Regular Maintenance Will Keep Your Furnace Running

Every home needs heating during the cold days, which makes a well-functioning and well-maintained furnace important. To get the most out of your furnace, however, regular service visits by a professional HVAC technician is recommended. Besides these check-ups by service technicians, there are a few other things every homeowner can do to keep their furnace in good working condition.

• The regular replacement or cleaning of air filters is a simple task that can add to the unit’s lifespan. A clogged or a dirty filter inhibits the proper flow of air which decreases heating efficiency as it makes your furnace work harder. Replacement filters do not cost that much and cleaning them is a simple task.
• Cleaning the furnace unit itself helps improve its performance. A damp cloth should be applied to the blower assembly, pulleys, and belts to remove the dirt and grime lodged in these parts.

Check for blockages and obstructions in the vents and ducts. Unimpeded airflow is important to allow the hot air to move freely and out throughout the rooms.

Even with all of these steps, you need to have a professional HVAC service personnel to make sure your furnace is in fine working order. Have the HVAC expert come once a year to do check-ups and a tune-up for maximum efficiency of your furnace.

Save On the Oil for Your Furnace with These Tips

A furnace powered by oil has distinct advantages over one charged by natural gas. Oil furnaces burn cleaner and are less explosive, compared to natural gas and other alternatives. Fuel price is unpredictable and can get expensive, though; however there are ways to reduce your fuel consumption by maximizing the efficiency of your furnace.

Cleaning/Replacing Filters Regularly

It is advised that air filters should be either replaced or cleaned regularly. Clean or replace at the start of each month, as a way to get into the habit and to make sure that your unit’s airflow is not impeded at any time.

Block Gaps

A house that is constantly losing heat will have its furnace working constantly. This can be avoided by efficient weatherstripping, as well caulking cracks in windows, doors, and walls to maintain the temperature indoors.

Properly Maintain Airducts

A home is usually heated via a single furnace, with ducts and vents that carry hot air to various parts of the house. Heat can be lost by clogged or leaking ducts. Give them a once-over to ensure the material is intact.

Install a Better Thermostat

A modern thermostat ensures that a furnace is in operation only when it is needed. Choose a programmable one so that it can activate at specific times or when it is too cold.

Get Excellent Heating and Cooling in Toronto Homes through Maintenance

As a city that experiences four distinct seasons, Toronto requires its citizens to be prepared no matter what the weather. Hence, heating and air conditioning in Toronto homes is commonplace.

Of course, these appliances can keep families comfortable only if they are well maintained. Skimp on the upkeep, and you might find yourself with a malfunctioning or inoperable HVAC system in the dead of winter or at the height of summer.

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A Few Simple Ways to Keep Cool until You Can Get AC Repair in Toronto

As longtime Toronto residents know, summers in the area are hot and humid, with the temperatures reaching as high as 35°C (95°F). That’s why most people have air conditioning units at home to fend off the heat. Sometimes though, you turn on the AC and instead of powering up, it just sits there lifeless. Or maybe it does turn on but it barely cools your home.

These scenarios are indeed problematic as no one wants to stay in a sweltering home that has no air conditioning. Hence, the first thing you should do is call a reliable Toronto AC repair company like Laird and Son. Be sure that the contractor you choose can send repairmen to your home as soon as possible. Aside from this, they must be able to do the job correctly the first time to minimize the cost and discomfort caused by a broken AC.

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How Proper Air Conditioner Installation in Toronto Cuts Energy Costs

Utilize fans for air flow.
Find ceiling fans that can move in either direction. During the summer, operate your fans in a counter-clockwise direction so cool air moves downwards for maximum air dissemination. This lifts the burden of your air conditioner unit during the hot season. On the other hand, fan blades moving in a clockwise direction brings down the warm air to heat up the room.

Upgrade your utility units.
Think about getting new energy-efficient units for your home. With today’s rapidly advancing technology, newer models are usually designed to use less power. Choose appliances with an Energy Star sticker as these comply with the standards of product cost-efficiency. You can also find leading companies like Laird and Son, which specialize in setting up “green” units and in professional air conditioner installation around Toronto.

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Tuning Up A/Cs with Dependable HVAC Companies in Toronto for Summer

Perform early routine inspections.
The early bird catches the worm, and the early homeowner who executes maintenance checks identifies small problems immediately and prevents them from developing into more serious ones. You don’t have to wait until the demand for HVAC services peak during the summer months, especially not when you really want your A/C unit to be working great.

Clean or replace filters.
Once a month, detach the filters and eliminate the debris by washing them in warm, soapy water. Make sure that they are washable first, and then dry them completely before mounting it back to the unit. When there are signs of damage or corrosion, find out the correct dimensions of the filters before buying a replacement.

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Extra Time to Get Air Conditioners and Furnaces in Toronto Checked

Preventative maintenance goes a long way in making sure that air conditioners and furnaces in Toronto continue to function as they should. While residents could, theoretically, wait for their equipment to break down before calling in the pros, keeping a maintenance checklist has every advantage over emergency repair, and, of course, none of the consequences of the latter.

First, it means that your equipment will keep running as expected and breakdowns can be minimized. You’ll spend less time in baking in the heat and more time chilling in the cool.

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Common Bad Habits of Shady HVAC Contractors

Your HVAC system ran into a gridlock and is in need of immediate servicing. If you’re not savvy enough yet to size up the kind of repairman you need for the job, before, there’s the possibility that you’ll come across a shady contractor who is looking out to take advantage of clueless customer. Wise up and arm yourself with some hiring smarts and know how to spot the shifty service technicians.

Making price quotes for system installations or major repair work on the phone.

Trust it when you’re told that no reputable contractor will give out a price estimate until the system in question is personally checked out by the company’s technicians. If the contractor you’re currently negotiating with does the same exact thing, release him without question.

Pricing that’s too good to be true.

Identifying this is easy if you already have a pre-determined list of HVAC contractors with their estimated pricing clearly indicated. If the repair rates are too low compared to those on your list, don’t risk it. HVAC repairs are very delicate jobs and cheap costs here often mean sub-standard workmanship. There is also a chance that this contractor is planning to unreasonably spike the bill up midway through the job with numerous hidden fees; notwithstanding using cheap or counterfeit parts which can further damage your system.

Rules by thumb.

Contractors which skip formal equipment sizing are just plain lazy. Instead of using recognized measurement methods, they only guess. Avoid them before it’s too late to back out.

Air Conditioner and Furnace Service in Toronto: A Leak You Can Fix

Air conditioner leaks are a common occurrence and, according to Popular Mechanics, make up 90 percent of all central-air service calls. With the summer months looming just around the corner, many Torontonians will likely have their central air conditioning units serviced for exactly that reason.

Many of these leaks can be relatively easy to fix. If you’ve got your hands tied, however, or simply don’t have the inclination to undertake such repairs, any company that provides air conditioner and furnace service in Toronto will be more than happy lend a helping hand.

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Making Your Expenses Count Through Reliable Furnace Repair in Toronto

There are a number of companies in the area that conduct reliable Toronto furnace repair performed by qualified technicians. Reputable companies employ skilled professionals who are trained to handle the toughest HVAC problems and concerns. Moreover, contacting the right people lessens the chances of experiencing frequent repairs as a result of poor services from mediocre companies.
In addition, look for HVAC contractors that are adept at handling systems from leading brands. Companies like Laird & Son, for example, boast of technicians who are trained and equipped to fix Carrier, Brandt, Trane, Goodman, Keeprite, York, and Lennox products, among others.

Buying a house and maintaining involves preparation, as well as making the right decisions, and tapping the experts for repairs is one of the best moves a homeowner can make.

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Reasons Why Air Conditioners Freeze Solid

You turn on your air conditioner in the middle of a hot day, but notice that it isn’t cooling your home properly. Thermostat’s pointed to “cool” dial, the unit’s plugged in, but the air still isn’t getting any cooler. Chances are, the A/C’s own guts have frozen inside – but how does this happen?

One of the most common causes of a frozen A/C is a dirty air filter. Over time, dirt and grime accumulate on the filters and restrict airflow, thus keeping the cold air circulating inside. In turn, the unit’s guts freeze because the cold air can’t escape. Cleaning or replacing the filter can fix this.

Dirt and grime are not the only one that clog air filters. Improperly positioned furniture or any other items can block the A/C’s return air vent, or the opening where the air passes across the evaporator coil. Obstructive items can block overall air flow, so be sure to clear up the space near the air conditioner.

A malfunctioning thermostat is another culprit for internal freeze. If the thermostat dial isn’t working properly, the A/C will run continuously without turning off and on, even when the temperature’s set point is reached. This could definitely result in ice-covered coils.

Other reasons for the deep freeze may be an ailing evaporator fan or refrigerant leak. These fixes require a much more trained hand, so unless you’re trained to do air conditioning repairs, better call a service technician immediately.

Keeping it Cool in Summer with a Ductless Air Conditioner in Toronto

Aside from being quiet and easy-to-install, since no duct work is required, ductless AC units also provide safety for families, thanks to their design. These cooling systems, like the mini split types offered by leading providers in the area, like Laird & Son, do not utilize combustible fuels for heating and emit no combustion gases. When it comes to the larger scale of things, these cooling alternatives also get the nod, as far as being eco-friendly goes. They feature refrigerants that have the least impact on the environment, based on studies, too.

With the effects of global warming getting more intense as the years go by, much will be required from HVAC systems and opting for the most efficient ones is the wiser move to make. Just make sure to compare several options first, and feel free to ask for guidance in choosing the right unit should you do choose to shift to ductless air conditioning for Toronto homes.

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When to Call for an Emergency Furnace Repair

You finally come home from a rough, icy drive on a cold, bitter night. It was freezing, and you’re looking to get comfy, so you reach out to turn up the dial on your thermostat and find your furnace has ceased to hum and won’t heat up. Your worst fear is unfolding in the midst of a freezing night. However, don’t hit the panic button just yet. Before calling for an emergency repair service, you may be able to check out and troubleshoot a few things yourself.

Check the basics—power supply, temperature, and gas supply (if unit is gas-powered). Check the main breaker to confirm if the power is on, then make sure the power in the equipment is turned on, as well. Afterwards, go to the wall thermostat and double-check the settings. If it’s set to heat, then it should be pumping out heat. If the furnace is blowing cold air, make sure the fan is set to auto, and not on. For gas-powered units, check if the meter is on, and verify that the tank is not empty.

If the furnace powers on but some rooms aren’t receiving heat, then the problem must be in the air ducts themselves. Check the filters within the ducts for clogs like dirt and grime, as these restrict air flow and overwork the machine. Clean them and put them back on.

If the abovementioned fixes do not work at all, then it is time to call for a 24/7 emergency furnace repair service.

Achieving Proper Airflow with Your A/C System

Airflow is a problem for many homes in Toronto, oftentimes without homeowners realizing it. If your air conditioner suffers from poor airflow, it will have a difficult time keeping your home cool and your energy bills low. Below are key points to understand how important good airflow is, and how to achieve it in your home.

Why is good airflow important?

Inside your body lies the heart. It supplies blood to the rest of your body, and it does so through the blood vessels connected to it. If your blood vessels aren’t working properly, parts of your body will experience problems even if your heart is working just fine. This is similar to what happens if your A/C system has airflow issues. Even if your A/C unit (heart) is working just fine, your home will still have cooling problems if your ducts (blood vessels) can’t effectively supply conditioned air (blood) to the different rooms in your home (body).

To ensure proper airflow, the following steps must be taken:

Keep the A/C’s air filter clean

A dirty air filter increases your air conditioner’s energy consumption, contributes to poor indoor air quality, and possibly damage your A/C system. Replace your air filter once a month to avoid such problems.

Have your ducts inspected by an HVAC professional

A certified HVAC professional can find and fix duct leaks, evaluate if your ducts are properly sized and installed correctly, and make repairs that will significantly improve airflow in your home.

Why Does a High Quality Contractor Cost More?

For many homeowners, cost is a main concern when choosing which air conditioning service contractor to work with. However, the up-front price is only the tip of the iceberg when you’re comparing quotes from various HVAC contractors. You need to spend your money wisely, so it pays to know why you should never choose a contractor based on price alone.

Low cost equals low quality workmanship

If a quote from an HVAC contractor looks too good to be true, it usually is. Very often, there will be a catch. For instance, some will come with many hidden fees. Some will provide you an extremely low quote on the phone only to add on hundreds—even thousands of dollars because additional work needs to be done or ‘unforeseen’ issues were encountered.

A high quality contractor will never give an estimate over the phone. Instead, he’ll send a team member at the location to review the jobsite and its needs.

Providing quality work costs more

The simple explanation that high quality contractors cost more is because providing excellent service costs more money. The only way a low cost contractor can stay in business is to hire less-skilled workers, rush through jobs, and find other ways to cut corners. Meanwhile, the money a high quality contractor gets goes to things like training and certification for their technicians, purchasing the best products, and having the proper licenses, accreditations, and insurance to run the business.

Ductless Air Conditioners: What are the Benefits?

Central air conditioners are the traditional appliances used for cooling in many Toronto homes. However, certain situations make it impractical to extend a central A/C system’s ductwork to the different parts of the home. For these and other different applications, it can be more advisable to use a ductless air conditioner.

So what is a ductless air conditioner? It’s exactly what its name suggests: An A/C system that operates without the need for ductwork. Although a ductless A/C mainly operates the same way as a central A/C, and both systems require an outdoor compressor unit to function, the main difference is that a ductless system’s air handlers are mounted directly in the room that is to be cooled instead of being connected to the outdoor unit like a central A/C’s.

In addition, the ductless A/C’s outdoor unit is comparably smaller. The cool air produced by this unit is then delivered to the air handlers (ductless A/C systems can come with up to four handlers) via a copper line set instead of air ducts.

Aside from not having any ductwork to deal with, other benefits of a ductless system include: a less complicated installation process, minimized energy loss, and the ability to regulate the temperatures in different parts of the home.

Ductless Air Conditioners: What are the Benefits?

Central air conditioners are the traditional appliances used for cooling in many Toronto homes. However, certain situations make it impractical to extend a central A/C system’s ductwork to the different parts of the home. For these and other different applications, it can be more advisable to use a ductless air conditioner.

So what is a ductless air conditioner? It’s exactly what its name suggests: An A/C system that operates without the need for ductwork. Although a ductless A/C mainly operates the same way as a central A/C, and both systems require an outdoor compressor unit to function, the main difference is that a ductless system’s air handlers are mounted directly in the room that is to be cooled instead of being connected to the outdoor unit like a central A/C’s.

In addition, the ductless A/C’s outdoor unit is comparably smaller. The cool air produced by this unit is then delivered to the air handlers (ductless A/C systems can come with up to four handlers) via a copper line set instead of air ducts.

Aside from not having any ductwork to deal with, other benefits of a ductless system include: a less complicated installation process, minimized energy loss, and the ability to regulate the temperatures in different parts of the home.