Five Reasons To Get A Fall Furnace Tune Up

2017 was an especially warm summer for Pickering and the GTA, in general we had a few heat waves that extended all the way into Thanksgiving weekend! Don’t let that warmer autumn weather fool you, when winter comes you’ll still be relying on the comfort of your furnace to keep everyone warm at home.

It’s always a good idea at this time of year to consider having one of our qualified technicians come in for furnace maintenance and tune-up for the upcoming winter. If you have any doubts as to why this is necessary, we’ve got five good reasons for you to consider.

1 – Keep Your Warranty Valid

Some people may think a furnace inspection and tune-up isn’t necessary because a unit may still be under warranty, so even if something does go wrong, the repair is free! That however is not true for every instance of a furnace breakdown. In fact, some warranties specify that if damage to a furnace occurs due to neglect that could have been avoided, the manufacturer retains the right to not honor the warranty. This can be easily avoided with an annual maintenance and tune up.

2 – Maintain Efficiency

Once winter arrives, a furnace will be running on a regular basis during both day and night. That means a lot of different components at work, some of which can lose their effectiveness or efficiency over time through constant use. This means that while everything’s working, you can lose efficiency on your furnace and pay a bit more every month on your energy bill. A tune-up tightens, cleans and restores items on a furnace to return that efficiency to its previous levels and ensure your product runs problem free throughout the heating season.

3 – Preventive Maintenance

An inspection and tune up on a furnace are similar in nature to your recommended six months check-up by a dentist. If you’ve been taking care of your teeth, hopefully, nothing bad will come up. If it does, catching it early means addressing a smaller, cheaper problem, rather than a bigger, more expensive issue later down the road. Furnace servicing catches these issues for your central heating system.

4 – Continued Safety

For the health and safety of residents, a furnace or boiler tune-up is a great idea. Only a qualified technician can easily spot defective components, or possible production of carbon monoxide because of component failure or a defective heat exchanger. Both these problems can pose serious dangers for your home and health if there not easily spotted and prevented from getting worse or continuing.

5 – Keep Your Furnace Healthy

A furnace tune-up ultimately means that your furnace will last longer and cause less problems. Getting it inspected and tuned-up just before another cold winter is the best way to ensure that everything is prepared for the increase usage the lies ahead. A furnace in good condition also can add value to your home for resale purpose and can save you money year over year on unnecessary service calls.

We’re Ready To Get It Done

Climate Experts Heating & Cooling is ready to help homeowners in Durham and the GTA get ready for another chilly Canadian winter! Contact us on our website or call us today if you’re in need of any repairs, equipment or inspections that you want to be carried out by experienced professionals!

Advantages of a Split System Air Conditioner

A split system air conditioner includes an outdoor unit with a compressor and condenser, plus an indoor unit that contains an air handler. Typically, there’s a lineset between these two units that houses copper refrigerant tubing, a power cable and a drain for condensation.

Split systems are different from packaged units, which house all components in one single cabinet. They’re also not the same as window units that have a fan, compressor and coils inside a window or wall-mounted box.

Many people prefer split system air conditioners because of these benefits:

An Easier Installation Process

When compared to traditional systems, a split system requires a lot less work to install. Not only is there no ductwork necessary, but the connector between your indoor and outdoor units only requires an opening that measures about 3 inches in diameter. Once that’s done, all that’s required is access to electricity and a location to mount your units. Manufacturers offer different lengths for refrigerant tubes, so your indoor and outdoor unit can be up to 100 feet apart.

Greater Energy Efficiency

Central systems lose a lot of energy through ductwork, and leaky ducts can see a loss of up to 30 percent in cooling energy. When you have uninsulated ductwork or ductwork that’s been installed in unconditioned spaces, this causes energy efficiency problems. Since split systems offer a completely ductless design, this upsurges your energy savings and reduces money spent on future utility bills. In some cases, ductless air conditioners can exceed double the efficiency of a standard air conditioner, achieving above 30 SEER.

They Blend With Your Décor

With a split system air conditioner, indoor installation is highly flexible. You can suspend them from your ceiling or hang them on walls. In addition, many offer elegant and sophisticated jackets that are aesthetically appealing. Moreover, split systems are less obtrusive when compared to window units that require you either cut a hole in a wall or dedicate a window to your air conditioner.

Quiet Operations

An indoor ductless unit can operate as silently as 19 decibels, which is significantly quieter than a window unit. Its ductless condenser is also much slimmer in profile, and makes it easy for you to position them in various locations where noise might be a factor or there isn’t a lot of space.

Increased Security

A split system air conditioner is a lot more security friendly than a window unit, which offers intruders a way into your home. The small hole for your conduit doesn’t pose much threat to your home’s safety, whereas an open hole in your wall or window may target you for an easy break in.

Zoning

Split system air conditioners cool different areas of your home by splitting the space into zones. Each zone will have its own thermostat, unlike traditional AC systems that have one thermostat for your entire space. Separate thermostats give you control over which areas of your home are cooled and allow you to limit the cooling to specific zones. This means you’ll use less energy over the long term while also saving money.

Ductless air conditioners are great for renovations where ducting isn’t feasible, older homes with poor distribution, electrically-heated houses and homes with hydronic heating.

If you’d like to learn more about split system ACs, visit our Mini & Ductless Split Systems Temperature Control Products page. You can also contact us for more information!

Are Washable Furnace Filters A Good Idea?

Homeowners who are tired of changing out disposable furnace filters every few months might be interested in learning about washable furnace filters as a longer term option. There are many benefits to using a washable furnace filter, but there are also a few downsides that you should be aware of before you run out and make your purchase.

Environmental Impact

One of the biggest reasons that people want to convert to washable furnace filters is that they are more environmentally friendly than their disposable predecessors. Since these filters can be rewashed over and over they are known to last up to five years. Considering most disposable filters only last three months, this is a huge amount of waste being saved from the landfill.

Cost

Compared to disposable filters, washable furnace filters are relatively more expensive. Again, this is a result of the stronger materials that are made to last for years to come. Where a disposable filter may only cost you a few dollars a quarter to replace, a washable filter will definitely be more expensive. However, that one time expense is still cheaper than the cost of buying disposables on a regular basis. Continue reading

furnace filter furnace maintenance washable furnace filters

The Best Tankless Water Heater Models

If you are considering upgrading to a tankless water heater for your home, you have come to the right place. Tankless water heaters come in a variety of models and sizes. Let’s take a look at some of the best options.

Navien NR-210/NR-210A

With the Navien NR-210 in your home, you will enjoy a maximum water flow of 10 GPM. It will heat the water for a very large residential home and it can even supply hot water for up to four fixtures that are used simultaneously. The Navien NR-210/NR-210A are designed with a 180,000 Btu maximum gas input. Modulation allows these two models to lower their power to 17,000 Btu if necessary.Continue reading

best tankless water heater Tankless Water Heater

5 Energy Saving Tips for the Summer

There are a number of reasons that people should put effort into saving energy in summer. For starters, the cost of energy is very expensive, and though you may feel comfortable in an air conditioned home, your bank account may think otherwise. Furthermore, excessive energy use can contribute to serious problems ranging from power outages to climate change, which spare no one from their effects. Consider these energy saving tips when you’re looking to save money and decrease your carbon footprint.

5 Energy Saving Tips for the Summer

Avoid Expensive Hours

Energy costs more during peak hours, between 11AM and 5PM. As a result, you can save on energy costs by saving most of your energy consumption for the evening starting at 6PM. Fortunately for most this shouldn’t be too difficult, as these are a bulk of the hours that are spent at work or school.

Adjust Your Thermostat

On a related note, make sure to adjust your thermostat if you are not planning to make use of the room. For example, keep your thermostat at regular room temperature before you head out for the day, and turn it down to a comfortable temperature once you’re home. If you are forgetful use a programmable thermostat, which can automatically adjust your temperature down just before you arrive home to make sure that you are never uncomfortable.

Keep Your Air Conditioner Running Perfectly

Make sure that your air conditioner is running in top condition given minor issues such as excessive build-up of dirt and dust in the air filters can make it take longer to cool down the house than it should. Fortunately, you have a simple and straightforward solution to this problem in the form of arranging for air conditioner maintenance, which will take care of minor issues while also making sure that potentially serious problems are caught and corrected as soon as possible.

Remember Blinds or Curtains

A good set of window blinds or some other kind of window treatment can improve your home’s insulation, making it that much easier to cool during summer and heat during winter. This is because doors and windows have poor insulation, no matter how well they we’re sealed. Window finishing will repel heat brought in by the sun, and keep warm air from leaving in the winter.

Avoid Energy-Intensive Appliances

Consider using substitutes for energy-intensive appliances. For example, utilize the warm weather by hanging clothes on a clothesline instead of using a drier. Similarly, either use fans to supplement your air conditioner so that the cool air reaches more of the house faster.

Contact Us

Of course, these are just some of the energy saving tips that can be put to use. If you are interested in learning more, please do not hesitate to contact us with your heating and cooling questions.

What is a Hydronic Air Handler?

If you haven’t heard of a hydronic air handler, you are not alone. Hydronic air handlers have emerged as a popular furnace replacement for those who choose to get rid of their old HVAC system or build an entirely new home. It has become quite popular because it requires less fuel, creates a more comfortable living or working space and produces little noise compared to a conventional furnace. Let’s take an in-depth look at hydronic air handlers and their multitude of advantages.

How Hydronic Air Handlers Work

Hydronic air handlers heat air evenly so that those uber-hot blasts of air don’t shoot out of the vents as they do with conventional heating systems. This is made possible thanks to the machine’s use of a boiler or hot water heater that sends water to hydronic heating coils. The user simply sets his house or zone thermostat to heat his living space and the system pump transports water from the boiler/hot water heater to the aforementioned coil. The water flows through an aluminum tin coil with copper tubing. Return air from the house is then pulled in toward the blower, above the heating coil. The warm air that is generated is then transmitted through the building’s ducts. The system’s water is recirculated to the boiler/water heater for additional heating.

A hydronic air handler can also cool the home as the water within the system can drop by about 20 degrees. Refrigerant is applied via the cooling coil within the air handlers to transfer heat from the recirculated air to the cool refrigerant. The result is the transmission of cool air throughout the home.

Why are so Many Homeowners are Making the Transition to Hydronic Air Handlers?

When compared to conventional HVAC systems, hydronic air handlers have less standby losses. The result is comparatively less build-up of sediment and corrosion, allowing the boiler/hot water heater to last much longer than the traditional furnace. This occurs because the hydronic air handler operates much more frequently than other systems. Water circulates through the boiler, decreasing the amount of sediment that has built up over time. The result is an increase in the machine’s lifespan, allowing it to out-live the traditional furnace.

A hydronic air handler also requires less space than a traditional HVAC system so residents don’t have to take up their precious space to simply heat or cool their home. Hydronic air handlers also have the flexibility that traditional systems lack. You can heat or cool your home or workspace to your desired temperature by simply adjusting the thermostat. Go ahead and heat and cool specific zones of the building as desired with your hydronic air handler without any concern. You can enjoy an evening in your study, basement or man cave without having to spend the money required to heat the entire house. Add in the fact that a hydronic air handler is designed for efficiency that reduces utility costs below those of traditional HVAC systems and it is easy to see why so many have opted to make the conversion to this remarkable technology.

Hydronic Air Handlers at Climate Experts

Climate Experts is ready to install your new hydronic air handler. Let our team tell you all about this amazing technology, address your questions or concerns and perform a stress-free installation. Reach out to us today by dialing 1-855-241-7171.

Adding Air Conditioning in Older Homes

You may find that the temperatures reach extreme levels in your old-fashioned abode. Rather than be uncomfortable in your home, you should consider having an air conditioning unit installed. Adding air conditioning in older homes is relatively easy, but there are a fewer factors you should take into consideration prior to selecting a unit.

Consider Electrical Amperage

You’ll need to consider the electrical amperage in your home. Installing air conditioning in older homes may require an electrician to upgrade your home’s power supply. An older home may only have a 110-volt, 60-amp service that powers the entire house. Unfortunately, this amount is barely enough for the large appliances. Typically, a central air conditioning unit needs 20 to 50 amps of power, which you’ll barely have enough for without adding to the electrical supply.

Hydroponic Heating Systems

For older homes that don’t have a forced air HVAC system, the process isn’t as simple as installing a system with a condenser unit outside. You have to be concerned about how to install a system that requires the use of ducts to carry cool air throughout the home. However it is possible, despite your home utilizing a steam or oil boiler. It just requires the installation of an entirely new system that includes all indoor and outdoor components including ducts. Generally, the most space efficient option is high-velocity ducts. They take up little space because they force such a great deal of air at high pressure.

Mini-Split System

You could also opt for a mini-split system that is completely ductless and still disperses cold air throughout your home. Unlike installing other forms of air conditioning in your home, this one requires the use of no ducts. Instead, there are individual units placed in each room. Plus, you don’t have to worry about losing space in a closet, nor will you need to worry about the lack of crawl spaces your old home has. It’s the most effective way to maintain the aesthetic appeal of your home. This may even save you money considering you won’t need to pay for all the carpentry and other work that’s entailed in the installation process. The price of the actual devices placed in each room can get quite costly. You may want to have them installed in just a few rooms in your home to save money, especially considering it’s not unheard of for a system for an entire house to cost over $10,000.

Adding air conditioning in older homes is possible, even without ducts. You just need to take into consideration your options and preferences. You will also want to consider which option will be the energy efficient for how much you use it. For more information on adding air conditioning in older homes, contact us at Climate Experts today!

Why a High Efficiency Air Conditioner Saves You Money

Posted by admin on April 12, 2016

If it is time for you to replace your old worn out AC unit, you should be looking at the latest in high efficiency air conditioner technology for your next purchase. There are many benefits to adding a high efficiency air conditioner including cost savings, lower maintenance and longer life.

Efficiency Ratings

All new air conditioner units are given a Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) rating. This rating can be between one and sixteen, with sixteen being the most efficient of all. Air conditioner manufacturers use advanced cooling technology along with variable speed fans to reduce the amount of energy that is being used and reduce the amount of work that the unit has to do. In the past, condensers were very small and fans had to run constantly in order to keep your house cool. Now air conditioners are able to monitor themselves and adjust their speeds or cycle on and off to maintain indoor temperatures without constantly running your power bill up. The top 25% most efficient air conditioners earn the Energy Star rating for their performance.

Saving You Money

While you are out shopping for your new air conditioner, you need to be on the look for Energy Star rated units first and be aware of how large your unit needs to be to keep your home cool. A unit that is too small will be over worked and never take advantage of all the efficiency features built into it. On the other hand, a larger unit than necessary will draw too much energy whenever it’s operating even if it is shutting off more often. The right high efficiency air conditioner will be Energy Star rated and designed for the correct square footage for your house. Depending on the efficiency of your old air conditioner, this can save you up to 42% on your monthly power bill, and you may be eligible for tax breaks at the end of the year for purchasing environmentally friendly appliances.

Lower Maintenance Costs

Since your new high efficiency air conditioner will be monitoring itself closely and cycling on and off as needed, there will be a noticeable reduction in the wear and tear that the internal components take during normal operation. In the past, air conditioning units stayed on constantly and the gears and compressors wore out on a regular basis requiring costly repairs. Today you can expect your unit to need very little maintenance other than keeping the filter clean and clear of debris.

A high efficiency air conditioner that fits your house is a great way for you to keep your home cool and comfortable during the hot summer months. Start by figuring out the total square footage of the area you are trying to cool and then look for air conditioners with a SEER rating of twelve or above to take advantage of the Energy Star cost savings.

For more information about choosing the right air conditioner for your home, contact Climate Experts today or visit their website to learn about the most recommended air conditioning products on the market.

Why You Must Hire a Pro for Your Gas Fireplace Installation

Posted by admin on January 12, 2015

Many people want a fireplace, but not everybody has a home that comes with one. It’s possible to install a fireplace, and the most popular option is installing a gas fireplace.

Installing a gas fireplace isn’t for the uninitiated, but rather a job that’s strictly for professionals. It’s certainly not a do-it-yourself project, and here are the reasons why.

Fireplace Design Considerations

You may think you know what kind of gas fireplace you want. They come in various sizes and styles. They have modern models, classic styles, custom designs, and fusions available.

Unfortunately, just because you choose the model that you like, it doesn’t mean that your home or space can accommodate it. Much like any other HVAC system, your fireplace has to be the right size for your space.

Because you can install a gas fireplace virtually anywhere, it’s easy to start thinking that you should have one in exotic locations. While it’s possible to have one wherever you want, such as in the bathroom or kitchen, it’s not always feasible. You can create an expensive mistake by starting the project without understanding how you need to install it, vent it, and size it

The Time and Complexity Involved

A gas fireplace installation is a time consuming and complex process. Here’s a few things you should be familiar with if you intend to do it yourself.

Venting and piping methods
Running gas lines
Framing
Drywall teardown and setup
A working knowledge of carpentry
Some electrical knowledge (for automated features)

You will also need the proper tools associated with each of those things. Beyond that, you will need to know if you’re even allowed to install a gas fireplace in your home.

You will have to check and see what your homeowner’s insurance says about it, and you will also need to find out if there are any building permits required.

Divvying Up the Duties

One possible way to go about building your gas fireplace is to do as much as you can yourself, and hire contractors for the things you can’t do. For example, you can frame, order the parts, cut out the wall section, and pull over an electrical line.

However, you will need an electrician to sheathe or reroute the power line, and you will need a plumber to make sure the piping is sound. This plumber will also need to plan the gas route to the fireplace, as well as the route the exhaust will take to vent.

You will also need to consult with all of your home’s internal systems. Installing a gas fireplace requires you to have a far more intimate understanding of your house’s support structure than most people have. In the end, doing it this way can cost you a lot more money than if you had either done it all yourself, or used a service that could have do it all for you.

Call the Professionals

The best option for you is to hire a professional service that can take care of the entire installation. There are many reasons you should let an expert handle the installation.

Start to finish install
Quicker and cleaner
One price for all aspects of the job
Clean up
Maintenance
Warranties

You can have the gas fireplace you’ve always wanted in a shorter time. In addition, you will have a warranty on the equipment as well as the labor. This is important for the longevity of your fireplace. Most importantly, it’s safer to let the professionals handle your gas fireplace installation.

If you want to install a gas fireplace, the first thing you should do is contact Climate Experts for more information and a free estimate.

What to Do When Your Furnace is Not Heating

Posted by admin on September 04, 2014

Winter is coming — and no, we aren’t quoting any popular television shows! This means that you will be relying on your furnace a lot in a few months. But what if it isn’t working? Your furnace not heating would be a big problem for your indoor comfort during the colder months. Fortunately, we have a few tips for what to do when this happens:

Double check your thermostat

Before you convince yourself that your furnace not heating means that it is broken, double check your thermostat. You may have forgotten to change the temperature settings or may have missed a step required to get your furnace going.

Also, it could be your thermostat that is broken, so double check that it is functioning properly.

Make sure that your furnace is turned on

Many random occurrences could cause a furnace to be switched off. There is an easy fix for this; all you need to do is find where the shutoff switch and connected breakers are (they are usually located right next to the furnace). This could save you from a little bit of embarrassment and from having to spend money on a furnace repair service professional who shows up and just flips a switch.

Change your furnace filter

This is likely the most common issue related to a furnace not heating. All furnace filters are subject to dust buildup, which can severely restrict airflow. A telltale sign of a filter clog is a furnace that is attempting to heat your home with no hot air coming out.

Make sure that your fuel source is working

Double check that your oil or gas line is supplying your furnace with the fuel that it needs. You can double check this with your energy supplier. Also, find out if they can send out a technician to verify an energy supply line’s functionality (this is usually free).

Flush the drain lines

Furnaces, even high efficiency ones, discard several gallons of water through their drain lines every day. Mold, backups and other clogs that restrict the drain lines will force the furnace to cease functioning.

Flushing a drain line is usually a pretty simple task. Simply disconnecting a drain line and flushing it out with diluted bleach is usually more than enough to get the furnace going again (assuming that a drain line clog was the problem).

Check your ducts for debris

Air ducts can also get clogged enough to stunt your furnace’s ability to function. They can get backed up by anything from random foliage debris to small animals, which are drawn in by the heat.

Check your ducts for leaks

Duct leaks are a common problem with heating systems. In not cases, they force your furnace to work harder to heat your home (this increases your energy bill). Sometimes, however, a duct leak can be so extreme that your furnace stops heating your home properly.

Make sure you get your furnace checked for duct leaks as you search for the root cause of the malfunction.

Call in a repair service

Sometimes the cause of a furnace malfunction can only be determined by a professional. If you can’t figure it out, they can.

If all of the above fails, it may be time for a new furnace

If your furnace is not working for unknown reasons, then you will probably need a new one.

Is your furnace not heating? Call the team at Climate Experts today to schedule an appointment to service your furnace, or to replace your existing furnace with a brand new, high efficiency furnace.

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