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.

 

Posted by admin on May 19, 2015

Having a gas fireplace can give your house a cozy and warm ambience. It sets a positive mood and allows you to relax and rejuvenate after a tiring day. What about owning an outdoor grill? It is a place to cook delicious meals, and spend meaningful time with family and friends. What do both of these things have in common?

They are both household items that require a gas connection, and neither can be used without a successful gas line installation.

Your gas comes from an external source and it is the gas line that then transports the gas from the source to different parts of your home. This line also helps regulate the flow of the gas. You should never try to install a gas line yourself, and always leave the installation to a professional.

 Why Get a Professional?

Gas line installation requires a high amount of technical knowledge and a keen eye for detail. Knowing the layout of a home is essential, especially when it comes to awareness of an already present gas line. If the gas line installation is not done correctly, it could result in an extremely dangerous leak.

When gas leaks, one of the major problems is trying to detect it. Natural gas is odorless and invisible, making it highly difficult to detect. This is why odorants are often added natural gas, which results in a sulfur like odor. A common place to find this odor is a gas stove after just being lit, as it uses natural gas. However, this scent alone is an unreliable way to detect a gas leak. Slow leakages often cannot be detected as the scent evaporates, and can lead to natural poisoning over time.

To avoid gas leaks, the gas line has to be installed with care and technical knowledge. That is why a professional is the best choice for indoor and outdoor gas line installation. When using gas appliances, it is necessary these appliances have adequate and proper ventilation. For combustion to happen, natural gas requires an equal amount of oxygen in the air. If the air in the area is not sufficient an incomplete combustion occurs, leading to the formation of carbon monoxide. As is commonly known inhalation of carbon monoxide can be fatal. 

Get Indoor and Outdoor Gas Line

In you are interested in getting a new gas line, or you have just constructed your dream home and want to have gas line both indoor and outdoor, call a professional today. The existing gas lines can be extended to any location in your home or garden. However, if you want a new gas line installation, it will require getting some permits and the professional can obtain these permits for you before starting the gas line installation work. Once the lines have been installed, it can be fun to use this affordable source of energy. It can transform the way you live, and be a source of entertainment family and friends for years to come.

Posted by admin on June 01, 2015

Owning an older home can be a joy for many homeowners. The sense of history and timeless design are just some of the reasons you may want to buy an older home. One common drawback is the installation of a central heating and cooling system, something not typical when the house was built. Where the issue arises is in the installation of ductwork into an older home. The reason for this is that older homes were not designed with ductwork in mind. This makes for an installation process that requires careful planning on your part. However, despite the hurdles, it is entirely possible to the process of installing ductwork come to a successful conclusion. What follows is a brief overview of different methods of installing ductwork and general advice on how to approach an installation.

The Drawbacks of Traditional Duct Systems

The main drawback of traditional methods of installing ductwork is the lack of space. The installation of traditional ductwork in an older house is time consuming and requires a professional to perform an effective installation. Also due to the lack of room, in most cases the ducts themselves have to be installed in the closets. Do note that even with these drawbacks a traditional duct system can be every bit as effective in an older home as it is in a newer one. You have to be realistic about the logistics of the installation process. While this method of installing ductwork can be done by a professional, you may want to keep your closet space. If such is the case there are alternative methods of installing HVAC systems in an older home.   

Ductless, Split-System Air-Conditioners

A ductless, split-system unit can prove a useful alternative to a traditional duct based system. These units don’t require ductwork at all and offer several advantages, if you choose to make use of them. They tend to be quieter than normal units and they are easier to install and move around, offering for a degree of versatility in your installation. Due to their lack of ducts they tend to not lose as much cold air when in operation and they use less energy as well. The last advantage you may want to keep in mind is the versatility of usage a ductless system offers you. If you have a larger home you can install multiple units, allowing several different rooms of the home to be cooled individually. While they are highly useful split-system air conditioners have drawbacks as well. The focal issue is in terms of appearance, as they don’t blend into a home as easily as a central air conditioning unit does.

As you can see, even in an older home you have options when installing ductwork. The traditional methods can still be used, provided you accept the tradeoffs that go with installation. However, if you feel this is too much of a compromise split-systems offer an interesting and useful alternative. No matter which way you choose to approach the question of installing ductwork, you need a professional to assure the job is done right. Climate Experts are true professionals and when you do business with us, you can rest assured you are working with innovative and highly trained experts. We can assist you in installing ductwork, split-systems, or repairing/replacing any existing ductwork you may already have. Call us today for a free estimate. 

Posted by admin on September 01, 2014

A thermostat is a basic home heating and cooling necessity. Without one, your heater and air conditioner would not know what temperature to maintain your indoor space at – in other words, they will not work properly. You will need to take steps for installing a thermostat if your current one is not working correctly or you simply want to upgrade to something better. Unfortunately, installing a thermostat is not as simple as plugging in a television. It requires several steps, but before you start, here are some things that you need to know beforehand:

Not all thermostats are made the same

Although they all look like aesthetically varying iterations of a square box with a temperature gauge on it, thermostats actually hold a great deal of differences that can affect what one can — or cannot — do for you.

Your thermostat needs to be compatible with your current heating system

Heating and cooling systems are no longer simple machines. They are pieces of technological hardware that use the latest electronic technology to function. Just as it is with your computer, smartphone and television, your heater and A/C will only work with very specific types of thermostats. Before you buy and start installing a thermostat, make sure that your heating and cooling system will work with it.

Your thermostat needs to be the right voltage

Voltage is another major concern that you need to take into consideration when installing a thermostat. If it is the wrong voltage, it could cause problems that range from not working at all to causing serious damage to the wires within your wall — which can be very costly to repair.

You can save money on your energy bill by installing the right type of thermostat

Thanks to modern technology, simply having a thermostat that works is not good enough. In order to get the most out of a new thermostat, you need to invest in one that automatically manages the climate within your home.

An automatic thermostat can, for instance, be set to turn the heating and cooling system off right when you leave and turn it back on right before you get home. Others allow you to manage your home’s climate remotely with your smartphone or computer.

The above benefits result in a lower energy bill, since your heating and cooling system isn’t running as often. This ultimately translates into big savings on your energy bill.

You may not have to install your thermostat at all

Even if you have the perfect thermostat, you need to take a step back and decide whether or not you need to install it yourself at all. Here are your options:

You can hire a professional for installing a thermostat

There are heating and cooling professionals who will install your thermostat for a very low price. If you aren’t confident in your ability to do the installation correctly, then you should seriously consider this option.

If you are getting a new heating and cooling system installed, you probably won’t have to install your thermostat yourself

If you are getting a new heating and cooling system installed in the very near future, then you will want to find out if thermostat installation is included. This would mean that you won’t need to worry about installing a thermostat yourself at all.

Now that you are pretty well informed about thermostats, it is time to go get one installed

Despite their small size and seemingly simple functionality, a thermostat plays a critical part in maintaining your indoor comfort. Using the information discussed above will allow you to get the installation of your new thermostat right. If you are looking for advice on the right type of thermostat for your home, give Climate Experts a call. We’d be happy to help you choose a thermostat that can help you manage your comfort and save energy.

 

Posted by admin on October 27, 2014

Concerns over indoor air quality are growing daily — ensure that your home’s air quality is at its highest level by investing in some efficient and effective standard equipment. From reducing indoor pollution to ensuring appropriate humidity levels, these five air quality products will help you and your family breathe a whole lot easier.

Media Air Cleaner

Also known as a pure air cleaner, these machines will filter out airborne pollution to literally clean your air. When you are sleeping, they are still at work purifying the air particles, and killing bacteria and other airborne viruses. You can also custom order a metal boot for perfect installation.

Heat Recovery Ventilator

Rather than filtering your air, a heat recovery ventilator will replace indoor air with fresh outdoor air. The exchange of air can be accomplished with almost no heat loss from your home with an internal core that prevents energy loss because it retains indoor air heat. They work exceptionally well in homes that are sealed well, and since they do not give off ozone emissions, they reduce lung irritation too.

Hepa Filters for your Furnace

One of the least expensive ways to improve indoor air quality is to install a hepa filter beside your furnace or duct work. When your hepa filter is installed, it will filter air from the return air on your furnace and put the clean air back into circulation. This is an efficient way to reduce in-home air pollution without compromising your home’s interior design.

UV Lights

In the return air portion of your air ducts, UV lights are installed to reduce harmful airborne particles, like yeast, mold, viruses and bacteria. A reduction in these particles can also improve the indoor air quality by eliminating odors too. UV lights will also noticeably cut down on contaminates and pollutants that can trigger coughing, sneezing and other allergic reactions.

Humidifiers

Humidifiers retain the moisture in your air protecting you and your family’s health, along with certain building materials. A humidifier should reduce the number of complaints about sore throats and congestion, along with static electricity. For homes with a lot of natural wood or hardwood floors, humidifiers can also reduce cracking and splitting, and help maintain the finishes. 

You can easily improve your home’s indoor air quality with investments in these air quality products. For an appointment to arrange a free estimate, please contact the Climate Experts.