5 Factors to Consider When Buying a Furnace in Canada

furnace

You should familiarize yourself with the different types of furnaces, the available features, and the average cost of a new unit. This way, when you are ready to purchase a new furnace, you can make an informed decision.

Here are five essential factors to consider before you buy a furnace:

1. Blower Motor Technology

The blower on your furnace is responsible for circulating air throughout your home. When shopping for a new furnace, it’s important to consider the energy efficiency of the blower. More efficient blowers use less electricity and can save money on energy bills.

There are three main types of blowers used in furnaces. The first is the standard blower motor, which has been used for the past 30 years. This type of motor is the least expensive and least energy efficient. 

The second type is the constant torque motor, which is more energy efficient than the standard motor. The third type is the variable-speed motor, the most energy-efficient. This type of motor can operate at different speeds, which helps to keep energy costs low.

2. Energy Efficiency

Furnaces are ranked by a term known as annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE), which measures the annual gas consumption of a furnace. The higher the AFUE number, the less gas is spent during heating. If you are not efficient in your use of heating, you could be saving money by upgrading to a newer, more efficient furnace.

3. Smart Thermostat

A smart thermostat is a device that helps to regulate the temperature in a home or building energy-efficient way. The thermostat can learn the temperature preferences of the occupants and then create a schedule that will save energy. The device also has sensors that can detect when people are present in the home or away and will adjust the heating and cooling accordingly.

You’ll be able to manage your settings and get alerts from anywhere on your phone. Some models can tell you if your furnace has a problem or remind you when to change your air filter. With a smart thermostat, you can save a lot of money on your energy bill. 

4. Sound Reduction Technology

Some furnaces are now designed to be very quiet, so you might not even be aware that they are running. This is achieved through sealed and insulated cabinets, variable-speed blower technology, and whisper-quiet gas burners.

5. Warranty

Regarding furnaces, you get what you pay for in terms of quality and reliability. We recommend using a major brand name for your furnace purchase to get the best technology and product warranty coverage.

Warranties are often limited in what they cover. Make sure to understand the limitations before assuming that a warranty will cover everything. For example, most standard manufacturer warranties only include the cost of the replacement part, not labour. Replacing a heat exchanger could be expensive if labour is not included in the warranty.

Make sure you register your new furnace as soon as possible after installation. Many manufacturers will only offer a limited warranty if you don’t register the product, and it only takes a few minutes.

Conclusion

When buying a furnace in Canada, it’s best to research the different types available to find the best one for your needs. Getting a professional to install the furnace is important to ensure it is done correctly. You should also have the furnace regularly serviced to keep it running efficiently.

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 installation in Pickering, we’ve got you covered! Get in touch with us today!

Telltale Signs There’s Something Wrong with a Furnace

furnace

If your furnace isn’t working properly, it might be due to a faulty ignitor. Ignitors are a vital component of gas furnaces and help to ensure that the furnace runs safely and efficiently. If your ignitor is damaged or not working properly, your furnace may not function well or may not work at all. 

Some telltale signs that can help you tell if your ignitor is faulty or if your furnace isn’t working properly. This blog post will shed light on what these signs are.

How To Tell If You Have a Faulty Furnace Ignitor

1 – Cold Air Blowing from the Furnace

If the furnace is turned on, but no heat is being produced, this is a telltale sign that your ignitor is faulty. When the ignitor is damaged or malfunctioning, it will not be able to ignite the gas in the furnace. This will cause the furnace to blow out cold air.

2 – The Furnace Won’t Turn On

Another sign that your ignitor is not working properly is if the furnace won’t turn on at all. If the ignitor is damaged or not working properly, the furnace will not be able to ignite the gas and will not turn on.

3 – Your Furnace Turns On and Off Repeatedly

If the furnace turns on and off repeatedly, this could be a sign that the ignitor is damaged or not working properly. When the ignitor is damaged or not working properly, it will not be able to ignite the gas in the furnace. This will cause the furnace to turn on and off repeatedly.

4 – Yellow or Orange Flame

If the flame in the furnace is yellow or orange, this could be a sign that the ignitor is damaged or not working properly. A healthy ignitor will produce a blue flame. If the ignitor is damaged or not working properly, it will not be able to ignite the gas in the furnace. This will cause the flame to be yellow or orange.

5 – Furnace Makes Strange Noises

If your furnace is making strange noises, there’s a good chance that the ignitor is damaged or not working properly. The ignitor is responsible for igniting the gas in the furnace, so if it’s not working properly, the furnace will make strange noises.

There are a few things you can do to troubleshoot this problem. First, check to see if the ignitor is dirty. If it is, clean it off with a brush or a vacuum. If that doesn’t solve the problem, you may need to replace the ignitor. However, if your furnace is still making strange noises after you’ve checked the ignitor, there may be a problem with the gas line. If you suspect this, you should call a professional to come and take a look.

6 – You Suspect Other Parts of the Furnace Have Stopped Working

If you suspect that other parts of the furnace have stopped working, they may also affect the way the ignitor is functioning. If you notice that your furnace is not working as it should because of one or more faulty parts, it may be another sign of a faulty ignitor.

Conclusion

If you notice any of these signs, it is important to call a professional to inspect your furnace. A professional will be able to tell if the ignitor is damaged or not working properly, and will be able to replace it if necessary. Ignitors are one of the most important parts of a furnace, so it is important to make sure that they are in good working order.

Should you have issues with your furnace in Ajax, contact Climate Experts. We are a Canadian-owned and operated company serving the Durham region, GTA and the surrounding area. We install, service and maintain all major brands of furnaces and air conditioners. We are available to serve you 24/7 emergency service in a quick and timely manner. Climate Experts are bonded, licensed and Insured while providing quality customer service all year around. We provide home heating services, furnace repair, HVAC, and air conditioning repair and maintenance in Pickering, Ajax, Oshawa and Toronto.

Possible Reasons Why Your Hot Water Suddenly Got Even Hotter

water heater

Is the hot water you use too hot? Unless the hot water suddenly hurts to the touch, taking a hot shower is a terrific way to wake up in the morning or unwind at night. But believe it or not, your hot water can get even hotter than usual.  This is a cautionary indication of a broken water heater. What is the issue, and might your water heater be set too high? And if so, what should you do about an overheating water heater? The potential causes and their solutions are listed below.

1. A Mineral Build-up

You obviously have hard water if you reside in a region like Brampton, Mississauga, or Georgetown. The thing is, you may have a  higher percentage of dissolved minerals, particularly calcium and magnesium, present in hard water. If it is left untreated, the high mineral concentration will leave crusty deposits in your hot water heater.

Thus, overheating of a water heater can be brought on by mineral buildup on the heating element of a hot water tank. It makes sense that your water will be far too hot when it comes out of the tap if the element in your water heater overheats.

The answer? Good maintenance of the water heater. Once a year, schedule a flushing of your hot water tank. You might need to have the tank emptied and cleaned if there is a significant quantity of mineral buildup (tankless water heaters require flushing, too!). If your water heater is getting close to its typical lifespan of 10 to 15 years, think about replacing it. You might decide to install a water softener in order to avoid issues with hard water.

2. A Faulty Heater Element

A typical electric water heater has two heating elements, one at the top and one at the bottom, which alternate. A burner is located at the base of the tank on gas water heaters. Usually, the heating elements will briefly shut off after the water reaches the predetermined temperature.

However, the cutoff feature could stop working if one component has developed damage or a defect. The outcome is that the water keeps heating up until it is boiling hot.

In this situation, you will require expert water heater repair to replace the broken element.

3. A Broken Heater Thermostat

A malfunctioning water heater thermostat is often to blame when your tap or shower generates scalding hot water that is above the appropriate water temperature. A water heater thermostat regulates the temperature of your water heater’s output. They may require repairs whether they are malfunctioning or simply installed wrong.

4. An Issue with the Pressure Relief Valve

The temperature and pressure relief (T & P) valve on your water heater is a security feature. The T & P valve will enable a tiny amount of water to leak out when the water pressure or temperature inside your hot water tank becomes too much.

However, the water heater’s temperature may sharply increase if the pressure release valve stops functioning properly. At this stage, flooding or even a water heater that bursts are potential alternatives; extremely hot water is probably the best-case scenario.

Conclusion

Overall, there are many possible reasons why your hot water may have gotten hotter than usual. It could be a problem with the water heater itself, or it could be something else entirely. If you’re not sure what’s causing the problem, it’s best to call a professional to take a look.

If you are looking for a company that deals with tankless water heater repairs in Durham, ON, look no further than our services here at Climate Experts. We install, service and maintain all major brands of furnaces and air conditioners, and we are available to serve you for 24/7 emergency services in a quick and timely manner. Call us today, and let us tend to your faulty water heater in no time!

Which Is the Better Choice for Me: Heat Pump or Furnace?

furnace

If you’re wondering whether a heat pump or furnace is right for your home, there are a few things to consider. Heat pumps and furnaces have pros and cons, so it’s important to decide which is right for your specific needs.

How Does a Heat Pump Work?

A heat pump is a device that uses a small amount of energy to move heat from one place to another. Heat pumps are used to heat or cool homes and businesses and can also be used to generate hot water.

A heat pump consists of a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve, and an evaporator. The compressor pumps a refrigerant through the system. The refrigerant absorbs heat as it evaporates and releases heat as it condenses. The expansion valve regulates refrigerant flow, and the evaporator helps transfer heat.

How Does a Furnace Work?

A furnace is a heating system commonly used in homes and businesses. Furnaces work by heating air and circulating it through the building. This process is typically accomplished by using a gas, oil, or electric heating element. In most cases, the furnace will also include a blower that helps to circulate the heated air. 

Furnaces are typically used in areas where the temperature needs to be maintained at a certain level, such as in a home or office. In order to keep the air in a building at a comfortable temperature, the furnace must generate enough heat to offset the heat lost through the walls, windows, and doors. 

Is a Heat Pump or a Furnace Better?

When it comes to your home’s heating and cooling, you want what’s best for your comfort and budget. So, is a heat pump or a furnace better?

There are many factors to consider when deciding whether to install a heat pump or a furnace. The most important factor is the climate you live in. A heat pump may be the better option if you live in an area with cool winters and hot summers. Heat pumps are more efficient than furnaces in both cooling and heating modes, saving you money on your energy bills.

A furnace may be the better option if you live in an area with very cold winters. Furnaces are more efficient than heat pumps in heating mode, so they can keep your home warm even when the temperature outside is very low.

Another factor to consider is the size of your home. If you have a large home, a heat pump may not be able to keep it warm enough in winter or cool enough in summer. In this case, a furnace would be a better option.

Finally, you should consider your budget. Heat pumps are usually more expensive to install than furnaces, but they can save you money on your energy bills in the long run. If you are on a tight budget, a furnace may be your best option.

Conclusion

Ultimately, there is no right or wrong answer when deciding between a heat pump or a furnace. It’s a decision that will come down to your specific needs and preferences. Consider all the factors involved before deciding to ensure you choose the option that’s best for you.

If you are looking for HVAC installation in Pickering, then you can hire us at Climate Experts. We provide high-quality services at an affordable price. Get in touch with us to learn more about our offerings.