How to Tell if Your Tankless Water Heater Needs Repairs

Water Heater

If you always prefer having warm baths over cold ones, you’ve probably experienced the hassle of heating water in the kettle and mixing it with your cold one. That’s why tankless water heaters are more than perfect for households. After all, it reduces the effort of heating water by eliminating the need for a storage tank, making you save money on your energy bill.

How a Tankless Water Heater Works

A tankless water heater doesn’t use a storage tank to heat water. It warms the water as it passes through the system, which delivers it to the fixtures and appliances in your home. It works by detecting when a hot water tap is turned on and heating the water to the required temperature.

Afterward, the water heater continues to monitor the water flow and temperature so that it can adjust the heating as needed. As a result, you’ll never have to worry about running out of hot water, even if several appliances are being used simultaneously.

Signs of Tankless Water Heater Repair 

Like all appliances, your water heater can stop working properly for several reasons. If you’re unsure if you need tankless water heater repair or not, here are a few signs to look out for:

Sudden Loss of Hot Water

The primary goal of every tankless water heater is to provide hot water so you won’t have to wait long for your shower to heat up. This common issue is often referred to as “combustion shutdown,” where the venting of exhaust gases is obstructed. This can provoke the heater to shut down, leaving you with cold water.

You can do a few things to help prevent combustion shutdown in your tankless water heater. First, make sure the exhaust vent is clear and free of debris. You should also check the chimney or roof for any obstructions. If you have a gas water heater, keep the area around the unit clear and free of combustible materials.

The Water Is Not Hot Enough 

The water may not be hot enough because of mineral accumulation in the heating elements. Over time, mineral deposits will build up on the parts and reduce the heater’s ability to produce hot water. By utilizing a water softener or descaling the details periodically, you can help prevent this. 

Another tankless water heater repair method is to flush the system. This will remove any built-up sediment or mineral deposits and help improve the heater’s performance. 

Reduced Water Flow 

A decreased water flow could be due to several factors, including a clogged nozzle, a kinked hose, or a dirty filter. Try cleaning the system if you believe the tankless water heater is causing the problem. 

To clean the system, turn off the power to the heater. Then, disconnect the hoses and remove the filter. Next, use a garden hose to flush the system. Be sure to reconnect the hoses and filter before turning on the power.

Final Thoughts 

Your tankless water heater requires repairs if you are experiencing any of the issues in this article. If you are unsure, however, about whether your water heater needs repairs, it is always preferable to seek professional guidance.  

Climate Experts is a Canadian-owned and -operated company that provides affordable and high-quality tankless water heater repairs in Durham to ensure your appliance works efficiently and lasts longer. Contact us today for more information!

Why You Shouldn’t Ignore Furnace Repair and Maintenance

furnace

Some homeowners ignore household maintenance issues for as long as possible. They may believe that delaying addressing the problem will make it go away. However, home systems like the HVAC system often require routine maintenance to keep them running efficiently and reliably.

If you don’t take care of your furnace, it will eventually stop working properly. This means your house won’t be as comfortable in extreme temperatures. Additionally, your furnace could start having other issues that could be expensive to fix.

Here are some reasons why you shouldn’t ignore furnace repair and maintenance:

1. To Reduce the Risk of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning or a House Fire

A heat exchanger is used in gas furnaces to extract hazardous gases such as carbon monoxide from hot air. The heat exchanger is made of metal and contains a series of metal plates that expand and contract as the temperature of the heat exchanger varies. The heat exchanger in your furnace could develop cracks over time. If this happens, harmful gases like carbon monoxide could escape your home. You can’t smell or see carbon monoxide, so it would be hard to know if it’s present.

If the wires in your HVAC system are loose or the pilot light isn’t working correctly, it could cause a fire or explosion. Regular HVAC maintenance will ensure that your system’s wiring and gas lines are in good condition and haven’t deteriorated over time.

2. To Prevent More Costly HVAC Repairs in the Future

Many homeowners choose not to schedule routine maintenance for their HVAC systems to save money. However, doing this often causes more stress on the system due to minor issues that are not taken care of. Operating your HVAC system in extreme conditions will likely lead to more expensive repairs down the line.

3. To Avoid Frozen or Burst Pipes

If a furnace is neglected during winter, it may lose a component or break down entirely. In extreme cases, this can cause the water in a building’s pipes to freeze. Frozen pipes can cause a lot of damage to a home. They can cause sinks, showers, toilets, and other appliances to break and put the entire house at risk. Water expands as it freezes and when it freezes, it can cause the pipes to burst. This can cause water damage throughout the building.

4. To Maintain Good Air Quality Indoors

If your HVAC system is not properly maintained, the air quality inside your building can suffer. Dust, allergens, and pollutants can circulate through the system and end up in the air you breathe. While it’s not as dangerous as carbon monoxide, it can still harm your health. Ensure your HVAC system is serviced regularly to ensure the air in your home or office is clean and safe to breathe.

5. To Conserve Energy

An HVAC system that has not been regularly maintained will not work as efficiently as one that has. The system will have to work harder to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature and use more energy. This is inefficient and will cost you more money in the long run. Though repairs and maintenance may be costly, they’ll save you money down the line on your energy bill.

Conclusion

It is important to note that furnace repair and maintenance should not be ignored. Doing so can lead to several consequences, including decreased efficiency, increased chance of breakdown, and shortened lifespan. By ensuring that your furnace is regularly serviced and repaired, you can help avoid these issues and keep your home comfortable all winter long.

Climate Experts is a Canadian-owned and -operated company serving the Durham Region, GTA and the surrounding area. We provide home heating services, furnace repair, HVAC, and air conditioning repair and maintenance in Pickering, Ajax, Oshawa and Toronto. We are available to serve you 24/7 emergency service in a quick and timely manner. If you need furnace maintenance services in Pickering, we’ve got you covered! Get in touch with us today!

Furnace Leaks: Common Causes and How to Fix Them

furnace

A furnace leak is a serious problem that can result in extensive damage to your home. Many different things can cause a furnace leak, and it is important to be aware of the most common culprits so that you can take steps to prevent them.

1. Cracked Heat Exchanger 

The heat exchanger is responsible for transferring heat from the furnace to the home. If it is cracked, it can cause the furnace to leak water or other fluids. It can also leak carbon monoxide, which is extremely dangerous.  

In some cases, a cracked heat exchanger can also lead to a fire. If you notice any cracks in your heat exchanger, it is important to have it repaired or replaced as soon as possible.

2. Clogged Condensate Line

The condensate drain line is responsible for carrying away water and other fluids that condenses on the heat exchanger. If it becomes clogged, it can cause the furnace to leak which can lead to water damage. It is important that you have it cleaned out as soon as possible.

3. Flue Pipe Problem

Another thing that can cause furnace leaks is a problem with the flue pipe. The flue pipe is responsible for carrying gases and other fumes away from the furnace, and if it becomes blocked, it can cause the furnace to leak. In some cases, a blocked flue pipe can also lead to a fire. If you notice that your flue pipe is blocked, schedule a cleaning immediately. 

4. Loose Connections

Another possible cause of furnace leaks is a loose connection. Furnaces have a lot of different connections, and if any of them become loose, it can cause a leak. 

This is usually an easy problem to fix, but it’s important to have a professional check it to make sure that there isn’t any other damage.

5. Venting System

The venting system is responsible for carrying gases and other fumes away from the furnace, and if it becomes blocked, it can cause the furnace to leak. In some cases, a blocked venting system can also lead to a fire. If you notice that your venting system is blocked, you should have it cleaned.

If you suspect that your furnace is leaking, it is important to have it inspected by a qualified technician as soon as possible.

6. Old Age

Over time, furnaces can develop cracks and other problems that can cause leaks. If your furnace is more than ten years old, it’s a good idea to have it inspected by a professional to ensure it’s still safe to use.

Conclusion

If you’ve been noticing water around your furnace, don’t ignore it. There are several potential causes of furnace leaks, some of which may cause serious damage to your property. 

If you’re unsure what’s causing the leak, it’s always a good idea to call a professional for help. They will be able to inspect your furnace and determine the leak’s source so it can be fixed.

Climate Experts is a Canadian-owned and operated company serving Durham Region and the surrounding area. We install, service and preserve all major brands of air conditioners. Contact us today if you are looking for a furnace repair around Ajax

8 Telltale Signs It’s Time to Repair Your Furnace

furnace

As a responsible homeowner, you must regularly maintain the furnace in your home. After all, having no heat for the entire winter is a struggle in and of itself. Meanwhile, you will need air conditioning to save you and your family from heat waves. 

Read on to discover the eight telltale signs it’s time to repair your furnace.

Sign #1: The Odour

Furnaces should no longer create a strong odour once some time has passed. As such,  it’s recommended that you schedule furnace maintenance if you notice an odour that comes abruptly or persists for a lengthy period of time.

Strong exhaust odours may come from inefficient combustion. Aldehydes are responsible for the unpleasant stench created by inadequate combustion.

Sign #2: The Water Leaks

If you notice a pool of water near your heating system, you most likely have a water leak, which is a simple problem to resolve.

Condensation is the most likely cause of water seepage. A broken condensation line or a clogged condensation drain could be the source of the problem. A clogged drain or humidifier, for example, could also produce a leak.

Sign #3: The Gas Leaks

If you detect the odour of gas, contact an HVAC professional as soon as possible. Because gas ignites so quickly, even the smallest spark can utterly demolish your home. You should leave the house until the leak is repaired or a competent expert determines that the furnace is not leaking.

Sign #4: The Strain to Turn the Unit On

When it comes to maintenance, the needs of a furnace grow in direct proportion to its age. There is a chance that you will eventually have problems starting and running the machine.

If starting your furnace takes many attempts or if you’re obliged to do it several times per day, you should contact a skilled technician. Many of these problems could be attributed to dirty filters, internal AC coils, and secondary heat exchangers.  possible that a filthy flame sensor will cause the furnace to behave erratically.

Sign #5: The Separate Heat Sources

If you see shifting temperatures despite other parameters remaining constant, it’s likely that your furnace requires maintenance. If your furnace is in good functioning order, you should not have alternating episodes of cold and warm temperatures in your home.  always better to have an even heat distribution.

Sign #6: The Increasing Energy Costs

If you notice a rise in your monthly energy expenses, your furnace may be inefficient and in need of repair. Even while you should expect seasonal fluctuations in your energy costs, you should nonetheless be on the watch for sudden or persistent increases that cannot be justified. These could be indications that your furnace is malfunctioning.

Sign #7: The Detected Carbon Monoxide

If your home’s carbon monoxide alarm goes off, it means you’re in a perilous scenario that necessitates emergency evacuation and the attention of HVAC specialists.

Carbon monoxide is lethal. Heat exchangers with cracks could potentially allow gas into the home. Carbon monoxide can only be detected by its existence in the form of an alert because it lacks both odour and colour.

Sign #8: The Unpleasant Noise

A furnace’s condition can be determined by listening to its typical continuous buzzing sound. Strange noises emanating from the furnace, such as pounding, rattling, irregular humming, moaning, and rattles, could indicate a problem.

If the noises continue, you should contact a competent expert who can evaluate the issue and confirm that your heater is not malfunctioning.

Conclusion

Now that you know the telltale signs it’s time to repair your furnace, your job as a homeowner is to be attentive to them. After all, you never know when your furnace gives up on you. As such, if you call a furnace repair professional, they will be able to identify the problems and immediately provide the best solutions for your home.

Are you in need of furnace repair in Pickering? The Climate Experts team is here to help you with your furnace needs, even for emergencies! Simply give us a call today to learn more about our services.