What to Know: Is it Possible to Upgrade My Furnace?

furnace

A furnace is an important part of a home’s heating system. It is a mechanical device that converts fuel into heat throughout the home. A furnace typically consists of a heating element, a blower, and a combustion chamber or flue. In most cases, the furnace is powered by natural gas or electricity.

In today’s article, let’s take a closer look at furnaces and how to upgrade it to become more efficient. Here’s what you need to know:

How Does a Furnace Work?

Furnaces are an essential part of home heating systems in many parts of the world. They are responsible for keeping our homes warm and comfortable, especially in the colder months. But how exactly does a furnace work? 

The burner is at the heart of a furnace, which generates heat. The burner is powered by natural gas, propane, or oil and ignited by an electrical spark. The heat generated is transferred to a heat exchanger as the fuel is burned. The heat exchanger is a metal chamber that absorbs the heat and transfers it to the air passing through it.

Can I Upgrade My Furnace to be More Efficient? 

The short answer is, of course! If you want to save money on your heating bills, upgrading your furnace to a more efficient model may be a great option. Several benefits to upgrading your furnace include lower energy costs, improved air quality, and greater comfort in your home. 

What to Consider Before Upgrading

When upgrading your furnace, you should also consider the type of fuel it uses. If you have an older furnace, it may be using an outdated fuel source. You try fuel oil or natural gas and switch to a newer, more efficient fuel source, such as propane or electricity. 

Additionally, newer, high-efficiency furnaces use advanced technology to reduce emissions and improve air quality in your home. 

In addition to fuel type, you should also consider the size of your furnace. If your current furnace is too small for your home, it may need to be fixed to heat the space adequately. In this case, you may need to upgrade to a larger, higher-efficiency furnace. 

On the other hand, if your current furnace is too large for your home, it may be using more energy than necessary, leading to higher energy costs. 

Furnace Parts You Can Upgrade

1. Furnace Filters: The furnace filter is the first defence against dust, dirt, and other airborne particles. Over time, the filter becomes clogged, reducing airflow and causing your furnace to work harder. Replacing the filter regularly will help your furnace run more efficiently and extend its life.

2. Blower Motor: The motor is responsible for circulating air through your home. As it ages, it can become less efficient and use more energy. Upgrading to a newer and more efficient model will help your furnace run better and save you money on your energy bills.

3. Heat Exchanger: The heat exchanger is part of your furnace that produces heat. Over time, it can become worn and inefficient. Replacing it with a newer, more efficient model will help your furnace run better and last longer.

4. Ignition Systems: The ignition system starts your furnace. Over time, it can become worn and inefficient. Upgrading to a newer, more reliable model will help your furnace start more quickly and use less energy.

5. Thermostat: The thermostat is responsible for controlling the temperature in your home. Upgrading to a newer, more advanced model can help you save energy and money by allowing you to program your furnace to run at specific times

The Bottom Line

Regular maintenance and upgrades can improve the efficiency of your furnace and reduce energy consumption. Upgrading your furnace can help reduce energy costs, enhance air quality and comfort, and reduce repair costs.

When in doubt, a qualified HVAC technician can help you make the best decision for your home. Investing in a reliable and efficient furnace can help you save money in the long run and make your home more comfortable and healthy for those living in it.

If you are looking for furnace repair services in Pickering, we can help you. Climate Experts is 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 brands. Our services are available 24/7 and for emergencies. You can count on us to get your HVAC system up and running in no time! Contact us today to learn more and get started.

Why Your Furnace Isn’t Blowing Hot Air and How to Fix It

winter

Furnaces are essential components of any home heating system. Without a furnace, many homes could not maintain comfortable temperatures during the cold winter months. A furnace creates hot air by burning a fuel source such as natural gas or propane. This hot air is distributed throughout the house, providing warmth and comfort for the occupants.

The importance of a furnace cannot be overstated. It is essential for keeping a home warm and cozy in the winter, and it can have a huge impact on energy efficiency and utility bills. A well-maintained furnace can help reduce energy consumption and costs, while a poorly maintained furnace can cause costly repairs or result in an inefficient system.

Unfortunately, furnaces are prone to breakdowns, and one of the most common problems is a lack of hot air. If this is the problem you’re facing today, you’re in luck. We’ll tackle the common causes of this issue and how you can fix them:

1. Dirty Filters

Have you ever thought about when you last changed the air filter in your furnace? If you can’t remember or it’s been a long time, that may be the cause of any problems you’re having. Your furnace needs a clean filter to disperse warm air properly, but unfortunately, dust, dirt, and other allergens accumulate on them over time, causing them to get blocked.

If your furnace is emitting cold air, you’ll need to inspect the air filter. Remove it and hold it to the light to check if any light passes through. If not, it’s time to get a new one. Generally, the filter should be changed every six months, but if your house is busy with people and animals, it’s best to swap it out every three weeks.

2. Blown Out Pilot Light

A gas furnace has a pilot light that needs to stay lit for the heater to work properly. The light can be blown out in certain circumstances, such as maintenance or an emergency by the gas company. If this happens, the furnace will not provide heat and needs to be re-lit.

If the pilot light on your furnace is out, you can try to re-light it yourself using the instructions in the furnace’s manual. If it keeps going out repeatedly, check if any dust or debris is blocking the connection and clean it if necessary. If that doesn’t help, ensure the gas supply line is open, as it may have been closed if the furnace wasn’t used during the summer.

If none of the other solutions have worked to fix your problem, then you may need to get a new thermocouple. This might be something you could do on your own. However, it requires special care and attention to ensure it is fixed and installed properly, so it is best to get a professional to do this job.

3. Wrong Thermostat Settings

Before reaching out to a professional, double-check the settings on your thermostat. It may be something as simple as a change in the temperature or a need for new batteries that keep your furnace from producing hot air.

To fix this, the main thing to check is the fan setting. If it is set to “on,” it will run constantly. This is why you may feel cool air coming through. To resolve this, switch it from “on” to “auto.” Generally, this will lead to your furnace pushing out heat once more.

If the problem persists, check the thermostat to ensure it is set to the desired temperature. If the thermostat is set to a lower temperature than the current temperature in your house, that could be the reason for the discrepancy.

Conclusion

These are the common causes of a furnace failing to provide the hot air you need. So, if you’re experiencing any of them, act right away! Of course, there could be other causes of the problem that we haven’t talked about, but if it seems like nothing you do is working, reach out to a professional. They can quickly uncover the problem and ensure that your furnace is, once again, providing the hot air you need!

Climate Experts offer professional and reliable HVAC services to meet any issues and needs 24/7. If you are looking for furnace repair in Pickering or any other place in the Durham region, reach out to us today.

10 Questions You Should Ask before Hiring an HVAC Technician

family at home

Hiring an HVAC technician is an important decision that can dramatically affect the comfort of your home. It’s important to ask the right questions when selecting an HVAC technician to ensure you get a professional and experienced technician who can provide the best service. 

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1. What Are the Qualifications and Certifications of the Technician?

The technician should have the appropriate certifications and qualifications for the job. You should ask for proof of these qualifications and certifications, such as a copy of their license. This will ensure that the technician is adequately trained and experienced for the job.

2. Are the Services Guaranteed?

You should also inquire about guarantees and warranties offered on the services. A good contractor should offer some kind of guarantee on their work, so you know that if something goes wrong, you won’t be stuck with the bill.

3. How Long Will the Job Take?

You should also ask the technician how long the job will take. This will help you plan your schedule accordingly and make sure that the job is completed within the agreed-upon timeframe.

4. What Safety Measures Are Taken?

Safety is paramount when it comes to HVAC work. Make sure the technician takes all necessary safety precautions and follows industry standards.

5. Do You Provide a Written Estimate?

Make sure the HVAC technician provides you with a written estimate of the job they are doing. This will ensure that they stick to the estimate and will provide you with a breakdown of the costs involved.

6. Are There Any Additional Fees?

Inquiring about additional fees is important, as unexpected costs can quickly add up. Ask about any additional fees, such as for materials or labour, so that you can factor these costs into your budget.

7. What Kind of Maintenance Is Required?

Regular maintenance is essential for keeping your HVAC system in good working order. Ask the technician what kind of maintenance is required and how often it should be done.

8. How Long Have You Been in Business?

This will tell you how experienced they are and give you an indication of how well they know the industry. A contractor with many years of experience is likely to have a better understanding of the latest technologies, as well as a better understanding of local regulations and codes. 

9. Do You Offer Emergency Services?

Emergency services are important because it ensures that you’ll be able to get help when you need it. An HVAC contractor with emergency services is more likely to be able to respond quickly and effectively to any issues that arise.

10. Can You Provide References?

It’s always a good idea to ask for references from previous customers. This will help you get an idea of the quality of work that the HVAC technician provides. 

Conclusion

HVAC is one of the most essential components of any home or business. It is important to ask the right questions when considering hiring an HVAC contractor so that you get the best system for your needs. Ask about their experience, certifications, and warranty offerings, as well as if they offer emergency services. 

Additionally, be sure to ask if they are familiar with any local or state regulations and their estimated installation and maintenance costs. Taking the time to ask the right questions before or after hiring an HVAC contractor can help ensure that you find the best system and services for your needs.

Do you need HVAC maintenance in Pickering? Climate Experts is here to help! We are a team of experienced and certified HVAC technicians who specialize in installing, servicing, and maintaining all major brands of furnaces and air conditioners. We are available to serve you 24/7 for emergency service and repair, so you can rest assured that your home’s comfort system will be taken care of quickly and efficiently. Contact us today for more information about our services!

Everything You Need to Know About Furnace Limit Switches

furnace

The furnace limit switch is an important safety component in any residential or commercial HVAC system. Given this, it’s in your best interest to be as informed as possible about this component to avoid any issues or problems down the line. To make things easier for you, here’s everything you need to know about furnace limit switches.

What is a Furnace Limit Switch?

The furnace limit switch is designed to shut off the furnace if the temperature inside the furnace gets too high. Without a limit switch, your furnace could overheat and cause a fire. In this blog post, we’ll explain what a furnace limit switch is, how it works, and why it’s important to keep it in good working order.

A furnace limit switch is a type of safety switch that is mounted inside the furnace. This switch is triggered when the temperature inside the furnace reaches a certain point. The limit switch is designed to shut off the furnace before it gets too hot, preventing the risk of overheating and fire. The temperature at which the limit switch is triggered is usually between 130 and 160 degrees Fahrenheit.

When the furnace limit switch is triggered, the furnace will shut off until the temperature inside the furnace drops below the limit switch’s set point. The furnace will then restart and continue to operate normally. However, if the furnace limit switch is not working properly, it may not shut off the furnace when the temperature reaches a dangerous level. This can be a major safety hazard and should be addressed immediately.

How Do You Keep Your Furnace Limit Switch in Good Condition?

It’s important to keep your furnace limit switch in good working order. Regularly inspect the switch for signs of wear or damage. To keep your furnace limit switch in good condition, it’s also important to keep it clean. This can be done by using compressed air to blow out any dust or debris that may have accumulated inside the switch. It’s also important to check the wiring of your furnace limit switch periodically. If any of the wires have become loose or frayed, they should be replaced.

Aside from what we’ve already mentioned, it’s also vital to make sure that the furnace limit switch is the correct size for the furnace. If the switch is too small, it won’t be able to sense the temperature accurately, leading to the furnace shutting down prematurely. If the switch is too large, it could lead to the furnace shutting down too late, allowing the furnace to become dangerously hot.

Conclusion

Overall, the furnace limit switch is an important safety component in any HVAC system. It is designed to shut off the furnace before it gets too hot, preventing the risk of overheating and fire. Make sure to regularly inspect the switch for signs of wear or damage and contact a professional HVAC technician if needed. By keeping your furnace limit switch in good working order, you can ensure the safety of your home or office.

If you need help with furnace maintenance in Oshawa, then you’ve come to the right place. Climate Experts is a Canadian owned and operated company that focuses on installing, servicing, and maintaining 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. For any questions, reach out to us today!