Warm and Cozy: Basic Furnace Safety Tips You Should Know

cozy home

Andy Williams’ Christmas carol is a true classic. It has all the elements of a great carol – a catchy melody, beautiful lyrics and a message of hope and joy. It is impossible to listen to this song without being uplifted and filled with the spirit of Christmas.

With winter comes shorter days, lower temperatures and the need to layer up to stay warm, but because the weather outside is frightful does not mean your home has to be. There are a few key ways to ensure that you remain cozy throughout winter without spending a fortune on heating bills. Following these, you can keep your home warm and toasty all season long.

One important reminder for keeping your home warm this winter is to check your gas furnaces. They are the most common heating systems in North America, and they work by heating air and circulating it throughout your home. 

If you have a gas furnace, it is necessary to have it serviced by a professional yearly to ensure it is running safely and efficiently. A gas furnace that is not adequately maintained can be a fire hazard, so having your heating system serviced regularly is worth the peace of mind.

Place a Safety Screen in Front 

Putting a safety screen in front of your gas furnace is a great way to protect your family from accidental fires. A safety screen is a metal mesh that covers the opening of the furnaces, preventing anything from getting inside. Remember a few things when choosing a safety screen for your furnace:

  1. Ensure the screen is the right size for your furnace.
  2. Check to see if the screen is made of durable material that can withstand high temperatures.
  3. Make sure the screen is easy to install and remove.

Installing a safety screen is a simple process:

  1. Remove the old screen from the furnace.
  2. Measure the stove’s opening and cut the new screen to size.
  3. Attach the new screen to the furnace using screws or metal clips.

Never Adjust the Logs

Though it may be tempting to adjust the faux logs in your fireplace, this can also be a safety hazard because moving them could block a vent, allowing carbon monoxide to accumulate. If you think your faux logs need to be adjusted, it is best to consult an expert to ensure that it is done safely.

Avoid Cleaning the Glass When It Is Turned On

If you have a glass fireplace door, keeping it clean to enjoy the fire without any obstruction is necessary. But you do not want to clean the glass while the furnaces are still hot, as this can be dangerous. Wait until the fireplace is turned off and has time to cool down before cleaning the glass.

Conclusion

There are a few key things to keep in mind regarding furnace safety. First, ensure that your furnace is properly maintained and serviced by a qualified professional. Secondly, keep flammable materials away from your furnace, and never use them as a space heater. 

Finally, if you ever smell gas or smoke from your furnace, shut it off immediately and call a professional for help. Following these simple tips can help keep your family safe from fire hazards.

Most importantly, you should ask Climate Experts to inspect your fireplace. We repair furnaces for Pickering residents to keep them warm throughout the winter. So, contact us now before Winter sets in. 

Considerations When Replacing Your Furnace in Canada

gas furnace replacement

You’ve probably encountered furnace issues and are considering replacing your furnace if you’re reading this post. While many publications offer hazy prices for replacing your furnace, it might be difficult to locate something that takes you step-by-step through the procedure.

This article provides you with the knowledge you need to calculate the typical furnace replacement cost and some crucial elements to consider before you make a decision.

Costs of Installation

You should consider your installation costs before making hasty decisions regarding which furnace brand or design you want to install. 

Many individuals are unaware that sometimes the cost of installing a new furnace can be as much as the cost of the furnace.

The time and labour needed to remove your old furnace and install the new one will also determine the average cost to replace a furnace because most furnace installers bill by the hour. 

It makes sense that the cost of installation will increase as more work is necessary and as the replacement of your furnace takes longer. 

Even though the majority of HVAC businesses might not be able to give you an exact price, a skilled HVAC technician should be able to give you a good idea of what removal and installation would cost. In this manner, you can consider this expense when making a choice.

Furnace Type

The total cost of replacement will depend on the type of furnace you select. Low-Boy furnaces typically stand between one and two feet shorter than High-Boy furnaces. Oil is often needed as a fuel source. 

An oil furnace often costs more on average to replace than other types of furnaces. This is due to the higher cost and longer installation time associated with an oil furnace.

Because they don’t need furnace vents, electric furnaces may be less expensive to install and replace. Gas and oil furnaces need to be vented outside of your house in order to get rid of any potentially hazardous gases because they burn combustible material as fuel. 

The additional time, labour, and materials needed for this venting can raise the price of a replacement.

Furnace Installation Considerations

The final cost of replacement will depend on the furnace’s brand, size, and efficiency rating.

Square Footage of a Home

Although it may seem obvious, your furnace has to be bigger the bigger your home is. Installing a furnace that is too small but slightly less expensive in an effort to save money won’t be beneficial in the long term. 

Your furnace’s blower will probably work too hard and eventually need to be changed more frequently, raising your yearly maintenance expense. You’ll probably spend more money on a blower replacement than you initially saved by installing a tiny furnace.

Performance Level

There is a specific efficiency rating for each type of furnace. Although they may cost more upfront, high-efficiency furnaces typically pay for themselves over time. Better total energy savings are provided with a high-efficiency furnace. 

As a result, even though they initially cost roughly $500 more than a low-efficiency furnace, they will ultimately result in yearly energy bill savings for you.

Brand of Furnace

Choosing a famous, well-known brand today offers a quality assurance similar to that of many other products. While the cost of brands like Trane, American Standard, Carrier, and Bryant may be slightly higher, knowing that the company will support its goods allows you to buy with trust. 

These firms create high-quality, dependable, and long-lasting furnaces, but the majority do cost more.

Conclusion

Some lesser-known manufacturers are also capable of delivering the same level of functionality and quality. Inquire about recommendations and extra information from your neighbourhood HVAC expert.

You’ll want to have your furnace installed by a qualified professional. You can be sure that your new furnace will bring you years of satisfaction by paying attention to the advice given here.

When you’ve decided to get a replacement, don’t hesitate to call Climate Experts for your furnace installation in Pickering! We’re a Canadian-owned and -operated company, installing, servicing, and maintaining all major brands of furnaces and air conditioners. 

Call us anytime, as we’re available to serve you with 24/7 emergency service!

5 Tips for Pet Owners to Maintain Their HVAC System

dog on couch

As a pet owner, you know that your furry friend is an important part of the family. But did you know that your pet can have an impact on your home’s HVAC system? Pets can shed fur, track in dirt and mud, and cause allergies. While you can’t control everything your pet does, you can take steps to minimize the impact on your HVAC system.

So, if you have one or a couple of furry friends running around your home and an HVAC system installed in it, here are five tips you must follow to ensure your HVAC system is always in great condition:

1. Vacuum Regularly

Vacuuming is important for all households, but it’s especially important for homes with pets. Vacuuming regularly will help to remove pet hair, dander, and dirt from your floors and furniture. This will reduce the number of allergens in your home and also help to keep your HVAC system clean.

2. Brush and Clean Your Pet Often

While you cannot fully eliminate shedding from your pets, brushing your pet regularly will help to reduce the amount of shedding that occurs. Cleaning them also helps to do this! As a result of cleaner pets, you will help to keep your home’s air clean and reduce the amount of fur entering your HVAC system and clogging up the filters.

3. Invest in an Air Purifier

If you’re concerned about the air quality in your home, investing in an air purifier is a good idea. Air purifiers can help to remove pet hair, dander, and other airborne allergens from your home and also alleviate the amount of work your HVAC system has to put up with.

4. Schedule Regular HVAC System Maintenance

The best way to protect your HVAC system is to schedule regular maintenance. A professional can clean the filters, coils, and other parts of your system. They can also identify any potential problems and make repairs as needed. This ensures that your HVAC system is always in good shape, even if you have a couple of dogs or cats who love to run around and shed a lot of furs.

5. Consider Investing in an HRV/ERV System

These systems help to recycle heat or energy in your home. What does this mean? It simply means that they can help improve your HVAC system’s efficiency greatly! In fact, an energy recovery ventilator can recover up to 70% of the HVAC’s energy use. Now that’s a huge amount. This can greatly reduce the workload on the HVAC system and, subsequently, keeps them in proper working order.

Conclusion

As you can see, some work needs to be done at your end to ensure that you and your furry friends all get to live in a comfortable and cozy home! After all, no one wants to live in a home that isn’t at the right temperature, right? That being said, apply the tips we’ve shared with you today, and the more tips you apply to ensure your HVAC system is in good condition, the better it is for the system and everyone else that relies on it.

Climate Experts is a Canadian-owned and operated company that serves the Durham region, offering installation, servicing, and maintenance for all major brands of HVAC systems. If you are looking for HVAC maintenance in Whitby and more, get in touch with us today!

Reusable Furnace Filters: Do They Actually Work?

installing a furnace filter

The furnace’s air filter is designed to trap dust in the air. The filter needs to be cleaned and replaced regularly to work effectively.

In this post, our specialists in HVAC in Ajax are discussing what you need to know about reusable furnace filters and whether or not they actually work:

What Is a Reusable Furnace Filter?

A reusable furnace filter is a type of furnace filter that can be reused after it has been used to filter out particulates from the air. Reusable furnace filters are typically made of metal or synthetic materials, and they can be washed and reused multiple times.

Reusable furnace filters are an alternative to disposable furnace filters, which are designed to be used only once and then thrown away. Disposable furnace filters are made of paper or fiberglass and can only be used for a limited time before they have to be replaced.

Is It Necessary to Use High-Quality Furnace Filters?

There are various furnace filters on the market, and it can be tempting to save a few dollars by opting for a cheaper option. However, it’s important to remember that a furnace is a significant investment, and using a high-quality furnace filter is among the best ways to protect it.

What Is the Difference between Disposable and Reusable Filters?

When it comes to filters, there are basically two main types: disposable and reusable. Disposable filters are designed to be used once and then thrown away, while reusable filters can be used several times before needing replacement.

 Disposable filters are often made of paper or fiber, while reusable filters are usually made of metal or plastic.

Pros and Cons of Reusable Furnace Filters

Are reusable furnace filters really the best option for your home? Here’s a look at the pros and cons of using a reusable furnace filter:

PROS

1. Cost Savings

One of the biggest advantages of using a reusable furnace filter is the cost savings. These filters typically cost more upfront than disposable filters, but you won’t have to keep buying new ones every few months. In the long run, reusable furnace filters can save you a significant amount of money.

2. Environmentally Friendly

Another benefit of reusable furnace filters is that they’re more environmentally friendly than disposable filters. Once you’ve used a disposable filter a few times, it ends up in the landfill where it will sit for years. On the other hand, you can wash and reuse a reusable furnace filter, which cuts down on waste.

3. Better Air Quality

Some studies have shown that reusable furnace filters can actually improve the quality of the air in your home. That’s because these filters are designed to trap smaller particles than disposable filters. If you’re looking for better air quality, a reusable furnace filter is a good option.

CONS

1. Requires Regular Cleaning

One of the downsides of using a reusable furnace filter is that it requires regular cleaning. You’ll need to remove your filter from the furnace and wash it at least once every three months. If you don’t keep up with the cleaning, the filter won’t work as well and your air quality will suffer.

2. Can Be Difficult to Clean

Cleaning a reusable furnace filter can be a bit of a hassle, especially if it’s very dirty. You’ll need to use a mild detergent and make sure you rinse the filter thoroughly. If you don’t clean the filter properly, it could end up damaging your furnace.

How Often Should You Change Your Reusable Filter?

The answer to this question depends on a few factors, including the type of filter you have and the amount of use it gets. In general, however, most reusable filters should be changed every one to three months.

The type of filter you have will play a role in how often it needs to be changed. Also, the amount of use your air purifier gets will also affect how often you need to change the filter. If you use it often, you may need to change it more often than if you only use it occasionally.

Conclusion

Reusable filters are a good option for many reasons. They are cost-effective, eco-friendly, and easy to use. With so many benefits, it’s no wonder that more and more people are making the switch to reusable filters. If you need to know more about reusable filters, you can speak with experts in HVAC in Ajax who can answer your questions.

Climate Experts are the trusted specialists on everything related to HVAC in Ajax. Get in touch with Climate Experts for all your HVAC repair, maintenance, or installation needs!