westerncanadianfurnace, Author at Western Canadian Furnace

When it comes to heating and cooling our homes and businesses, we want to feel confident in the systems we invest in. Ductless heating and cooling systems have long been popular HVAC options, perhaps in part to their accessibility.

But how much do ductless heating and cooling systems cost? Let’s take a look.

Breaking Down Ductless Heating and Cooling Systems

What is a ductless heating and cooling system?

Ductless systems, also known as ductless heating pumps or ductless mini-splits, are highly efficient heating and cooling systems for electrically heated homes.

Ductless systems require two units: one indoors and one outdoors. A refrigerant line-set connects the two, allowing the system to act as a two-way heat pump. In the winter, warm air is captured from the outdoors and pumped into the home to heat it, whereas in the summer, the warm air is pulled out of the house.

How much does a ductless heating and cooling system cost?

Small, single-zone systems with complete installation generally start between $3,400 and $5,000 but can increase in price based on the following factors:

The size of the unit
The type of unit
The number of areas (or zones) being heated/air conditioned
The degree of difficulty of the installation

What are the benefits of choosing a ductless system?

More Secure

When installing a ductless system, only a small hole is required to be drilled into the wall, making them less vulnerable to air leakage and security problems.

Less Noticeable

Ductless HVACs in Calgary are relatively small, therefore making them less visible than baseboard heating. Additionally, the systems are fairly quiet, so you won’t have to worry about being irritated by the noise as it operates.

More Savings

In the average house, you’re losing 25 percent or more of your energy to ductwork. By simply eliminating that aspect of your HVAC system, you can be sure all your money is going directly to heating or cooling your home. Additionally, since less energy is required, you can easily reduce your electricity bill by 25-30%.

How do I know which size of ductless system I need?

When it comes time to invest in an HVAC in Calgary, reach out to a reputable heating company for assistance in determining the size that will work best for you. There is a fair amount of flexibility when it comes to the size of the system based on your needs, so getting input from a professional can only help.

When you need a plumbing and heating company in Calgary, turn to Western Canadian Furnace Company. We have some of the most experienced technicians and use the most modern equipment for all of your needs. Contact us at 403-531-6181 or send an email to info@westcan4u.ca.

Adding a furnace humidifier to your home or business is a quick and easy way to increase the quality of air inside. Winters in Calgary can be incredibly dry, so taking that extra step to combat the static in your home can make all the difference. Additionally, such an investment can actually increase the value of your property.

When it comes to purchasing a humidifier, it only makes sense that you would want to buy the best one there is. Let’s take a look at the different types and how they can benefit you.

Exploring the Best Types of Furnace Humidifiers in Canada

What do furnace humidifiers do?

Humidifiers are installed to counteract the drying effects of furnaces. In the winter, you may notice that your throat is dry when you wake up or that you’re getting electric shocks from everything you touch. This is a result of the furnace, which does pull moisture out of the air. In fact, humidity at less than percent can even cause nosebleeds.

Furnace humidifiers are used to regulate humidity levels in the air and will add moisture if the levels are too low.

What are the types of furnace humidifiers?

Steam Humidifier

Steam humidifiers operate by heating water to a boil and allowing the steam to filter into the air. This type can be considered a “healthier” humidifier, as it disinfects the water before it vaporizes. However, this style can be hard on your ductwork, as the droplets of water can cling to the insides and cause them to rust over time.

This is generally a more expensive option. However, it has the ability to disperse a greater volume of humidity into the air at a time, thus making it more effective.

Evaporative Humidifier

Evaporative humidifiers are made up of a drum with a mesh or foam covering, which then turns and dips into a pan of water. Once they make contact, vapour emerges out of the drum.

The major risk associated with this humidifier is if the water remains stagnant and unused for an extended period of time. This can lead to bacteria growing in the water. However, flow-through evaporative humidifiers eliminate this concern.

Evaporative humidifiers are generally the least expensive option to choose from.

Aerosol Humidifier

This is the least common furnace humidifier used, thanks in part to the degree of maintenance it requires. This type sprays a mist of water into the air, which then circulates throughout the home. However, the nozzle can clog, thus causing it to stop working.

When it comes time to install your furnace humidifier, ensure you contact a furnace repair and installation company. Humidifiers are connected to your furnace, so it’s important a trained professional handles the installation.

With ductless heat pumps now an option, more and more Canadian homeowners are looking at investing in heat pumps.

But is it worth the investment?

We take a look at heat pumps and whether they’re worth the money.

Will Heat Pumps Save You Money?

Long story short, yes, heat pumps will save you money. Let’s understand how they are able to do that.

Harvesting Energy

Heat pumps have two components. One sits outside and feeds air to the inside unit, which then expels it into the home.

In the winter, the heat pump takes the heat from outside and transfers it indoors using a refrigerant. (Yes, the heat pump is able to collect heat during a Candian winter.) This means, essentially, you are harvesting free heat from the outside and using it in your home.

Despite being called a heat pump, this machine is able to work similarly in the summer. Taking the cold air from outside, it is able to bring it inside, thus cooling your home.

Saving Money

Heat pumps rely on electricity. This does mean you will likely see your electric bill go up. However, you will see savings on other bills.

Since you are relying less on your furnace or air conditioning unit to heat/cool your home, your heating and cooling bills will go down. Some reports say you will see a 50-60% decrease in your bill.

This means you will be able to pay off your initial investment of the heat pump in no time. Depending on the type of heat pump you choose and how often you use it, you will be saving enough money to equal the initial purchase in one to five years.

Speaking with a professional heating company in Calgary can always help you determine whether a heat pump is the right choice for you and your home.

Cleaning HVAC filters aren’t always deemed a top priority when you find time to clean the house. In fact, you may not even know this is a task that should be done. However, maintaining the cleanliness of your HVAC filters is an important aspect of taking care of your home.

Your HVAC blows air throughout the home. If there is dirt or build-up on your filters, rest assure this is passing through your house as well. Cleaning your filters not only prolongs the life of your HVAC system, but benefits your lungs as well.

Fortunately, cleaning your HVAC filters is a fairly straightforward process. Let’s take a look.

6 Steps To Cleaner HVAC Filters

Shut It Down

The first step is to turn off your air conditioning system. Just like changing a lightbulb with the power on, it can be dangerous to mess with an electrical system while it’s still running.

As well, removing the filters means there will be no netting to stop particles from entering the HVAC. If you’re taking the time to clean your filters, why would you allow your HVAC to get gunk in it in the meantime?

As a note, it’s recommended that you clean your filters on a mild day, rather than a super hot or cold one, if possible.

Remove the Filters

Using a screwdriver, open the vent and remove the filter. Some units have more than one filter, so take the time to ensure you’ve found them all.

Determine whether your filter is disposable or reusable. If it’s reusable, then it’s worth taking the time to clean out. If it’s disposable, however, it may just be best to replace it.

Vacuum

Using a handheld or the hose attachment on your vacuum, remove any dirt or build-up on the filter.

Your filter may not show any signs of grime, but take the time to vacuum the filter anyway.

Wash

For a deeper clean, soak your filter in a solution of one part water and one part vinegar. Let it sit for around an hour before washing it off with clean water.

If you don’t have an area large enough to allow your filter to soak, simply take your garden hose with a spray nozzle attachment and wash the filter with that. Take care not to have the spray setting too strong or pressurized, as it runs the risk of damaging the filter.

Inspect

Make sure your filter is in good condition before placing it back in the HVAC system. If it’s showing signs of wear or damage, that means it’s time to replace it.

Reinstall

Now that your filter is clean again and in tip-top shape, place it back in the HVAC.

If you washed your filter at all, ensure you’ve given it adequate time to dry to avoid mould from growing.

Good luck and happy cleaning!

The number of modern conveniences and luxuries we have in our lives today is really something our ancestors would marvel at. The HVAC system, for instance, is a Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning system, all in one machine, that was created to provide true comfort to a person’s home or place of business. Cool in the summer, warm in the winter; it really is a luxury we overlook. One of the most overlooked of these systems would be the mini splits.

Mini splits are smaller HVAC systems that provide heating and cooling. These are smaller, affordable systems that don’t require any sort of duct work to operate. The reason they’re called “splits” is that they split via their installation between the inside and outside of your home. Though because these are still technically machines, you may need to repair them from time to time. This is when you will find the best AC repair in Calgary. But why should you get a mini split system?

The Advantages of Mini-Splits Systems

Very Flexible Systems

The first big advantage is that these are flexible systems. Mini splits installation is relatively uncomplicated, and you can set up these sorts of systems in any room and also move them very conveniently if you need to. The HVAC maintenance on these machines is also not very complicated. For professionals who know what they’re doing, they can be done in no time at all.

Better Air Quality

Because mini splits are self-contained units, they provide a much better air quality than any sort of central air or HVAC systems can. Even though the latter typically have filtration built into the systems, these self-contained units don’t muddy up duct work with debris and dust, so the air quality is always better. They provide big cost savings on having to get those ducts professionally cleaned too.

More Energy Efficient

Speaking of cost savings, mini split systems cost a lot less to operate. They’re smaller and draw less energy, while also being able to direct more of the heating or cooling you need in any one area, so you don’t have to run them as hard or for as long. Just remember that they may also need maintenance, so have the best AC repair in Calgary on standby.

Overall, mini spits are far more beneficial than larger units, especially for basic homeowners. Maintenance issues are rare with quality systems, but the pros are there when you need them.

Making sure that you clean your furnace on a regular basis is important to the longevity of the furnace. With that said, you’re probably wondering how much the cleaning service is going to cost you.

Here’s a general estimate of costs in the Calgary area.

The Cost of Furnace Repair in Calgary

For the cost of cleaning your furnace, it can be anywhere from $70 to $100. This is an affordable service that’s going to extend the life of your furnace while also ridding your home of dust and debris that can build up. The cost of the service can also be reduced.

If you’re in need of furnace repair in Calgary, you can get a better deal by bundling both of the services together. Many companies will be more than happy to offer you a discount for both the repair services and cleaning services.

Another option is to go with a complete duct and furnace cleaning service. This can run you around $150 to $250 for the entire job. If your family has allergies, it’s highly recommended that you opt for this kind of cleaning service.

It’s important to understand that the cost of duct and furnace cleaning can be higher. It comes down to the number of vents that your home has. If you have a large home, you can expect to pay several hundreds of dollars more than the average cost.

And of course, the price will vary from one company to another. While you do want to compare prices, it’s best to go with a company that has been in the business for many years and has received positive reviews from customers. You can usually find online reviews on Google and sites like Yelp.

Don’t forget you can probably save on the duct and furnace cleaning services if you bundle in furnace repair in Calgary. If you are in need of furnace repairs, it makes sense to get everything cleaned in addition to the repairs. Many service providers will be more than happy to provide a discount if you opt for multiple services.

Are you looking to install an HVAC system? If so, it’s important to understand how the system actually works. A good place to start is to understand how central heating works and how it heats up your home.

The whole system starts from the furnace in your home. Usually, the furnace will be located in the basement or a mechanical room. This furnace is connected through various air ducts that are installed throughout your home.

As the furnace heats up, the hot air is pushed through towards the ducts and out through the vents of each room. Most furnaces use fossil fuel for heat, but there are also solar-powered furnaces that utilize water for steam. The steam is then pushed out to the air ducts.

Thermostats act as controls for regulating the temperature of the central heating system. A poorly designed central heating system can be very uncomfortable for you and your family. For instance, it may not be possible to control the temperature in a specific room. Everyone will have to deal with the temperature of one heat setting.

That’s why you want to work with heating companies in Calgary that will install an HVAC system that will be comfortable for everybody in your home. You want to set up more than one thermostat to allow for customized settings for each room. You also want to make sure that the heat is distributed evenly.

If you have current problems with heat not being distributed evenly, you want to work with heating companies in Calgary that can fix the problem. Usually, the issue is either the ducts or problems with the furnace. These issues may result in a certain part of the home being cold while another part of the home being warm.

This is a general overview of how central heating works. The same idea using air ducts and vents is used for central air conditioning in an HVAC system. If you have issues with your HVAC system, you should always reach out to a contractor to make proper repairs before the problems get bigger. Look for signs such as uneven heating and fluctuating temperatures to identify when you need repairs.

Speak to your local professional to get as much information possible about furnace installation and repairs in Calgary.

You know that your HVAC system is responsible for keeping your home warm during the winter and cool during the summer. But how does an HVAC system actually work? It’s important that you get a general idea so that you can diagnose problems and know when you’re in need of repairs.

First of all, your HVAC system is a ventilation system. This means that it circulates air around your home. The air is circulated out to all the vent ducts that are installed throughout your home.

To cool your air, the HVAC system uses a thermostat to monitor the temperature. When it detects that the temperature is higher than the determined range, it will start running the fan. The fan will start to draw in warm air from your home and pass through the evaporator coil

This is where the refrigerant absorbs the hot air and cools it as it passes through a condenser coil. This is when a blower fan starts to blow the chilled air back out to the air vents.

To heat the air inside your home, your HVAC system is connected to a furnace. The furnace is probably located in your basement or garage. The furnace will burn fuel and create hot air. A filtration system is used to remove dust and other byproducts. Then a fan is used to blow hot air through the air vents.

In both of these functionalities, the filters play a very large role in your HVAC system. Since your HVAC system is constantly sucking in and distributing air, it’s going to move around a lot of dust, lint, and other pollutants. The filter is there to allow only clean air to circulate.

If you’re experiencing sudden allergies, weird odors, stuffiness, and decreased air quality, it’s time to replace the filter of your HVAC in Calgary. In some cases, the vents may be in need of cleaning as well. This happens when the filters haven’t been replaced for a long time.

If you are having issues with your HVAC in Calgary, it’s recommended that you find a qualified contractor to take a look at your system. In many cases, simple technical fixes will resolve the issue. But for older HVAC systems, repairs may be required to get your system running properly again.

Speak to your local professional to get as much information possible about furnace installation and repairs in Calgary.

In the winter, most of us trust that when we set the thermostat, hot air will start to appear on demand to keep us comfortable and warm. While it is easy to take your heating system for granted, there is nothing magical or hard to understand about your forced air system. However, it is best to understand how your system works in order to properly maintain it. Here is what you need to know about forced air before you call heating companies in Calgary for maintenance or installation.

A Forced Air System Is For Heating

First, you should know that your forced air system is solely a heating system. It works by transmitting air throughout a system of ducts throughout your home. The system itself is controlled through a thermostat hub that can be centrally located in your home. The actual heating unit is often located downstairs or in a storage area. These units must be installed by professional heating companies in Calgary.

Central Air Conditioning Uses Your Forced Air System

A forced air system will solely provide heat, but it can work in tandem with a central air conditioning system. In fact, if you want to have central air installed in your home, you will need to have an adequate forced air system first. The central air conditioner will use its own cooling mechanism, but it will rely on the ducts and thermostat of your forced air system to finish the job.

Forced Air Systems Are Effective and Reliable

According to many heating companies in Calgary, there is no better way to ensure that your home is warm and comfortable all winter long. Forced air systems provide heat faster than other heating methods. Moreover, they need less maintenance than alternative heating options.

Speak to your local professional to get as much information possible about furnace installation and repairs in Calgary.

Everyone who has a furnace knows that you have to budget for repairs and maintenance. So it helps to know what those repairs might cost you in the long-term.

But before we get to that, it’s best to hire to understand what might impact the cost of furnace repairs in Calgary.

What can Impact the Cost of Furnace Repair in Calgary?

There are certain factors that can impact the cost of furnace repairs in Calgary, including:

The Type of Repair Required

Depending on the type of repair that is required will ultimately affect the final cost of the project. For example, according to Furnace Prices, if you were to repair your burner, it can cost between $115 to $470, while replacing the furnace motor will set you back between $1,200 to $2,400. This is all due to the parts needed, the complexity of the job and it’s importance.

The Labour Hire

The HVAC company you hire will charge their own rates for the work. Depending on their experience, qualifications and reputation, they might more or less than others. Some might charge more if they are repairing a commercial furnace as opposed to residential units. You will have to do your research to find the best company for the job for the best value.

What is the Average Cost of Furnace Repairs in Calgary?

Like we said above, it is very hard to gauge what the repairs could be because of the many factors that can impact the cost. You will have to contact several HVAC companies in Calgary and see what their rates are for repairs.

However, if it gets to the point that you might require a new furnace, coupled with installation, it is easy to determine the cost.

According to Home Guide, “the national average cost of a standard efficiency natural gas furnace ranges from $2,150 to $5,900 with most homeowners paying around $3,100.”

If you are looking to install a new furnace, consider the following options:

Upfront cost for the furnace and its installation
Durability/maintenance costs
Heat output/efficiency/BTU (a traditional unit of heat)
Time in service
Carbon footprint

Speak to your local professional to get as much information possible about furnace installation and repairs in Calgary.