Tips on How to Ensure Your Furnace Is in Good Condition

technician fixing gas furnace

As the weather starts to cool down, many homeowners think about firing up their furnaces for the first time in months. However, before doing so, it’s important to remember that furnaces are prone to problems and should be inspected by a professional regularly. 

Here are four reasons why your furnace may be more inclined to problems than other types of heating systems:

1. Furnaces Rely on a Complex System of Parts to Function Properly

There are many moving parts in a furnace, meaning there are more opportunities for something to go wrong. If one of the parts fails, it can cause the entire system to malfunction.

2. Furnaces Generate a Lot of Heat

The high temperatures generated by a furnace can cause parts to wear out more quickly. Additionally, the heat can cause problems with the electrical components of the furnace.

3. Furnaces Require Regular Maintenance

Furnaces must be inspected and cleaned regularly to function properly. If they are not maintained, they are more likely to break down.

4. Furnaces Can Be Dangerous

Because furnaces generate a lot of heat, they can be dangerous if they are not used properly. If there is a problem with the furnace, it can cause a fire.

How to Prevent Problems with Your Furnace

If you are concerned about the condition of your furnace, it is important to have it inspected by a professional. They will be able to identify any potential problems and recommend the best course of action.

Here are a few tips and tricks to help prevent problems with your furnace:

  1. Schedule an annual tune-up. It is one of the best ways to prevent furnace problems. A professional can clean and inspect your furnace, ensuring it’s in good working order.

  2. Change your furnace filter regularly. A dirty filter can restrict airflow and cause your furnace to work harder than it needs to. Most furnace filters should be changed every three months.

  3. Keep your furnace area clean. Vacuum around your furnace regularly to remove dust and debris. That will help keep the air around your furnace clean and clear.

  4. Don’t ignore strange noises. If your furnace starts making strange noises, it’s essential to have it checked out right away. These noises could be a sign of a severe problem.

  5. Be aware of the signs of a carbon monoxide leak. Carbon monoxide is a deadly gas that furnaces can produce. If you notice any of the following signs, there may be a carbon monoxide leak:
  • Headaches
  • Dizziness
  • Nausea
  • Shortness of breath
  • Fatigue

If you suspect a carbon monoxide leak, evacuate the area immediately and call for help. Following these tips can help prevent furnace problems and keep your family warm during the colder months.

Conclusion

A furnace is a key component in any home, and it is vital to take care of it to avoid costly repairs or replacements down the line. A well-maintained furnace will last longer and run more efficiently, saving you money on your energy bills. By taking these steps, you can help ensure that your furnace will continue to run smoothly and efficiently for years to come.

If your furnace experiences overheating or whether you have other home heating systems concerns, we can help. Climate Experts is a Canadian-owned and -operated company serving Durham Region, GTA, and the surrounding area. We install, service, and maintain all major brands of furnaces and air conditioners, available to help you with 24/7 emergency service quickly and promptly. 

5 Ways You Can Effectively Dehumidify the Air in Your Home

Dehumidifier

As the weather gets hotter, the humidity levels in our homes can start to feel unbearable. Many of us turn to our air conditioners in an attempt to lower the humidity, but does this actually work? Well, the answer is yes. Air conditioners do have the ability to lower humidity. However, they are not the most effective way to do so. Air conditioners work by removing moisture from the air as they cool it, but they can only remove so much moisture. This means that they can lower the humidity in your home, but they might not lower it to satisfy your needs!

There are other ways to decrease humidity that are more effective, and today, we’ll share with you those methods:

1. Use a Dehumidifier

One of the most effective ways to lower the humidity levels in your home is to use a dehumidifier. Dehumidifiers work by pulling moisture out of the air and into their internal reservoir. This can help to significantly lower the humidity levels in your home, making it more comfortable to live in.

2. Ventilate Your Home

Another way to lower the humidity levels in your home is to ventilate it. This can be done by opening windows and doors to allow fresh air to circulate. Additionally, you can use fans to help circulate the air and ventilate your home.

3. Reduce the Use of Humidifiers

If you use humidifiers in your home, you may want to consider reducing their use. As their name implies, humidifiers can add moisture to the air, which can raise the humidity levels in your home. So, by switching them off, you avoid adding any more moisture to the air, ensuring that your air isn’t as humid and also lowering the amount of work your other dehumidifying equipment.

4. Fix Leaks

If there are any leaks in your home, it is important to fix them. This is because leaks can actually cause the humidity levels in your home to rise. By fixing leaks, you can help to lower the humidity levels in your home and make it more comfortable for everyone who lives there. Also, you avoid other serious issues as well, such as mould growth.

5. Dry Your Clothes Outside

If you typically dry your clothes inside your home, you may want to consider doing so outside instead. This is because drying your clothes inside can actually add moisture to the air, which can raise the humidity levels in your home. Drying your clothes outside will not only help to keep the humidity levels in your home down, but it will also help to prevent mildew and mould from growing on your clothes.

Conclusion

So, apart from just switching your AC on to reduce humidity levels in the air, apply all the other dehumidifying tips we’ve shared with you today. While you can definitely just do one or two things, such as investing in a dehumidifier, applying as many of the tips we’ve shared will help you far more effectively dehumidify your air, giving you that cool, dry air you want to enjoy.

Climate Experts offers installation, servicing, and maintenance of various brands of furnaces and air conditioners in Canada. If you need services for your air conditioning in Pickering, reach out to us!

5 Common Causes of Furnace Short Cycling Issues at Home

professional furnace technician carrying toolbox

Furnace short cycling is when your furnace turns on and off frequently, usually lasting for only a few minutes. Various issues can cause short cycling, but the most common is an issue with the thermostat. If your thermostat is not set correctly, it can cause your furnace to turn on and off more frequently than usual. Other causes of short cycling include dirty filters, clogged ductwork, and incorrect sizing for your furnace. But what other factors can influence furnace short cycling? Here are some ideas.

1. Thermostat Fails to Communicate

If your thermostat is not communicating correctly with your furnace, this can cause the furnace to turn on and off more frequently. The error usually stems from a faulty wire or a problem with the thermostat itself. If you have a programmable thermostat, make sure it is set correctly. If you have an older, non-programmable thermostat, you may need to replace it. Like other electronic devices, thermostats may also fail and experience issues after some time. Remember to have them updated once every few years to avoid furnace short cycling.

2. Clogged Air Filters

One of the most common causes of furnace short cycling is having a clogged air filter. The furnace must work harder to pull air through if the air filter gets clogged. As a result, dirty filters cause the furnace to overheat, which triggers it to shut off frequently. It is a common problem, and it’s easy to fix. Simply replace the air filter and ensure you keep up with the maintenance schedule. In return, cleaning furnace air filters will also improve the air quality in a home, making it safer for people living in it.

3. Damaged Blower Motor

The blower motor is responsible for circulating the air from the furnace. However, if the engine is damaged, it can cause the furnace to overheat and shut off. A damaged blower motor is more common in older furnaces, which makes updating furnaces important after years of wear and tear. But a qualified technician can fix the issue and ensure the furnace is not overworked, making maintenance checks and repairs essential to keeping furnaces functioning correctly.

4. Overheating

Another common cause of furnace short cycling is overheating. The furnace can overheat for many reasons, including a dirty air filter, blocked air ventilation, and a damaged blower motor. Overheating causes the furnace to shut off, which can damage the furnace. As a result, it is essential to get furnace repairs as soon as possible if the furnace is shutting off frequently.

5. Low Refrigerant Level

If your furnace uses refrigerant, a low level of refrigerant can cause the furnace to overheat and shut off. If the furnace has a low refrigerant level, it is essential to call a technician immediately. Low refrigerant can cause the furnace to overheat and shut off, damaging the furnace. As a result, it is necessary to get furnace repairs as soon as possible if the furnace is shutting off frequently.

Conclusion

If your furnace is short cycling, it is essential to get furnace repairs as soon as possible. Short cycling can cause the furnace to overheat and shut off, damaging the furnace. As a result, it is essential to get furnace repairs as soon as possible if the furnace is shutting off frequently. In the long run, attending to urgent concerns such as furnace short cycling should help maintain the device longer.

Climate Experts is a one-stop shop for all things furnaces. Aside from repairs for avoiding furnace overheating, maintenance, and installations, we also sell air conditioners, air handlers, and comfort controls to people finding home heating and cooling solutions. Inquire about furnace costs in Ontario or learn about the best thermostat setting for summer on our website today.

Why Your AC Is Making Noise Even after Shutting Off

apartment with air conditioner

Few things are worse than an abrupt, loud bang, especially if it’s coming from your air conditioner. If you’ve begun to hear a loud slamming sound when your system goes down, there might be various underlying issues at work. While determining the specific problem without having a professional diagnose your unit might be challenging, there are a few frequent causes that can help you better appreciate whether or not expert repair services are required.

Why Your AC Is Making Noise Even after Shutting Off

If your air conditioner is making noise even when it’s turned off, there are several possible explanations. The most likely culprit is a problem with the compressor, which is the part of the air conditioner that circulates refrigerant. Compressor problems can cause a range of noises, from a gentle humming to a loud, persistent banging.

Other potential causes of noise include loose parts, debris in the air conditioner’s fan, or a problem with the air conditioner’s electrical components. In some cases, the noise may be coming from an adjacent appliance, such as a refrigerator.

If your air conditioner is making noise, the first step is to identify the source of the noise. Once you know where the noise is coming from, you can troubleshoot the problem and take steps to fix it.

Other Common AC Noises and How to Deal with Them

Screeching: If your air conditioner is making a screeching noise, it’s likely due to a problem with the compressor. The most common cause of screeching is a loose or damaged belt. If the belt is loose, you can try tightening it. If the belt is damaged, you’ll need to replace it.

Squealing: If your air conditioner is making a squealing noise, it’s likely due to a problem with the compressor. The most common cause of squealing is a loose or damaged belt. If the belt is loose, you can try tightening it. If the belt is damaged, you’ll need to replace it.

Rattling: If your air conditioner is making a rattling noise, it’s likely due to a problem with the fan. The most common cause of rattling is a loose or damaged part. If the rattling is caused by a loose part, you can try tightening it. If the rattling is caused by a damaged part, you’ll need to replace it.

Hissing: If your air conditioner is making a hissing noise, it’s likely due to a problem with the refrigerant. The most common cause of hissing is a leak in the refrigerant line. If you suspect a leak, you should contact a professional for repair.

Clicking: If your air conditioner is making a clicking noise, it’s likely due to a problem with the electrical components. The most common cause of clicking is a loose or damaged switch. If the clicking is caused by a loose switch, you can try tightening it. If the clicking is caused by a damaged switch, you’ll need to replace it.

Conclusion

There are a few reasons why your air conditioner may be making noise even when it’s shut off. It could be due to a loose component, a build-up of dirt and grime, or a problem with the compressor. If the noise is only occasional, it’s probably not a cause for concern. However, if the noise is constant or becomes louder over time, it’s a good idea to have a professional take a look at it.

Are you having trouble with your air conditioning in Pickering? You can hire us, the Climate Experts. We install, service, and repair furnaces and AC units, offering 24/7 and emergency services. Contact us to learn more.