Posted by admin on October 19, 2015

There is nothing worse than hopping in a warm shower only to have to quickly rinse off in water that feels like its straight from the Arctic. While it may be a funny story to tell, hot water tank problems are no joke, and lack of hot water could be just the beginning of many problems. Understanding common hot water tank problems and how they can be fixed by a professional could save you from icy showers in the future. 

Problem 1: Leaks

The first indication that your hot water tank has a leak is a puddle of water either near the tank or coming through the ceiling under the tank. The severity of the problem depends as much on the age of the reservoir as it does on the reason for the leak. Once a hot water tank reaches six years, most leaks are irreversible. Often the cause of the problem is either a slit in the sidewall seam or a welding joint. Other possible causes include a rusted-through steel thread.

In any case, the only sensible repair is to have the water tank replaced. In newer water tanks, it is more common for the problem to be associated with loose joints between the pipes leading to and from your hot water tank or with the pressure relief valve. In this case, the problem can be fixed by a professional who can check and tighten any joints between pipes, and replace the pressure valve if needed.

Problem 2: No Hot Water

Once you have recovered from your early morning freeze, it is time to find out why you suddenly have no hot water. The first thing to check, is that you have power; no power means no way to heat the water in your tank. If power is not the problem, then it is time to look at the tank itself. The most common hot water tank problems are either a faulty pilot or problems with the thermocouple. Your first step should be to try to relight the pilot. This is something you can do yourself; however if it won’t relight, you should contact an expert. Continued problems with the pilot light may mean that the control valve needs replacing.

If the pilot is not the problem, the thermocouple may need to be tightened, repositioned or replaced. It is best to let an expert handle this operation.

Problem 3: Not Enough Hot Water

If you are constantly running out of the hot water, the first thing to consider is whether your tank is suitable for you and your family’s needs. If your water needs have changed, consider a new water heating system that is more suitable. If your needs have not changed, the problem could be either faulty plumbing or a damaged dip tube. Faulty plumbing can allow the hot and cold water connections to become crossed, and when you are expecting hot water you are getting cold and vice versa. You can check this by tracing back your pipes from either a tap or your household appliances. If your appliances are wrongly plumbed, this could be a simple self-fix. For faucets or showers however, it is safer to get an expert who knows exactly what they are doing.

Hot water tank problems are often easy to fix, so don’t hesitate to contact Climate Experts today for more information, advice, or a free quote.

Posted by admin on October 05, 2015

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

Forced Air Heating

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

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

Electric Heating

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

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

Hydronic

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

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

Geothermal

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

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

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

Posted by admin on October 05, 2015

HVAC issues can have serious consequences. For example, heating and cooling problems can make it a challenge for your home systems to reach target temperatures, making your living conditions much less comfortable. Ventilation systems can clog with dirt and dust, which can cause breathing problems and other health issues. As a result, to make sure that you choose the right HVAC Ontario company, you need to put time and effort into researching your options. This is particularly true if you have a project that will be time-consuming in mind, there is nothing worse than hiring a poor contractor who does sub-par work. Consider these 5 things to look for in a HVAC Ontario company, before you get work done to your home.

Proper Education

One of the most important things to look for is to ensure that they have both the experience and the certifications needed to do their job. The best way to ensure this is simply ask! Look in to the certifications they mention and find out what this education trained them to do. You put the safety of yourself, your family, and your house into your contractor’s hands, so it’s good to know where they’ve been trained.

 Specializations

HVAC isn’t a single field, but a combination of multiple specializations and skills. This means that some contractors may be better suited to certain HVAC Ontario jobs over others, or jobs they’re simply more comfortable with. Discuss with your HVAC company and their contractor’s your job, and which employee will be the best fit.

Explanation Ability

Before work starts happening on your property, it’s important to know what exactly the contractor will be doing. Having someone who can lay out the pros and cons of the job in an unbiased manner, as well as discussing the actual steps of the work, will put you at ease. When your HVAC Ontario company can be clear and effective in their communications, it allows everyone to be more confident in the work.

History of Success

Not all homeowners will be comfortable with a brand new contractor or apprentice working on their appliances alone, without the help of a certified expert. Discuss with the HVAC company their history of success, where they have done jobs, and even read through testimonials of former customers. Knowing that they’ve been able to please other customers will let you know they’re the people for you.

Dedicated to their Craft

There is a big difference between an HVAC company that does just the fundamentals of the job you need done, and one that is absolutely thorough. Good contractors will let you know exactly what you need, and get the job done correctly. This may mean repairing a part not directly associated with the job, or explaining to you work that will need to be done in the future.

Contact Us

If you’re ready to learn more about our team here at Climate Experts, get in touch with us today. We’ll explain to you what work needs to be done in your home, and match you with the perfect contractor for the job. 

Posted by admin on January 18, 2016

The dark and cold winter months don’t have to be miserable, in fact it can be a great time of year just as long as you have a nice warm home to get back to. Your snug and cozy chamber can make the difference in winter, but if something goes wrong with your furnace, it’s a different story. Here are a few of the most common furnace problems in cold weather. 

Only Blowing Cold Air

Blocked or excessively dirty filters can be the root cause of some of the most common furnace problems in cold weather. Blocked filters impede the free flow of air and therefore your furnace has to work a lot harder. Not only is this bad economically, but it means your home will stay cold for longer. Make the sure the filters are inspected regularly. Ideally they should be cleaned or replaced every 1-3 months. If in doubt, consult one of our specialists who can show you how to clean and replace your filters. 

If your furnace is only blowing out cold air it could also be a problem with your air ducts. They may be inefficiently insulated leading to an uneven airflow and need sealing. 

Uneven Airflow

If some of the rooms in your home remain freezing cold while others are adequately heated, it is likely that an uneven airflow is occurring due to the wrong system having been installed for your home or the air ducts need attention. Inconsistencies in room temperatures could also indicate insulation and draft problems and that cold air is being allowed in rather than a fault with your furnace itself. On the other hand, if there are no insulation issues, then airflow may be the problem and the vents may need adjusting. Consult a specialist to locate the problem.

Excessive Cycling

If your furnace is switching itself on and off frequently, this could be an indicator of a blocked filter, impeded airflow, or an inappropriate thermostat setting. It could also be a sign your house is leaking air.

Carbon Monoxide

This is potentially a very serious issue. It is imperative you have a carbon monoxide detector fitted to safeguard against leakage. If you have an old furnace, it may have developed minute cracks from which this lethal gas can get into your living space. If there is such a leek then consult a professional.

Loss of Power & Heat

This one is easy to spot in the depths of winter. Possibly a loss of power to the furnace, faulty pilot light or ignition system could be the problem. Anything to do with broken pilot lights and ignition systems really need to the help of an expert. 

Furnace Won’t Turn On 

This could depend largely on the age of your unit and how well it has been maintained. Check the thermostat is set appropriately to “heat” and the fan to “auto”. Check your circuit breaker to see if the circuit has tripped.

These are just some common furnace problems in cold weather and some of the issues are more serious than others. Call Climate Experts today to make sure your furnace is in perfect working order this winter.

Posted by admin on March 02, 2015

1. Don’t blast the heat

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

2. Seal your doors and windows.

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

3. Insulate!

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

4. Upgrade your lights

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

5. Lay down a rug or two.

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

6. Close doors

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

7. Invest in an automatic thermostat

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

8. Go on an air leak search and destroy mission

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

9. Upgrade your heating system

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

10. Make sure that your heating system undergoes regular maintenance

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

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

Posted by admin on October 14, 2014

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

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

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

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

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

Furnace inspection and maintenance that you can do yourself

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

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

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