Posted by admin on December 01, 2014

Winter is approaching, which means lots of dropping temperatures, chilly weather, and heavy coats! While we’re getting excited for the coldest season, with holidays and gatherings, many of us are also looking to spend our money consciously. Saving for Christmas and holiday shopping, as well as budgeting, can be difficult during winter. Keeping warm means that we’re operating our heating units more often, which is a costly choice.

With the average Canadian spending $216 on their power bills each month, saving money and reducing the amount of energy we use is extremely important! Keeping a modest savings on how warm our homes are can save energy and lower the cost dramatically. How do you know what indoor temperatures will save the most money? If you’re asking “what temperature should I set my thermostat this winter?” then you’ll love our money saving tricks! Save your wallet and the environment by making simple swaps and transform the way you use your heating this winter! We’ve rounded up the top picks for simple savings to tackle any home and reduce your power bill, heating costs, and environmental impact to try this year. We guarantee you’ll love the results!

Drop the Temperature Wisely
We all know that when the heating units aren’t operating, we’re not using power. Think smart and change the schedule of your automatic temperature. During the week, or during work hours, lower the thermostat to the lowest set temperature or even turn it off. Your home can easily warm up when you arrive, and you won’t even miss the additional cost of keeping up the temperature when no one is there! Alternatively, create a schedule that starts heating up an hour before you get home to ensure it’s warm only when it needs to be. This change alone can drop your bill by at least 10%!

Stay Up to Date on Technology
Did you know that you can upgrade your heating units to be more efficient and use less power? An older heating unit can suck up more power than a modern one, so invest in a new and improved way to stay warm and spend less at the same time! Looking to upgrade to a tankless water heater? This will provide almost instant heat with less power! Prefer a scheduled way to use your heat? Try Comfort Control, a way to change your usage of heat and power in your home to ensure you’re only using it when you need it most!

Small Swaps Equal Big Savings
There are many small changes around the house you can make to feel instantly warmer:

• Leave the shades open during the day to let the sunlight in and it will slightly raise the temperature in the home. In addition, replace or update any sealants or weather stripping to be sure you’re keeping the cold air out.
• Install sweeps under doors to negate the effects of incoming cold winter air!
• Keep fleece and heat insulating fabric blankets around the home to warm you head to toe.
• Remember to close dampers on fireplaces when they’re not in use to prevent cold drafts from rushing in. 

Posted by admin on March 07, 2016

An oil furnace is slowly becoming outdated. Although some people rely on one because they do not have access to natural gas, those who do have the ability to get gas should do so. You don’t need to rush out and replace a brand new oil furnace however, there are some signs that indicate it’s time to upgrade to gas. 

1. Age of the Unit

One of the most important factors to consider is the age of the furnace. Obviously, you don’t want to spend thousands on a new unit if you just purchased one within the last five years. However, a furnace is only expected to last 16 to 20 years. If your furnace is in this bracket or older, it’s probably best that you replace. A furnace will begin to need repairs or replaced soon after it reaches the age of 20 and the repairs can get quite costly on an older piece. In this case, you should replace it with a newer energy-efficient HVAC device. 

2.  Recent Repairs

Evaluate when the last time you had your device fixed was. Take into consideration the type of repair and the cost of it. Once one repair is needed, it’s usually not long until another part of the furnace will need to be repaired. That’s when you need to decide if you’re willing to put more money into a furnace that’s probably going to need more repairs. When you’re taking into account, make sure you take into consideration the age of the unit. 

3. Replacement Parts

As your furnace ages and needs more repairs, you’ll find yourself needing to buy more parts. Unfortunately, the older your furnace gets, the more difficult it is to find the necessary parts. Additionally, these parts become more expensive as they become harder to find.  

4. Uneven Heating

Do you notice spots that are warmer than others or ones that are freezing cold? Do you find yourself always trying to find the right setting on the thermostat and nothing seems to make your home more comfortable? A good way to determine if replacing an oil furnace is necessary is if you notice that your current furnace isn’t heating the home evenly.  

Your home is your castle, but if your home feels cold and drafty like an actual castle, it might be time to upgrade to a gas furnace. The same applies if your energy bills are skyrocketing and you’ve already sunk a ton of money into your current furnace. These are factors to consider when replacing an oil furnace. 

For more information on replacing an oil furnace, contact us at Climate Experts today! 

Posted by admin on April 04, 2016

Fireplaces are a popular centerpiece of many living rooms, family rooms, and dens in residential homes. They provide homeowners with an additional source of heat that can cut down on energy expenses, a back-up “heater” during a power outage, and an attractive interior decorating element that entertains family and guests with the sights and sounds of a roaring flame.

When fireplaces become damaged, however, malfunction, or create a danger to those in the house, it is time to call in professional help. While you should first verify that the damper is not closed, that the propane/natural gas supply is sufficient, and that the pilot light is lit, beyond the most basic maintenance tasks, fireplaces are simply too dangerous to be done on a DIY basis.

Fireplace Repairs Best Left to the Experts

Some of the most important reasons why it is best to entrust fireplace repair jobs to well trained technicians are as follows:

Gas Fireplace Repairs/Maintenance

• Gas fireplaces can produce dangerous carbon monoxide gas and develop gas leaks that let the gas into the house. An annual maintenance check-up by a certified technician can detect and eliminate this danger, but if you suspect there may be a problem, do not hesitate to shut down your unit until a repairman can look at it.
• When gas fireplaces are dirty, improperly vented, or have the wrong settings, they can give off strong odors, have pilot light problems, and develop a sooty build-up on the glass screen. A professional will know how to optimally correct all of these issues in very little time.
• A popping or booming sound may indicate that the gas pressure needs to be checked and reset by a professional. He/she will use a manometer to gauge for the precise pressure. This simple fireplace repair can prevent your unit from running inefficiently and needing early replacement.

Wood-burning Repairs/Maintenance

• With wood-burning fireplaces, creosote and soot will eventually coat everything from the immediate fireplace interior all the way up the inner lining of the chimney/vent. Both creosote and soot are extremely flammable and must be periodically removed by a trained professional. Local building codes, in fact, typically require an annual inspection to ensure safety.
• If a wood-burning fireplace uses a masonry chimney, the combination of high temperatures and acidic gases can erode the mortar between the bricks on its way up and out, resulting in leaks. A professional can install a stainless steel liner to prevent this problem. 

Fireplace repair on both gas and wood-burning units is best left to the professionals because they have the tools and expertise to identify and correct the problem quickly. They have access to all replacement parts for a wide array of specific fireplace models should an ignition switch, flu, or other part become faulty. Using a professional will minimize the time spent without use of your fireplace, which is especially important during cold weather, as well as extend the life of your equipment and reduce liability risks.

Some DIY projects can save homeowners significant money and are worthwhile. Others, like fireplace repair, however, are simply not worth the risk. There are too many unknown factors to the uninitiated and too great a danger created by improper repair methods for fireplace repair to be safely done by the average person. The wiser course of action is to rely on experienced fireplace repair technicians to keep your fireplace functioning safely and efficiently for its maximum lifespan. Contact Climate Experts today to consult with a professional fireplace repair specialist!

Posted by admin on September 05, 2014

The water heater is an essential part of any home. It ensures that your family has hot water for dishes, bathing, laundry, and your other daily needs. When it isn’t working correctly, it becomes a big issue quite rapidly. Sometimes repairs can be done and things get back to normal relatively quickly. There are situations, however, where repairs aren’t going to be enough and you will find yourself needing a new water heater installation. 

First of all, you’ll want to do your research and make sure that you know what you’re getting when you invest in a new water heater. Get to know what’s out there and what is best for your home. Consider the size of your family and your home so that you don’t buy something that’s too small. Think about energy efficiency, too. If you have to replace it anyway, you might as well replace it with a unit that can save you money on your utility bills. Just remember that when it comes time to do the installation, you need to call a professional. 

HVAC and plumbing professionals are the only ones that you should entrust with water heater installation. This isn’t like any other appliance in your home. This is a serious installation and there is a lot that could go wrong. You have to make sure that the gas or electrical lines are properly ran and connected and that the water lines run accordingly. It also needs to be level and tested by a professional before use to ensure that it is installed right. There’s nothing worse than installing your own water heater and causing serious damage to your home from improper gas lines, electrical work, or even a simple bad pipe or connection that could result in water damage. 

Professionals are trained and certified in water heater installation. This is what they do for a living, and they know all of the ins and outs of what they are doing. If you get in touch with an expert, they can help you choose a suitable water heater, provide you with tips and advice on troubleshooting and operating the unit, and give you much more than just a standard installation. 

Everyone likes to save money. It’s natural to try to be a DIY hero because you want to save cash. Plus, it saves the hassle of making an appointment, setting up arrangements to be home, and so forth. Ultimately, though, it usually ends up costing more in the end because you didn’t trust it to professionals in the first place. If your water heater needs to be replaced, you really need to contact a professional and find the best local company to help with your water heater installation. Call us today to set up your appointment or visit our website to learn more. 

Posted by admin on December 29, 2014

Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colourless, tasteless gas that can have deadly effects if it leaks into your home. CO poisoning causes hundreds of deaths in Canada every year, with high levels of gas killing in mere minutes.

There are several sources of carbon monoxide in the home. Most appliances produce very little, but those that are not functioning properly can produce life-threatening amounts. To protect your family, it is important you know what appliances may release CO and why.

Sources of Carbon Monoxide

Chimneys

Blockages from soot, leaves, or birds’ nests and cracked stonework can all lead to combustion by-products, the most dangerous of which is carbon monoxide.

Gas Stoves and Range Tops

Most gas stoves and range tops have no vents meaning there is a great potential of these appliances producing carbon monoxide should burners become clogged or dirty. Other factors that increase the risk of CO emissions include incorrect installation, defects, rust, or damage to the appliance.

Wood-burning Fireplaces

If you use your fireplace with the window closed or burn treated or painted wood or scrap lumber, carbon monoxide can accumulate inside.

Gas Log Sets

Gas log sets produce yellow flames that are less efficient and create more carbon monoxide than wood-burning fireplaces. Ventless fireplaces of this type are particularly dangerous as by-products are released straight into the room. Furthermore, as oxygen levels drop, CO levels increase. Gas log sets that lack a sensor to shut the appliance down when oxygen is depleted present an even greater danger to your family’s health. Have your gas fireplace maintained regularly by a professional to avoid any CO leaks.

Fuel-burning Space Heaters

Like gas log sets, many space heaters include sensors that shut off the appliance if oxygen levels become too low. However, space heaters are even higher risk than gas log sets as they may even produce carbon monoxide when there is plenty of oxygen in the room.

Furnaces

There are a number of reasons why a furnace may start to release carbon monoxide including a mechanical failure, a crack in the heat exchanger, problems with the flue, a clogged burner, improper installation, and flood damage. Yellow flames and a buildup of soot are both signs that your furnace requires maintenance.

Water Heaters

Water heaters show the same warning signs as furnaces and CO emissions are linked to many of the same causes including faulty appliances, incorrect installation, flood damage, and blocked burners or vents.

Gas Clothes Dryers

Your clothes dryer may release carbon monoxide if it is damaged, if it installed improperly, if the exhaust pipes are clogged with lint, or if the burner is dirty or blocked.

Vehicles and Equipment

Never leave your car or lawnmower running in the garage, especially if the door is closed, as CO levels can quickly rise to dangerous levels.

Furnaces are one of the main sources of carbon monoxide in the home. It is essential that you have your furnace repaired and maintained regularly to cut the risk of CO poisoning. For all your furnace service needs, contact us at Climate Experts.

Posted by admin on July 06, 2015

Owning a tankless water heater offers you many advantages as a homeowner. However, like all things they will require occasional repair. Tankless water heater repair is a bit different than conventional water heater repair, and will require different troubleshooting tips. With some awareness of what you should be looking for, you’ll be able to spot unique issues that these machines may encounter.

Venting Issues.

The most common issue encountered in tankless water heaters is venting related. Improper venting causes condensation and leaks, which can greatly damage the water heater and the area around it. Often this issue is due to using the wrong type of venting pipe; category III stainless steel piping is advised for many tankless water heaters. Check your owner’s manual for specific piping guidelines if you assume that there may be an issue.

Gas line Issues.

Another common issue requiring tankless water heater repair is problems with the gas line. Many homeowners may simply hook up a tankless water heater to the existing gas line which may not be properly sized. Check your owner’s manual for the proper gas requirements. Be sure that your gas line is sized for the maximum BTUs advised to assure proper performance.

Make Sure the Heater Type and Fuel Match.

Make sure the heater you have is for the fuel type you’re using, as each fuel source has different properties. Liquid propane and natural gases are two possible heating fuel sources you may be using, and are easily confused.

Water Flow and Temperature Issues

For water flow issues, blockages are common. The first thing you want to check is your filtering unit. Simply turn off the water and check the filters for any trash, blocks or damage and clean or replace filters as needed. Temperature fluctuation can be a bit harder to track down. This is commonly caused by cross flow between hot and cold. By shutting off the cold and running water you can check for cross-flow.    

Bad Temperature Settings

Among tankless water heater repair issues this is a very easy issue to address. If the water heater is set too high, it can lead to a shortage of water. The default temperature setting of 122 degrees Fahrenheit is advised, and will help avoid this problem.   

Hard Water

Hard water refers to water in your area containing a high level of calcium and magnesium. In general, hard water doesn’t lather as well and can cause mineral buildup in your heating and plumbing system. To address this issue, adding a water softener to your water supply is advisable. This will help increase the life of your water heating system and improve general water daily use.    

The Environment
Always make sure the area around your water heater is clean and free from debris. Items such as lint, dust, chemicals and other hazards can hinder the performance of the unit. If your water heater is in an environment prone to such issues a direct vent unit is advised, as it draws in air from the outside.

As you can see tankless water heater repair can cover many areas and issues. As always if you feel unsafe or lack experience in performing repairs be sure to contact a professional. The ability to simply recognize a problem can be very beneficial and allow you to have issues addressed before they become hazardous.   

 

Posted by admin on December 15, 2014

When you are looking for a new water heater, one of the first things you need to decide is what would be more suitable for your family: a tankless water heater vs. a tank water heater. Tankless water heaters use electricity or gas to warm water on demand. In comparison, tank water heaters preheat and store water for later use. Both options have distinct advantages and disadvantages in terms of convenience, cost, and efficiency.

Tankless Water Heater vs Tank Water Heater

Tankless Water Heater Pros

• Tankless water heaters use anywhere between 19 and 34 percent less energy than tank heaters.
• They are compact and can be installed indoors or out.
• On average, they last for 20 years or more.
• They can produce two to three gallons of hot water per minute on demand.
• You have the ability to control water temperature.

Tankless Water Heater Cons

• Tankless water heaters are more expensive than tank water heaters to purchase and install.
• It can be complicated to replace a tank water heater with a tankless heater due to the need for larger fuel lines, which can increase installation costs yet further. Improper installation can lead to freeze damage.
• The limited amount of water a tankless heater can produce may make them an inappropriate choice for large families.

Tank Water Heater Pros

• Tank water heaters usually have sufficient insulation to stop some heat loss, keeping water hot throughout the day.
• Storage tanks can have a capacity of between 30 and 120 gallons, which means there is enough hot water ready at any time for even large families.
• They cost less to purchase than tankless heaters and up to half the price to install, meaning they are also inexpensive to replace if something goes wrong.
• Many models operate without the need for electricity.
• You can choose from a variety of fuel options including gas, electricity, and oil as well as hybrids using solar power and heat pumps.

Tank Water Heater Cons

• Tank water heaters offer less precise temperature control than tankless heaters.
• It is essential that you choose the right size tank — too small and you may run out of hot water; too large, and you will waste energy heating water you do not need.
• They must be installed indoors, and, as they are larger than tankless heaters, it can sometimes be difficult to find a suitable spot.
• Their lifespan of 10 to 15 years is shorter than tankless heaters.
• Unit failure can cause a leak or flood. You will need to take care of this damage before you can install a new water heater.

If you need more help choosing between a tankless water heater vs tank water heater, contact us at Climate Experts. We will ensure that you make the right decision according to your family’s needs.

Posted by admin on November 16, 2015

If an Ontario Hydro power outage strikes in the dead of winter, will you be prepared? Getting caught in a power outage can lead to serious repercussions for you and your family, be it for a few hours or a few days. Consider that most outages occur in cases of inclement weather, greatly limiting your ability to travel for after-the-fact considerations, emergency supplies, or other solutions, and it becomes easy to understand why planning for an Ontario Hydro power outage is your only safe bet.

Assemble an emergency kit

You should keep a kit in your home prepared for any emergency, not just power outages. When a bad situation arises, having the necessary tools, supplies, and equipment in a single place saves you time and stress. Your kit should contain a variety of items, including but not limited to:

• Several gallons of water per person
• Several days’ worth of non-perishable food items 
• Flashlights
• A radio
• A first aid kit
• Wrenches, screwdrivers, and other versatile tools
• Other items such as pet supplies, personal hygiene items, etc.

If you need certain medications or any other special item you may not be able to acquire during a power outage or other emergency, store some in your kit and check regularly that it’s not close to expiry.

Home Prep

To make it through an Ontario hydro power outage in comfort, you need to prep your home well in advance. Fierce winter weather without adequate heating can be a death sentence, so don’t get caught with your home unready.

• Insulation. A home that has been properly weatherproofed, with every crack sealed and every wall insulated, will maintain heat long after the power goes out. Make sure windows and doors stay closed, seal off unnecessary rooms, make sure your chimney is closed, etc.
• Land line. A cell phone is a wonderful thing, until you find yourself without electricity to recharge it. Cordless phones are equally useless in an Ontario Hydro power outage, but a landline attached to a corded phone will often continue to work—land lines have their own built-in power supply. 
• Fuel. If you have a fireplace, keep chopped wood around. If you have portable gas heaters, keep several topped off tanks of propane or natural gas at the ready. If you’re running a gas-powered backup generator, keep plenty of fuel for that as well. 
• Portable Power. It can be a hefty investment compared to other items on this list, but nothing beats keeping a portable power generator charged and ready. You won’t be keeping your entire home running off most models, but you might be able to keep your fridge, lights, and a few other necessities running through and extended outage. Beware of theft, if your unit’s hooked up outside.

Other Things to Remember

Don’t forget the little things during a power outage—a blackout has many ways of making life miserable.

• If you have to drive, be careful at intersections. Lights rarely stay on and most intersections become four way stops. 
• For area-wide blackouts, cash in hand can be very useful as ATM’s won’t work.
• Boredom can set in quickly. Try to keep a few non-digital forms of entertainment around, so that you and your family don’t get bored or on each other’s nerves. 

Want more ideas on surviving power outages, preparing your home for winter conditions, or keeping warm during inclement weather? Contact us today and ask about our many HVAC solutions.

Posted by admin on June 15, 2015

Do you know if your furnace is efficient? For many homeowners whose furnace came with their home when purchased, it is an important variable to consider when you are looking for ways to improve your energy use. You need to know what the furnace efficiency ratings (AFUE) tell you about how your furnace works and how to determine your furnace rating if it isn’t already posted on your furnace.

What do the numbers mean?

Your furnace efficiency ratings simply tell you how much it will cost to for you to heat your home; ratings fall between 50 and 100. If the rating on your furnace is in the higher range, you can expect that you will get more heat for the amount of energy used. In other words, this means that the lower the rating is, the less efficient your furnace is, and the more that it will cost to heat your home.

What the efficiency ratings measure is how much heat the furnace will produce compared to the actual amount of energy that is needed to produce that heat. For example, if your Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) rating is 90 percent, this means that 10 percent of the energy is lost, while 90 percent will become heat. However, this rating does not measure how much heat will lost through the walls or duct work in your home. In some parts of the home, up to 35 percent of heat can be lost.

How can you know that your furnace is efficient?

The federal government requires that each furnace have a sticker with the AFUE rating on it, however depending on the age of your model it may not. This rating appears on a yellow sticker that will have the percentage of heat utilized by your furnace, so you know how efficient your furnace is.

If you have an older furnace, then you might have to do some investigatory work to find out just how efficient your furnace is. Here are some things to look for:

• Continuous pilot light. If your pilot light is always on, this is an older furnace that is not efficient. They tend to be in the 56 to 70 percent range of furnace efficient ratings. The duct work on these machines is complicated, and usually entangled.
• Models that were built more recently and have a fan that controls the airflow also do not have a pilot light. These furnaces are likely in the 80 and 83 percent efficiency ratings range. 
• Models that have two heat exchangers with sealed combustion units usually have furnace efficiency ratings of 90 to 98.5 percent.

Your furnace efficiency rating is important, not only because it tells you how well your furnace operates but also how much money it should cost to heat your home. If you need an estimate to learn more about replacement furnaces to bring up your rating, please contact Climate Experts.

Posted by admin on January 19, 2015

Upgrading boiler heating systems is all about improving efficiency and safety. Unmaintained boiler heating systems can be dangerous for a number of reasons. The most common danger from outdated, unmaintained boilers is hot water leakage. Boilers use steam to spread heat, and they run the risk of leaking or otherwise expelling this hot water vapor, contact with which causes severe burns. However, boilers also can save you on energy costs if they are properly retrofitted to give you the best efficiency possible.

Efficiency Equals Money

Every winter, home owners crank up their boilers and pay too much to heat their homes. Efficiency is essential to saving money. You will need less energy to heat your house when winter sets in if your boiler has been upgraded. There are a few things you can do to improve your home energy efficiency, such as making sure that there is little wasted air in your house. Wasted air is heated air that escapes your house through doors and windows. All houses will have a certain amount of wasted air (and wasted energy), but two ways to cut down on wasted energy and wasted money are to invest in double paned windows and improve your door’s seal. An effective door seal keeps air from escaping through the door when it’s closed. Double paned windows provide another barrier against the cold air outside. Single pane windows are only composed of one pane of glass. Cold air comes through single pane windows very easily, meaning that you will need to use more energy to get your house to a comfortable temperature, costing you more money. Insulation has a great deal to do with energy efficiency as well. To make sure that you are paying the lowest amount possible to heat your home, see to it that that your insulation efficiently keeps the heat you’re paying for within the walls of your house, and is not escaping to the outside.

The Best Way to Raise Efficiency

The best way to raise the efficiency of boiler heating systems is to update them with the latest technology. Canadian Energy Efficiency Regulations measure boilers’ energy effectiveness with an Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) rating. The government requires all boilers and furnaces to display their AFUE so that consumers can compare the efficiency of new models. Oil fired hot water boilers are required to have an AFUE of 84%, while steam boilers are required to have an 82% AFUE rating. Unfortunately, older low-efficiency heating systems of any kind, boilers and furnaces, have AFUE ratings between 56% and 70%. Retrofitted boiler heating systems have an average AFUE rating between 90% and 98.5%. This is a huge difference, obviously, and a difference that could save you a chunk of your monthly heating bill.

The Canadian government recommends that the costs of repairing a boiler heating system be weighed against the cost of replacing the unit altogether. A new boiler system is sure to carry a high AFUE rating, and will solve any kind of safety or efficiency issues you may have with your older, but otherwise sound, system. Making the decision to repair or replace a boiler heating system comes down to analyzing the cost benefits of improving the efficiency of your boiler system by either replacing or repairing it.

Get Your Boiler Repaired

For more boiler heating systems, a repair and a retrofitting is the most cost-effective way to improve the heating efficiency in your home. Take the first step to saving money on your heating bills by calling Climate Experts to arrange a free estimate. Climate Experts Heating and Cooling Inc. offers the best heating services for all homes.