Posted by admin on January 04, 2016

When it’s time to buy a new home air conditioner, you want to be certain you’re getting the best possible cooling solution for your home. Unfortunately there’s not a one-size-fits all solution, no ‘best home air conditioner’ to recommend to every homeowner, renter, and builder. There is however, an option out there for your unique circumstances, your home size, and your willingness to invest up front for long term efficiency. It’s important to understand your options, how your ideal home air conditioner is determined by your needs, and how to get the best possible installation. 

Your Options

Generally speaking, you have four options for your home air conditioner; some homes may benefit from a combination of these to maximize efficiency and comfort. 

Central Air
Your traditional whole-home cooling system, utilizing a condensing unit, an evaporative unit, and the same ductwork as your heating system. Sized properly, these can be very efficient for homeowners who need to keep every room of the house cool and comfortable during the hot months.

Window Air Conditioner
Window units or ‘unitary’ air conditioning systems are simple self-contained air conditioning systems placed in a window or wall opening. Heat is blasted out the back, cool air out the front. A properly sized window unit can keep individual rooms, even large ones, completely cool and comfortable, but they lack efficiency on a larger scale.

Portable Air Conditioner
A variation of the window unit, these unitary air conditioners work similarly, but instead of venting heat straight out of the back they vent through a hose you’ve run outside. These aren’t particularly efficient, quiet, or convenient, but they do offer versatility in cooling different rooms at different times as needed.

Ductless Mini Split
You may already be familiar with the commercial cousin of the ductless mini split, the units you see in hotels and motels. These systems don’t utilize ducts, instead attaching to both sides of an exterior wall. Usage-wise, think of this as a bigger, extremely-efficient cousin to the window unit as it keeps a single space cool. 

The Importance of Sizing

Few factors matter more when selecting your perfect air conditioning unit than sizing. Buy a window or central air unit too small for your home, and it simply won’t do the job. Buy a unit that’s too big however, and you’ll find inadequate dehumidifying leading to discomfort and moisture, short cycling driving up your power bills, and a host of other problems. In most cases, you’ll want to get a professional to look over your house and determine your ideal unit size, as the consequences of a poor decision here can be massive in the long term.

Investing in Efficiency

Generally speaking, more efficient units will cost you more on the front end. A window unit and a ductless mini split may offer similar usage and efficacy, but the mini split will be more expensive to install and cost far less to run. The same goes for high quality central air systems versus cheaper installations with inferior ductwork.

Do you need every room cool? Central air or multiple mini splits will be your best choice. Just need one cool at a time? Portables and window units may work best.

Finding Your Best Home Air Conditioner

Now that you know your options, maybe you’re ready to ask a few questions. Contact us today for answers!

Posted by admin on October 19, 2015

As a homeowner, you need to pay attention to the condition and efficiency of your air conditioner. Beyond simply keeping the air cool, air conditioners have an immediate impact on your health. The ventilation system in the air conditioner can quickly pollute the house when it’s not fully maintained, by circulating dust and debris into the air instead of removing them. Air conditioner maintenance is the easiest way to keep your air clean, and your lungs healthy.

Signs of Indoor Air Quality Problems

There are many signs that the air in your home is suffering due to a poor air conditioning system, and you need air conditioner maintenance. The most apparent is your discomfort in your own home, resulting from heavy, humid or damp air. If it’s easier to breathe outside in the middle of a humid summer day, there is a problem.

When the air temperature inside is similar to the temperature outside, even though your air conditioner is running, this is more than just a minor issue. Though you may be comfortable coming home to opening the windows and doors and letting the summer evening air run through your halls, this is not good for the items inside the home. A hot home encourages the house to become more humid, as moisture in the home begins to evaporate. This can lead to mold and mildew growth, paint peeling off walls, and air that’s harmful to breathe; all stemming from a poorly functioning air conditioner.

Another sign you may need air conditioner maintenance is an increasing visibility of dust in the home. Though small amounts of dust will always accumulate around the home, an increase of dust on your furniture or in the air may signal that the air conditioner has developed a buildup. The excess dust can cause the conditioner to overheat, overwork, and quickly break down; it is also harmful to breathe in and can be harmful to your lungs.

What Air Conditioner Maintenance Repairs

Air conditioner maintenance can help to repair a variety of different air quality problems. Maintenance will help to remove pollutants from the air, given there will be no build up or debris in the conditioner to move around. This also means that ventilation will be improved as clean air will be circulating, not air that is heavy with humidity or dusty. Depending on the specifics of your air conditioning system, high end filtration filters may be placed on your fans. This will get rid of up to 98% of contaminants in the air, without harming the actual machine or fans.

Ask an Expert

The most important part of air conditioner maintenance is to ensure you hire a professional to work on the machine itself. Whether you have a central air conditioner in the house, or a window mounted unit, only a professional HVAC technician should be the one overlooking the system. A professional will let you know exactly how well your system is running, what you need to invest in to ensure it works well in the future, and how much longer of a life you can expect out of it.

To learn more about our air conditioner maintenance techniques, and to book your appointment, contact us at Climate Experts. We’ll get your air conditioner working correctly, and have your air feel fresh again.

Posted by admin on August 04, 2015

Have you ever wondered how clean the air is in your home? You might be surprised to learn that the air inside of your home could be considerably more polluted than the air outside. There are a few simple ways to dramatically improve the quality of air in your home; predominantly by installing a UV air purifier system.   Here is a look at some of the benefits you can expect with a UV air purifier.

No more micro-organisms

One of the main problems with non-purified air is that there are many micro-organisms moving in your air that you can’t detect. These could be anything from bacteria to mold, and can cause health problems for your family and for your pets. The most common complaint is that these micro-organisms can exacerbate allergies and respiratory ailments like asthma.

By installing a UV air purifier system you can reduce the presence of micro-organisms in your home. Most airborne bacteria’s and mold spores circulate through heating and cooling systems, and can be eliminated with an air purifier. UV air purifier systems can also reduce micro-organisms that are found on surfaces in your home. A UV air purifier system kills viruses, germs and bacteria by having a UV light go through the cellular membranes of the microorganism and cause it fatal genetic damage.

Lower maintenance costs

UV air purifier systems help to improve your home’s airflow, and in turn save you money. There will be fewer maintenance fees attached to your heating system as they will not have to be cleaned as often, given the dust and mold buildup will be nonexistent. The ductwork and drain pan will also perform much better, and in turn save you from having to pay to get them professionally cleaned.

A second money-saving advantage is a result of the UV technology within these air purifiers. The UV lamps that are used only need to be replaced annually, and many are designed to last over the year average. They are also very simple to replace, and can be done yourself.

When you use your UV air purifier, the amount of electricity consumed is equivalent to that of a 40-watt bulb. Comparatively, this is less expensive than what it would cost to buy medications needed for illnesses stemming from unclean air.  When you take into account the considerable benefits to you and to your family that a UV purifier system will bring, including better health with the removal of micro-organisms and reduced costs for cooling and heating systems, installing a UV air purifier system is a wise choice.  For a free estimate on your new UV purifier system, please contact Climate Experts.

Posted by admin on November 24, 2014

Choose an easily available fuel

Before selecting a furnace, decide what type of fuel you’re going to use. The most popular choice today is natural gas, which is clean, not very expensive and available in a lot of places. Coal is rarely used these days, but other options would be wood, oil or electricity. If you’re living in a rural area where natural gas isn’t available, you could opt for LPG (liquefied propane gas).

Economize

Check out different types of furnaces and find out the cost of fuel for each type. Wood is an efficient fuel if you live in a rural area with ready access to wood. For a fee, oil and LPG can be delivered to your home. But oil does not burn as efficiently as other fuels and often leaves an oily residue. Electricity is the cleanest and most efficient, but can also be very expensive.

Choose a high efficiency furnace

Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency Rating (AFUE) is extremely helpful while picking a furnace. Look for a furnace system which produces heat with 90 to 98 percent of the fuel burned. Ensure that you pick one which will significantly lower your operating expenses.

Pick the right size for your home

The first thing to remember is to match the heat output with the size of the house. If your furnace is too big, it will obviously waste energy, and if it is too small, it will not produce enough heat. So, you will have to burn more fuel to heat up the room. Make sure that the output of heat is balanced with the house ductwork so that enough hot air will be forced through the system to warm up the entire house. You should always check with a heating professional to see if the furnace you are interested in is suited to your home’s size.

Make sure you compare estimates

Inquire with different heating professionals about the types of furnace systems available and your final decision should be based on whether the fuel and the location for the furnace system you have picked are both efficient. Find out installing charges and operating expenses.

Look for features like induced draft blowers, insulated blower compartments, direct drive blower units, corrosion resistant heat exchangers and pressure switches. Choose a furnace system which is quiet, durable and requires low maintenance.

If you are looking for quality and affordable furnaces, contact Climate Experts Heating and Cooling Inc. today to get a free quote for a furnace or find out more about the best high efficiency furnaces.

Posted by admin on February 02, 2015

It is not possible to get through the chilly months of winter without an efficiently running furnace warming your house, office, or other building. It is best to have your furnace checked before the cold season descends upon us. This way, repairs can be done in time, thus eliminating the need to rush around looking for repair services while shivering in the cold in the meantime.

Are you in or around Pickering?

Whether you need installation or furnace repair in Pickering, you want to deal with professionals. This way, you can be sure that you are getting good-quality products and that they are being installed the right way. The job is ideally undertaken by licensed technicians who are very well versed with the parts and workings of major brands and models of furnaces.

Professionals will also have competitive rates. They will not take advantage of the fact that you are looking for furnace repair in Pickering as a matter of emergency and charge you extra. 

As repairs are done, professionals would also take the time to explain about furnace maintenance so that you can avoid a scenario where you are looking for emergency repair services in the future.  After the repairs, your furnace will be cleaned and thoroughly checked.

The technicians will also not leave until they ensure that all the control, safeties and other parts are in optimum condition.  Ideally, a combustion analyzer will be used to measure the levels of noxious gases and carbon monoxide and ensure they are within the safe limits. Appliance combustion efficiency will also be checked.

Beyond repair?

In some cases, a furnace will be beyond repair. In this case, the only option you have is to have a new furnace installed. This would begin with ordering a custom sheet metal taper and boot from the sheet metal manufacturer. If necessary, a new plenum that is compatible to the new furnace will also be ordered. This will accommodate a larger air conditioning coil and hide away the patch work, screws, and tape that can be seen.

This works to reduce air leaks and makes for a more esthetic result. It also enables air flow that is more laminar, which increases air output and reduces the noise emanating from the pressure and friction.

Another part that will be added if necessary is a new filter rack or a seven inch healthy climate media air cleaner. This and venting, gas piping, electrical and drains are also installed according to the codes imposed by local building authority bodies.  

Whether it is installation or repair services that you needed, the technicians will only leave once they have tested your furnace and ensured that it is running as per the manufacturer’s specifications. 

Winning service 

The best quality products are what Climate Experts Heating & Cooling Inc. aspires to provide all of our customers.  We serve valued clients throughout the Durham Region. We’re always on hand to respond to emergency repair calls 24/7, and are fully bonded, insured, and licensed; offering installation, maintenance, and furnace repair in Pickering. 

Helping hand

Sometimes, what you thought would be a repair job turns into something else, such as when a furnace cannot be repaired and you must have a new one installed. At Climate Experts, we understand this and offer maintenance plans and financing options that customers can take advantage of, especially when the money to purchase and install a new furnace or purchase parts is not immediately available.  Need repairs or furnace replacement? Request a free estimate on our website with no obligation.

Posted by admin on March 02, 2015

1. Don’t blast the heat

It is easy to understand that people want to feel cozy during the winter, and in turn set your heating system on high. However, it is possible to maintain your indoor comfort without the temperature set to 75 or 80 degrees Fahrenheit. By lowering your thermostat to 68 or 70, your body’s natural heating system will maintain your desired temperature. This is one of the simplest energy saving tips, but can save you 10% to 15% on your electricity bill.

2. Seal your doors and windows.

Though you may be running your heating system on high to keep the house warm, unsealed doors and windows easily let this heat escape. Invest in additional weather stripping and plastic wrap for the windows. Not only is this a relatively easy fix, but you will stop paying to heat the great outdoors.

3. Insulate!

Without decent insulation, on average a quarter of the energy that your heating system produces can escape through the walls and the roof. By ensuring that the insulation in your house is not only existent but up to date, you can save a significant amount of money. Poor insulation is one of the leading reasons warm air escapes the house, and one of the easiest things to forget about!

4. Upgrade your lights

Incandescent lighting can waste up to 90% of the energy it demands as the bulbs produce and emit heat. Not only is this wasteful but it can be dangerous; bulbs that remain on for long periods during the dark winter can become incredibly hot and potentially explore. Upgrading to CFL’s or LED bulbs will cut both energy costs and dangerous hazards in your home.

5. Lay down a rug or two.

While hardwood, stone, and laminate floors are beautiful to look at, they are terrible at retaining heat. By adding a floor mat or rug to your room, floors will stay warmer and stop you from turning up the heat.

6. Close doors

This tip might seem too obvious, but it is easier said than done! Remember to check that the doors in the house stay closed, particularly ones connecting to the outdoors or rooms with grand windows. Doing a double check is not embarrassing, neither is the energy savings you get from it.

7. Invest in an automatic thermostat

Having the heat running all day can be incredibly costly if you are not there to benefit from it, but turning it off when you leave and arrive home every day sounds like an equally poor choice. Investing in an automatic thermostat can fix this issue for you. It will deactivate when the house is empty, and you can set it to activate just before arriving home, so that you can save money on your energy bill where possible.

8. Go on an air leak search and destroy mission

Air leaks can appear anywhere from the roof to the basement. To prevent them from increasing your energy costs, scour your entire home for air leaks. If you aren’t sure where to begin, hire a professional do it for you.

9. Upgrade your heating system

An inefficient heater will cause you to literally throw money away. By upgrading your heater to a modernized model, your energy bill can be shrunk down to almost half its size.

10. Make sure that your heating system undergoes regular maintenance

Your heater will be most efficient when it is properly cleaned and maintained. It is important that you have your heater professionally cleaned and maintained before and even during the wintertime when it gets the most use.

To learn more about how to save on your energy bill throughout the year Contact the Climate Experts Heating and Cooling team, Canada’s top indoor air quality experts! 

Posted by admin on October 14, 2014

Ideally, you will always have your furnace serviced periodically by a professional HVAC technician. However, there is no guarantee that your furnace will not unexpectedly break down, requiring an emergency furnace repair. If it breaks down at night or on the weekend, waiting for the next day or Monday morning could be too long a wait. 

One thing you can do to avoid a situation where you need emergency furnace repair is to keep an eye on it. There are five signs that your furnace needs to be checked immediately:

1. The burner flame is yellow and not blue.
2. You can hear odd noises when the furnace is on.
3. There is more dust and stuffiness in the home, possibly caused by a clogged air filter.
4. Your heating bill goes up significantly and heating is uneven throughout the home.
5. Your furnace has needed frequent or costly repairs. Generally speaking, a furnace that is more than 15 years old should be replaced.

It is important to take these signs seriously and call for emergency furnace repair for a number of reasons. Apart from the fact that you cannot survive without heating during the cold months, there are other reasons you should ensure your furnace is running well:

• A furnace that is in good condition runs quietly and will not disturb your sleep when it goes bump in the night as the furnace cycles.
• Heating takes up a big chunk of the energy bill. While energy efficiency comes down to the furnace model, any furnace that is in good condition uses less energy than one that is older and requires repair.
• Your home will have clean air when your furnace is in good operating condition. Poorly maintained furnaces raise safety issues like carbon monoxide leaks. A furnace that is running well will also filter germs and dust more efficiently than one that requires maintenance.
• Getting your furnace repaired when you spot an issue can save you some money. Extensive repairs will cost much more to fix if you wait too long.
• Finally, with a properly maintained furnace, you will have a more comfortable home with consistent humidity levels and even heating throughout the house.

Furnace inspection and maintenance that you can do yourself

When repairs are completed and the furnace is working efficiently, there are things you can do to avoid another a situation in which you need emergency furnace repair:

• Test your carbon monoxide detector and replace the battery while you are at it. If you don’t have a carbon monoxide detector, install one. Carbon monoxide poisoning can be fatal.
• Ensure your furnace is clear. There shouldn’t be anything blocking airflow to it. Additionally, there shouldn’t be anything flammable in the space surrounding it.
• Change the furnace filter regularly. A clogged filter will compromise airflow to the furnace which can in turn compromise its efficiency. Disposable air filters should be changed once a month. This is one of the most inexpensive ways to keep your furnace running with maximum efficiency.

Climate Experts is on call to quickly respond to emergency furnace repairs. All calls are responded to by licensed technicians who can handle repairs to all of the major brands and models of furnaces. Whenever you call Climate Experts Heating and Cooling, you can be sure that you’ll never be left in the cold!

Posted by admin on September 22, 2014

When it comes to your heating and cooling system, having the right products available is essential, not only to ensure that your system works properly but also to reduce your ongoing expenses. Most home owners have a tank-based water heater and although it can be effective, there are other alternatives available that will reduce the space required in your basement and reduce your utility bill every month. 

What is a Tankless Hot Water Heater? 

A tankless hot water heater is also known as an instantaneous water heating system, and they are popular due to their small size. However, they offer a lot more than simply space saving in your home; they offer continuous running water, they cost much less to operate and they are also environmentally friendly. These tankless systems work on an entirely different concept than traditional water heaters. With a regular storage water heater, your water will be stored in a storage tank that is heated with a boiler. A tankless system instead heats the water on demand. Since the water is only heated when you need it, less energy is required to keep it hot. A tank water heater uses more energy to maintain its supply of hot water.

Tankless hot water heater systems offer numerous benefits over traditional tank-based water systems and they are becoming increasingly popular across the world. Here are some of the most popular benefits of tankless systems:

• Continuous water. Since you won’t have a tank, you will have water available as-needed, on-demand. You will never have a shortage of heated water, making these units very practical.
   
• Eco-friendly. Tankless heaters are very energy efficient so they can help to reduce air pollution. They are also smaller in size, so that will take up less space in your home and on landfills eventually.
   
• No stored water. The system is tankless you only use heated water as needed and this will in turn reduce lime scale build-up, meaning less maintenance too. 
   
• Durable. Tankless systems are very durable and have an average lifespan of around 20 years. The system is fuel efficient and they last longer as they won’t have any sediment build-up. 

It’s a good idea to replace your traditional water heating system in your home with a tankless hot water heater. With the right equipment and reliable workmanship, you can benefit from significant cost savings and an energy efficient heating system in your home. 

Climate Experts specializes in tankless hot water heater systems and serves the Durham region as well as surrounding areas. Contact us today to find out more about our furnace and air conditioner repair and maintenance services. 

Posted by admin on March 16, 2015

The demise of your household water heater should not be seen as a tragic loss, but rather the chance for you to invest in something new. As you begin to look at possible replacements, the new option of an on demand hot water heater will appear. Naturally, one of the first questions you may want answered is if they are really worth investing your time and money. The fact is, these kinds of water heaters are excellent investments, for several reasons.

No More Reheating a Tank of Water

Traditional water heaters work by continuously reheating a tank of water, which reoccurs throughout the day. This process takes place regardless if anyone is home, or anyone is using the water. This results in you paying for energy that is being used regardless of its necessity. With an on demand water heater, there is no water tank that is constantly being heated, so no extra energy is wasted.

Life Expectancy

A key benefit in the purchase of an on demand water heater is that they are built to last much longer than their traditional counterparts. The life of a conventional water heater is somewhere in the area of 10 to 15 years; in contrast, a tankless water heater has an average life of 20 years. This means that not only will you be saving money by not constantly reheating water, but you will also save money by not having to replace your water heater as frequently.

Repair and Maintenance

Like all hard working machines, your on demand water heater will eventually require some minimal repairs throughout its lifespan. It is important to remember that an on demand water heater is designed so that these repairs will happen far less than with conventional water heaters. Given the repairs will not happen as often, and the maintenance is easy to manage, this will lead to more money saved in the long term.

Hot Water When You Want It

How often have you had to put off tasks around the house so that somebody could take a shower? With a conventional water heater, there is a limited amount of hot water available at any given time. Running the dishwasher at 8pm means that no one can take a hot shower until at least 9pm, and considering doing the laundry while these chores are being done is nearly impossible.

These issues disappear with an on demand hot water heater. The water is heated as you need it, and supply cannot run out. This means that dishes, showering, and laundry can be done at the same time without forfeiting hot water.

When looking into purchasing a new hot water heater, do not overlook your tankless options. Though this machine may cost you more immediately, you will see a great amount of savings over its lifespan. With its lower energy consumption, infrequent repairs and immediate hot water convince, the initial price tag is worth every cent. Talk to a plumbing professional today and begin to look into this option. This change will be the one of the best, and warmest, choices you make all year.

Posted by admin on October 05, 2015

Whether you’re looking to replace aging home heating systems, developing a new office space, or something in between, you’ll quickly find yourself overwhelmed with technical jargon, technologies, and concepts that blend together. There are dozens of variations of home heating systems available, but the vast majority fall into one or more of these four distinct categories: forced air, electric, hydronic, and geothermal. Consider what types of heating each system does, what benefits and drawbacks each offers, and what terms to be on the lookout for.

Forced Air Heating

Perhaps the most familiar home heating systems on the market, forced air systems are any heating system which utilizes air to distribute the heat. If your heating system involves ducts, vents, blowers, and filters, you have a forced air heating system. These systems can vary wildly in efficiency and method.

Heat pumps, hydronic coils, electric furnaces, natural gas, oil, propane, and much more can provide the heat in a forced air system. A system of ductwork and fans then work to push the heat throughout the property. There are two factors in determining the efficiency of a forced air system: the quality and efficiency of the heating method, and the quality of the ductwork. Bad or messy ductwork can result in significant energy and heat loss, so ensure yours is done correctly. 

Electric Heating

Electric heating, like forced air, encompasses quite a variety of solutions. Aside from forced air solutions using electric furnaces, you might see unique electric solutions such as in-floor and baseboard heating. These are heaters either along the baseboards of your home or beneath the floor, which warm the room by simple convection.

Depending on the area you need to heat, this can be inefficient or ineffective, but utilized correctly electric heating can neatly avoid problems common to forced air systems. If your home or office lacks the room for quality ductwork without massive overhauls, you enjoy the feeling of warm floors, or you simply don’t like the noise of forced air, these are great options.

Hydronic

Hydronic heating technology goes back a long way, but we’ve come very far from the steam heating of the last millennium. Modern hydronic heating systems, such as radiant in-floor heating, kick space heaters, and water-filled radiators, offer great levels of comfort, efficiency, and heating precision, at the expense of difficult installations.

Hydronic systems’ usage of water to convey heat offers a few unique benefits to how we feel heat, making it difficult to compete with a hydronic system for pure comfort. Like electric solutions, they’re also viable as home heating systems in locations which don’t lend themselves well to extensive ductwork.

Geothermal

Perhaps the most interesting of new home heating systems, geothermal heat pumps offer unparalleled efficiency at the expense of some efficacy. A geothermal heat pump can offer clean, quiet, environmentally-friendly heating and cooling while cutting utilities by as much as 70%.

Geothermal systems work by taking advantage of the constant temperature of the ground. A network of refrigerant-filled pipes buried beneath your home act in place of traditional lines running outside of your home, offering the traditional benefits of heat pump technology while overcoming the common flaws of the technology.

Want to know more about home heating systems, look into estimates for a system of your own, or ask any other questions? Contact us today!