As temperatures start to drop and winter approaches, Canadian homeowners rely on their furnaces to keep their homes warm and cozy. However, like any other appliance, furnaces have a limited lifespan, and eventually, they will need to be replaced. Knowing when it’s time to replace your old furnace can save you from the inconvenience of a breakdown during the coldest months or the risk of high energy bills due to inefficiency.

Today, we’ll explore five big signs that indicate it’s time to replace the old furnace in your Canadian home:

1. Age of the Furnace

The average lifespan of a furnace is around 15 to 20 years. If your furnace is approaching or has already exceeded this age, it’s a sign that you should start considering a replacement. Even if your older furnace is still functioning, it may not be operating at its optimal efficiency, leading to higher energy bills and potential safety issues. Upgrading to a new, energy-efficient furnace will not only provide you with better heating performance but also save on energy costs in the long run.

2. Rising Energy Bills

If you’ve noticed a steady increase in your energy bills over the years, it could be due to your aging furnace. As furnaces get older, they become less efficient, causing them to work harder and consume more energy to maintain the same level of warmth in your home. By replacing your old furnace with a new, energy-efficient model, you can significantly reduce your energy consumption and save money on your monthly bills.

3. Frequent Repairs

Another sign that it might be time to replace your old furnace is if you’ve been dealing with frequent repairs. If you’re constantly calling a technician to fix issues with your furnace, the costs of these repairs can quickly add up. At some point, it becomes more cost-effective to invest in a new furnace rather than continually repairing an old one. Additionally, constantly dealing with a malfunctioning furnace can be a significant inconvenience, especially during the cold winter months.

4. Uneven Heating in Your Home

An older furnace may struggle to distribute heat evenly throughout your home, leading to some rooms being too warm while others are too cold. This uneven heating can be due to the furnace’s diminished capacity to circulate air, as well as degraded ductwork. If you’ve tried addressing the issue with regular maintenance and it persists, it’s likely time to consider replacing your furnace.

5. Poor Indoor Air Quality

Finally, if you’ve noticed an increase in dust, allergens, or dry air in your home, it could be due to an aging furnace. Older furnaces may not be able to properly filter and humidify the air, leading to a decline in indoor air quality. Poor air quality can contribute to respiratory issues, allergies, and overall discomfort in your home. As such, investing in a new furnace with advanced filtration and humidity control features can help improve the air quality in your home and provide a more comfortable living environment.

Conclusion

Replacing your old furnace is an important decision that can greatly impact your home’s comfort, safety, and energy efficiency. By paying attention to these five big signs, you can make an informed choice and invest in a new furnace before your old one leaves you out in the cold. So, don’t wait until it’s too late! If you’ve noticed any of these warning signs in your Canadian home, it’s time to start researching new furnace options and schedule a professional consultation.

Climate Experts is a Canadian-owned company that operates in the Durham region, GTA, and nearby areas. We specialize in installing, servicing, and maintaining various major brands of furnaces and air conditioners. If you are looking for a furnace installation service in Oshawa, reach out to us today!

Your HVAC system is vital to your home, providing heating, cooling, and improved air quality. But when something goes wrong, it can be alarming – especially if your system starts making strange noises. In this blog post, we will explore eight common HVAC noises and their possible causes.

1. Banging or Clanking

If you hear banging or clanking sounds from your HVAC system, there’s a good chance of a loose or broken part inside. This could be a connecting rod, piston pin, or crankshaft that has come loose and is hitting other components. Sometimes, the blower wheel might be out of balance, causing noise. It’s essential to address this issue promptly, as loose parts can lead to severe damage if not repaired.

2. Whistling or Hissing

A whistling or hissing sound often indicates a leak somewhere in your HVAC system. This could be an air leak in your ductwork or a refrigerant leak in your air conditioner. If you hear this noise, identify the source of the leak and repair it as soon as possible to prevent energy waste and potential damage to your system.

3. Rattling

Rattling noises can be caused by various issues, including loose panels or screws, debris caught in the system, or worn-out bearings in the motor. If you hear a rattling sound, it’s a good idea to inspect your HVAC system for loose parts or debris and tighten or clean as necessary. If the noise persists, you may need to replace the motor bearings or call a professional for further assistance.

4. Buzzing

A buzzing noise coming from your HVAC system could indicate an electrical issue, such as a malfunctioning contactor, capacitor, or wiring problem. A buzzing sound could also be caused by a loose part or debris caught in the system. 

5. Squealing or Screeching

Squealing or screeching noises often indicate a problem with the blower motor, such as a worn-out belt or motor needing lubrication. In some cases, these noises could be caused by a failing blower motor that needs to be replaced. If your HVAC system is making squealing or screeching sounds, it’s essential to address the issue quickly to prevent further damage.

6. Humming

A humming sound coming from your HVAC system is usually not a cause for concern, as it can be a normal operating noise caused by the electrical components. However, if the humming sound is accompanied by poor performance or other issues, it could indicate a problem with the motor or capacitor. 

7. Clicking

Clicking noises can be a normal part of the operation of your HVAC system, particularly when it’s starting up or shutting down. However, if you hear continuous clicking sounds while your system is running, it could indicate a problem with the electrical components, such as a faulty thermostat, relay, or control board.

8. Popping

Popping noises from your HVAC system can be caused by the ductwork expanding and contracting as the system cycles on and off. While this is usually not a cause for concern, if the popping sounds are loud or disruptive, consider having your ductwork inspected and possibly sealed or insulated to reduce noise.

Conclusion

Your HVAC system is designed to operate quietly, but it may start making strange noises when something goes wrong. By understanding the common noises and their possible causes, you can troubleshoot your HVAC system more effectively and prevent potential damage to your home. If you’re ever unsure about a noise or the proper course of action, it’s always best to consult with a professional HVAC technician for assistance.

Need assistance with your HVAC in Oshawa? Look no further than Climate Experts! Our team of bonded, licensed, and insured technicians is dedicated to providing top-quality customer service all year round. Trust us to keep your home comfortable and energy-efficient. Contact us today!

A boiler is essential to any household, providing hot water and warmth throughout the home. However, like any appliance, boilers can develop issues that may hinder their performance or cause a complete breakdown. Regular maintenance and timely repair can help prevent these problems, but knowing what to look for is essential. 

In this blog post, we’ll discuss the common boiler issues you might encounter and how to address them.

1. No Heat or Hot Water

One of the most typical boiler issues is more heat or hot water. Several factors, including a broken diaphragm, airlock, or valve, low water levels, or issues with the thermostat, can cause this problem. 

To resolve this issue, check the thermostat settings and ensure the boiler pressure is within the recommended range. If the problem persists, it’s best to call a technician to diagnose and repair the boiler.

2. Leaking and Dripping

A leaking boiler is not only a nuisance but can also lead to significant water damage if not addressed promptly. Leaks can result from various issues, such as a broken internal component, a damaged seal, or corrosion. 

To identify the leak’s source, a qualified technician must inspect the boiler and carry out the necessary repairs.

3. Strange Noises

Boilers sometimes produce strange noises like banging, whistling, or gurgling sounds. Several factors, including air in the system, low water pressure, or a worn-out pump, can cause these noises. You can try bleeding the radiators or increasing the boiler pressure to resolve this issue. 

However, if the noises persist, it’s essential to consult a professional to identify the root cause and resolve the issue.

4. Losing Pressure

A boiler that consistently loses pressure can be a sign of a more significant issue, such as a leak in the boiler system or a faulty pressure relief valve. To identify the cause, check for visible leaks around the boiler and pipes. 

If no leaks are found, the pressure relief valve may need to be replaced. Consulting a professional technician to carry out these repairs is essential, as working with gas appliances can be dangerous.

5. Frozen Condensate Pipe

During cold weather, the condensate pipe of a condensing boiler can freeze, causing the boiler to shut down. This pipe carries acidic wastewater away from the boiler and can be identified by its plastic material and location outside the home. 

To resolve this issue, use warm (not boiling) water to thaw the pipe, then reset the boiler. To prevent future freezing, consider insulating the line with appropriate materials.

6. Thermostat Issues

A malfunctioning thermostat can cause your boiler to produce too much or too little heat, leading to inconsistent temperatures in your home. 

To troubleshoot this issue, ensure the thermostat is set to the correct mode and temperature. If the problem persists, the thermostat may need to be recalibrated or replaced by a professional.

7. Radiators Not Heating Up

One common cause is air trapped in the design, which can be resolved by bleeding the radiators. Alternatively, sludge buildup in the pipes or radiators may be causing poor circulation, requiring a power flush to clean the system. 

If these solutions do not resolve the boiler issue, consult a boiler repair service.

8. Boiler Keeps Switching Off

Various issues, such as low water pressure, a blocked condensate pipe, or a problem with the thermostat, can cause a boiler that frequently switches off. 

To troubleshoot this issue, check the boiler pressure and ensure it is within the recommended range. 

Conclusion

Regular maintenance and timely repair can help prevent common boiler issues and prolong the life of your appliance. However, it’s essential to recognize the signs of potential problems and address them promptly to avoid more significant, more costly issues. By being aware of the factors that can cause a boiler to fail, such as incorrect pressure, thermostat issues, leaks, and blockages, you can take preventive measures and ensure the smooth operation of your heating system.

Climate Experts is a reputable Canadian-owned and operated company, proudly serving the Durham region, GTA, and the surrounding areas with top-notch HVAC services. With vast experience and proficient skills in servicing, installing, and maintaining all major brands of furnaces and air conditioners, our company is well-equipped to cater to its customers’ diverse heating and cooling needs. For anyone seeking reliable, efficient, and professional HVAC solutions and boiler repair in Oshawa, contact us to benefit from our exceptional services.

Furnace rust is a common problem that many homeowners face, especially during the winter when the furnace is working at its peak. Rust can seriously harm your furnace, necessitating expensive repairs or possibly replacement. 

This article will discuss some common causes of furnace rust and how to address them.

Cause #1: Humidity

A common cause of furnace rust is high humidity. Humidity can cause the metal components of your furnace to rust over time. This is especially true if your furnace is located in a damp basement or crawl space. 

To address this issue, you can install a dehumidifier in the area where your furnace is located. This will help to reduce the humidity levels and prevent rust from forming in your furnace.

Cause #2: Condensation

Condensation can occur when the warm air from your furnace meets the cooler air in your home. This can cause moisture to form on the metal components of your furnace, which can lead to rust over time. 

To address this issue, you can install a condensate pump or drain line to remove excess moisture from your furnace.

Cause #3: Age

Over time, the metal components of your furnace can begin to wear down and become more susceptible to rust. To address this issue, you may need to replace some of the metal components of your furnace or consider replacing your furnace altogether if it is too old.

Cause #4: Lack of Maintenance

A lack of maintenance can also contribute to furnace rust. If you do not regularly clean and inspect your furnace, it can become dirty and prone to rust. 

To address this issue, you should schedule regular maintenance appointments with a professional HVAC technician. Your furnace can be cleaned and examined by them to make sure it is in good condition and free of rust.

Cause #5: Chemicals

If you store chemicals near your furnace or use harsh cleaning products on it, this can cause the metal components to become corroded and rusted. To address this issue, you should store chemicals away from your furnace and use gentle cleaning products when cleaning your furnace.

Prevention

Prevention is the best way to avoid furnace rust. By taking proactive measures, you can prevent rust from forming on your furnace in the first place. 

This includes installing a dehumidifier, addressing condensation, scheduling regular maintenance, and being mindful of chemicals. You can ultimately save time, money, and frustration by avoiding furnace rust.

DIY vs. Professional Repairs

If you do notice rust forming on your furnace, it’s important to address it as soon as possible. While some minor rust issues can be addressed with DIY solutions, more serious rust problems may require professional repairs. 

It’s important to know when to call in a professional HVAC technician to address furnace rust to ensure that the repairs are done properly and safely.

Replacement vs. Repair

If your furnace has significant rust damage, you may need to consider whether to repair or replace it. While repairs may be possible in some cases, a severely rusted furnace may be beyond repair. 

In this case, replacing your furnace may be the best option to ensure that your home stays warm and safe during the winter months. A qualified HVAC specialist can assist you in deciding if replacing your furnace is the best option or repairing it.

Conclusion

Furnace rust is a common problem that can cause serious damage to your furnace if left untreated. By understanding the common causes of furnace rust and how to address them, you can prevent rust from forming on your furnace and extend its lifespan. 

Whether you need to install a dehumidifier, address condensation, replace old components, schedule regular maintenance appointments, or be mindful of chemicals, taking action to prevent furnace rust is important for the health and longevity of your furnace.

Do you need reliable furnace maintenance in Whitby? Climate Experts has got you covered! Our team of experts specializes in home heating services, furnace repair, HVAC, and air conditioning repair and maintenance in Pickering, Ajax, Oshawa, Toronto, and the surrounding areas. 

Don’t wait until your furnace breaks down. Contact us now to book your appointment!