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 November 17, 2014

Cold weather is meant for cuddling up in your house and staying snug and warm. Furnaces ensure that your house stays warm and is heated properly. But along with the cold winter weather, you’ll probably encounter some common furnace problems. Your furnace suddenly starts acting up and you have no idea why.

Here are seven of the most common furnace problems and how to solve them. You can opt to repair the furnace yourself if it’s a simple fix, or call in a professional furnace repair company.

1. Your furnace is only blowing cold air or is not generating enough heat

• Your air filter could be dirty: Change your filter every 1-3 months as per the type of filter you’re currently using.
• Your air ducts might be leaking: If your air ducts are insufficiently insulated, it could affect the circulation of heat. It is imperative that you seal the ducts quickly.
• The airflow could be uneven: If your air ducts were not designed properly or you picked the wrong furnace size for your home, the airflow could be uneven.

1. Your furnace won’t turn on
2. Your furnace only works for short periods of time
3. Your furnace is giving out too much carbon monoxide – If your furnace is old it could have tiny cracks in the heat exchanger. This can lead to leaking of carbon monoxide. Make sure you install a carbon monoxide detector to protect your family and have you furnace examined by a professional.
4. Your furnace is too noisy – Your furnace definitely shouldn’t be making any squeaking or rattling noises. You could have a clogged burner or some other mechanical problem.
5. The blower continuously runs – You probably need to hire a professional to change the limit switch if you’re experiencing problems with the blower.
6. Your furnace filter is completely clogged – This will lead to a reduction in airflow making it difficult for hot air to circulate throughout the house. The limit switch which controls the fan could also be damaged.

• Your thermostat may be faulty: Make sure that your thermostat is set on ‘heat’ and the fan is programmed to ‘auto’ or replace the batteries.
• You could have a tripped or blown circuit: If this happens, you may not know until you put your furnace on. Always check your circuit breaker.
• Your pilot light could be malfunctioning: There are a number of reasons why this could occur.

• Your thermostat could be malfunctioning: Either replace the batteries or the thermostat.
• Perhaps your heat vent is too close to your thermostat: If the thermostat is right under a heating vent, it could be what is causing the problem.
• Uneven heating: If your house is leaking air, it could cause your furnace to switch on again and again.
• Your furnace could be overheating: Ensure that the filter is changed and the exhaust vents and ducts are cleared of all debris.

These common furnace problems can cause you to experience some inconvenience. But if you take the proper proactive measures, it will ensure that you stay nice and warm during the winter! If you are facing a furnace problem, it is time to call in a furnace repair professional. Contact Climate Experts Heating and Cooling Inc. today and enjoy affordable and exceptional furnace repair service.

Posted by admin on September 29, 2014

The life of an average furnace ranges between 16 and 20 years, some even longer. So how do you know when yours is getting ready to be replaced, regardless of its age? Here are seven signs that your need to consider a furnace replacement.

1. Higher utility bills

One indicator that your furnace is starting to go is an increase in either your gas or electric bills. As furnaces age, they are less efficient, especially if the furnace maintenance has not been kept up. Inefficient furnaces must run longer in order to keep up with your heating requirements. 

Your utility bills will keep going up the longer you wait to replace your furnace. At some point, it is simply more efficient and economical to put that money into a new furnace.

2. More repairs

Furnaces begin to show a lot of wear and tear in the last two years of their life, when you can expect to pay more for the repairs, and to do more and more repairs to keep the furnace running.

Repairing an older furnace will also take more time since the older the furnace, the more difficult (and expensive!) it will be to find replacement parts.

3. Uneven heating

A furnace in excellent working condition will heat all rooms evenly. One sign that you need a furnace replacement is when you find yourself noticing that some rooms in your home are cooler or warmer than others. 

4. Carbon monoxide gas

There are many signs that your furnace could be producing carbon monoxide gas that indicate it is time to replace your furnace: the flame is flickering or yellow; there is soot around the furnace; there is no upward draft in your chimney; there is too much moisture around cold surfaces like windows and walls; too much rust collecting around the furnace; or water leaking. Any one or more of these signs requires follow-up with a qualified furnace repair and replacement company.

5. Too much noise

If your furnace is making a lot of unusual noises, then you know that it is nearing the end and you will need to consider a furnace replacement. Any unusual sounds, like banging, humming, rattling, squealing, or buzzing might be signs of a failing furnace. If the blower runs continuously, or the blower is turning on and off or blows cold air every once and awhile, your furnace needs to be replaced.

6. Dusty or dry air

When the furnace is not working well and does not move the air properly, it can lead to an increase in allergens like mold or pollen in your home. The dust will begin to accumulate too. With that stale air feeling comes minor illnesses like more colds, dry throat and skin, all of which can point to a faulty furnace.

7. Family members aren’t feeling well

Perhaps one of the least well-known signs that your furnace isn’t working properly is an increase in illnesses in your home. When your furnace ages, there is an increased likelihood that your heat exchanger in the furnace will begin to crack, causing carbon monoxide to be released without detection. Carbon monoxide can cause headaches, nausea, disorientation and flu-like symptoms. 

If anyone in your family experiences these symptoms, air out your home and call the gas service immediately. Since cracks in the heat exchangers can have serious consequences for your family’s health, older furnaces should be replaced.

Do any of these signs sound like your furnace? Then call us at Climate Experts to book your free estimate for furnace replacement.

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 November 02, 2015

There’s a lot to learn about heating and cooling, whether you’re looking for a new system, trying to figure out your old one, or looking into repairs and maintenance. To get you started, we’ve developed this list of 10 facts on heating and air conditioning that you may not be aware of, and may be affecting your monthly bills. 

1. Bad Ducts Cost Money

Incredibly easy to overlook, bad ductwork can waste massive amounts of energy, reduce the comfort of your home, look terrible, and even encourage pests to take up residence. Make sure that when you hire a contractor, they’re not skimping on the ductwork; look for leaks, wasteful openings, and other signs of shoddy work. Similarly, keep up with duct maintenance and have them cleaned regularly. 

2. Efficiency Adds Up 

Small gains in efficiency on their own may not seem like they’re saving you significantly on your bills, but they are! Homeowners that invest in high efficiency heating and cooling, weatherproof their home, keep filters and intakes clean, and generally focus on efficiency will over time see significant reductions to their utility bills. 

3. Humidity Matters

Your heating and air conditioning systems lose efficiency when the humidity in your home gets too high. Make sure that your ventilation fans are on when running a hot shower, boiling water, or even putting a meal in the oven. If you notice your home is constantly too humid, investing in a portable dehumidifier can help control large spaces. 

4. An Insulated Home Saves Money

See light around your door frame? Get drafts through the living room window? This is adding on to your energy bills. Proper insulation counts towards bills far more than many homeowners realize, so invest in proper insulation and keep your home the right temperature. 

5. Heat Pumps Can Do Double Duty

If you want a year-round high-efficiency solution, consider heat pumps. New breakthroughs, including geothermal installations, make them greater than ever for year round comfort at an affordable price.

6. Regular Maintenance is Crucial 

Lots of little problems can add up quite quickly on your utility bill. Leaks in refrigerant, gas, water, or any other sort can also cause serious damage to your home, so watch out!

7. Poor Appliance Sizing Can Be Wasteful

Whether you’re running an air conditioner that’s too small for your home or have a furnace that’s too large, poor sizing means poor efficiency in HVAC. Systems are designed to run at a certain peak for certain amounts of time; too large or small and they have to work harder to do their job. 

8. Filters Should Be Cleaned or Replaced Regularly

Letting filters turn into grime-caked walls on your intake system isn’t just a problem for air quality, it reduces the efficiency of your system. Remember to clean the filter regularly, and replace it entirely as recommended for your heating and air conditioning unit. 

9. Canadians Over-Use Energy

Canadians are the second largest consumer of energy per capita in the world. With a population far lesser than the United States, China, or India, Canadians need to find more ways to lessen their heating and air conditioning usage, and save on energy.

10. Variable Speed Systems Can Slash Energy Costs

On and off aren’t particularly energy efficient choices. Look for systems with variable fans speeds and output levels to achieve and maintain maximum comfort without running up your bills.

Want to learn more about your heating and air conditioning systems, follow up on one of these facts, or schedule an appointment for an estimate on an installation? Contact us today!