you’re experiencing problems with the blower.
6. Your furnace filter is completely clogged – This will lead to a reduction in airflow making it difficult for hot air to circulate throughout the house. The limit switch which controls the fan could also be damaged.

• Your thermostat may be faulty: Make sure that your thermostat is set on ‘heat’ and the fan is programmed to ‘auto’ or replace the batteries.
• You could have a tripped or blown circuit: If this happens, you may not know until you put your furnace on. Always check your circuit breaker.
• Your pilot light could be malfunctioning: There are a number of reasons why this could occur.

• Your thermostat could be malfunctioning: Either replace the batteries or the thermostat.
• Perhaps your heat vent is too close to your thermostat: If the thermostat is right under a heating vent, it could be what is causing the problem.
• Uneven heating: If your house is leaking air, it could cause your furnace to switch on again and again.
• Your furnace could be overheating: Ensure that the filter is changed and the exhaust vents and ducts are cleared of all debris.

These common furnace problems can cause you to experience some inconvenience. But if you take the proper proactive measures, it will ensure that you stay nice and warm during the winter! If you are facing a furnace problem, it is time to call in a furnace repair professional. Contact Climate Experts Heating and Cooling Inc. today and enjoy affordable and exceptional furnace repair service.

Posted by admin on September 29, 2014

The life of an average furnace ranges between 16 and 20 years, some even longer. So how do you know when yours is getting ready to be replaced, regardless of its age? Here are seven signs that your need to consider a furnace replacement.

1. Higher utility bills

One indicator that your furnace is starting to go is an increase in either your gas or electric bills. As furnaces age, they are less efficient, especially if the furnace maintenance has not been kept up. Inefficient furnaces must run longer in order to keep up with your heating requirements. 

Your utility bills will keep going up the longer you wait to replace your furnace. At some point, it is simply more efficient and economical to put that money into a new furnace.

2. More repairs

Furnaces begin to show a lot of wear and tear in the last two years of their life, when you can expect to pay more for the repairs, and to do more and more repairs to keep the furnace running.

Repairing an older furnace will also take more time since the older the furnace, the more difficult (and expensive!) it will be to find replacement parts.

3. Uneven heating

A furnace in excellent working condition will heat all rooms evenly. One sign that you need a furnace replacement is when you find yourself noticing that some rooms in your home are cooler or warmer than others. 

4. Carbon monoxide gas

There are many signs that your furnace could be producing carbon monoxide gas that indicate it is time to replace your furnace: the flame is flickering or yellow; there is soot around the furnace; there is no upward draft in your chimney; there is too much moisture around cold surfaces like windows and walls; too much rust collecting around the furnace; or water leaking. Any one or more of these signs requires follow-up with a qualified furnace repair and replacement company.

5. Too much noise

If your furnace is making a lot of unusual noises, then you know that it is nearing the end and you will need to consider a furnace replacement. Any unusual sounds, like banging, humming, rattling, squealing, or buzzing might be signs of a failing furnace. If the blower runs continuously, or the blower is turning on and off or blows cold air every once and awhile, your furnace needs to be replaced.

6. Dusty or dry air

When the furnace is not working well and does not move the air properly, it can lead to an increase in allergens like mold or pollen in your home. The dust will begin to accumulate too. With that stale air feeling comes minor illnesses like more colds, dry throat and skin, all of which can point to a faulty furnace.

7. Family members aren’t feeling well

Perhaps one of the least well-known signs that your furnace isn’t working properly is an increase in illnesses in your home. When your furnace ages, there is an increased likelihood that your heat exchanger in the furnace will begin to crack, causing carbon monoxide to be released without detection. Carbon monoxide can cause headaches, nausea, disorientation and flu-like symptoms. 

If anyone in your family experiences these symptoms, air out your home and call the gas service immediately. Since cracks in the heat exchangers can have serious consequences for your family’s health, older furnaces should be replaced.

Do any of these signs sound like your furnace? Then call us at Climate Experts to book your free estimate for furnace replacement.

Posted by admin on September 22, 2014

When it comes to your heating and cooling system, having the right products available is essential, not only to ensure that your system works properly but also to reduce your ongoing expenses. Most home owners have a tank-based water heater and although it can be effective, there are other alternatives available that will reduce the space required in your basement and reduce your utility bill every month. 

What is a Tankless Hot Water Heater? 

A tankless hot water heater is also known as an instantaneous water heating system, and they are popular due to their small size. However, they offer a lot more than simply space saving in your home; they offer continuous running water, they cost much less to operate and they are also environmentally friendly. These tankless systems work on an entirely different concept than traditional water heaters. With a regular storage water heater, your water will be stored in a storage tank that is heated with a boiler. A tankless system instead heats the water on demand. Since the water is only heated when you need it, less energy is required to keep it hot. A tank water heater uses more energy to maintain its supply of hot water.

Tankless hot water heater systems offer numerous benefits over traditional tank-based water systems and they are becoming increasingly popular across the world. Here are some of the most popular benefits of tankless systems:

• Continuous water. Since you won’t have a tank, you will have water available as-needed, on-demand. You will never have a shortage of heated water, making these units very practical.
   
• Eco-friendly. Tankless heaters are very energy efficient so they can help to reduce air pollution. They are also smaller in size, so that will take up less space in your home and on landfills eventually.
   
• No stored water. The system is tankless you only use heated water as needed and this will in turn reduce lime scale build-up, meaning less maintenance too. 
   
• Durable. Tankless systems are very durable and have an average lifespan of around 20 years. The system is fuel efficient and they last longer as they won’t have any sediment build-up. 

It’s a good idea to replace your traditional water heating system in your home with a tankless hot water heater. With the right equipment and reliable workmanship, you can benefit from significant cost savings and an energy efficient heating system in your home. 

Climate Experts specializes in tankless hot water heater systems and serves the Durham region as well as surrounding areas. Contact us today to find out more about our furnace and air conditioner repair and maintenance services. 

Posted by admin on March 16, 2015

The demise of your household water heater should not be seen as a tragic loss, but rather the chance for you to invest in something new. As you begin to look at possible replacements, the new option of an on demand hot water heater will appear. Naturally, one of the first questions you may want answered is if they are really worth investing your time and money. The fact is, these kinds of water heaters are excellent investments, for several reasons.

No More Reheating a Tank of Water

Traditional water heaters work by continuously reheating a tank of water, which reoccurs throughout the day. This process takes place regardless if anyone is home, or anyone is using the water. This results in you paying for energy that is being used regardless of its necessity. With an on demand water heater, there is no water tank that is constantly being heated, so no extra energy is wasted.

Life Expectancy

A key benefit in the purchase of an on demand water heater is that they are built to last much longer than their traditional counterparts. The life of a conventional water heater is somewhere in the area of 10 to 15 years; in contrast, a tankless water heater has an average life of 20 years. This means that not only will you be saving money by not constantly reheating water, but you will also save money by not having to replace your water heater as frequently.

Repair and Maintenance

Like all hard working machines, your on demand water heater will eventually require some minimal repairs throughout its lifespan. It is important to remember that an on demand water heater is designed so that these repairs will happen far less than with conventional water heaters. Given the repairs will not happen as often, and the maintenance is easy to manage, this will lead to more money saved in the long term.

Hot Water When You Want It

How often have you had to put off tasks around the house so that somebody could take a shower? With a conventional water heater, there is a limited amount of hot water available at any given time. Running the dishwasher at 8pm means that no one can take a hot shower until at least 9pm, and considering doing the laundry while these chores are being done is nearly impossible.

These issues disappear with an on demand hot water heater. The water is heated as you need it, and supply cannot run out. This means that dishes, showering, and laundry can be done at the same time without forfeiting hot water.

When looking into purchasing a new hot water heater, do not overlook your tankless options. Though this machine may cost you more immediately, you will see a great amount of savings over its lifespan. With its lower energy consumption, infrequent repairs and immediate hot water convince, the initial price tag is worth every cent. Talk to a plumbing professional today and begin to look into this option. This change will be the one of the best, and warmest, choices you make all year.

Posted by admin on October 14, 2014

Ideally, you will always have your furnace serviced periodically by a professional HVAC technician. However, there is no guarantee that your furnace will not unexpectedly break down, requiring an emergency furnace repair. If it breaks down at night or on the weekend, waiting for the next day or Monday morning could be too long a wait. 

One thing you can do to avoid a situation where you need emergency furnace repair is to keep an eye on it. There are five signs that your furnace needs to be checked immediately:

1. The burner flame is yellow and not blue.
2. You can hear odd noises when the furnace is on.
3. There is more dust and stuffiness in the home, possibly caused by a clogged air filter.
4. Your heating bill goes up significantly and heating is uneven throughout the home.
5. Your furnace has needed frequent or costly repairs. Generally speaking, a furnace that is more than 15 years old should be replaced.

It is important to take these signs seriously and call for emergency furnace repair for a number of reasons. Apart from the fact that you cannot survive without heating during the cold months, there are other reasons you should ensure your furnace is running well:

• A furnace that is in good condition runs quietly and will not disturb your sleep when it goes bump in the night as the furnace cycles.
• Heating takes up a big chunk of the energy bill. While energy efficiency comes down to the furnace model, any furnace that is in good condition uses less energy than one that is older and requires repair.
• Your home will have clean air when your furnace is in good operating condition. Poorly maintained furnaces raise safety issues like carbon monoxide leaks. A furnace that is running well will also filter germs and dust more efficiently than one that requires maintenance.
• Getting your furnace repaired when you spot an issue can save you some money. Extensive repairs will cost much more to fix if you wait too long.
• Finally, with a properly maintained furnace, you will have a more comfortable home with consistent humidity levels and even heating throughout the house.

Furnace inspection and maintenance that you can do yourself

When repairs are completed and the furnace is working efficiently, there are things you can do to avoid another a situation in which you need emergency furnace repair:

• Test your carbon monoxide detector and replace the battery while you are at it. If you don’t have a carbon monoxide detector, install one. Carbon monoxide poisoning can be fatal.
• Ensure your furnace is clear. There shouldn’t be anything blocking airflow to it. Additionally, there shouldn’t be anything flammable in the space surrounding it.
• Change the furnace filter regularly. A clogged filter will compromise airflow to the furnace which can in turn compromise its efficiency. Disposable air filters should be changed once a month. This is one of the most inexpensive ways to keep your furnace running with maximum efficiency.

Climate Experts is on call to quickly respond to emergency furnace repairs. All calls are responded to by licensed technicians who can handle repairs to all of the major brands and models of furnaces. Whenever you call Climate Experts Heating and Cooling, you can be sure that you’ll never be left in the cold!