westerncanadianfurnace, Author at Western Canadian Furnace

The air ducts in your home play a pivotal role in the overall success of your heating system. Indeed, they perform the vital function of acting as the passageway for hot air between your furnace and the other areas of your home. However, they also act as an air movement system for cool air and air gathered outside the home.

As a result, they see a fair amount of traffic, albeit entirely gaseous-based. However, that does not change the amount of dirt and grime that accumulate in your air registers. In fact, the opposite is often true. The air in our homes is full of microscopic particles of organic and inorganic matter, and it loves to travel. Therefore, your ducts may end up as a collection ground for all sorts of debris and detritus.

Thankfully, cleaning your Calgary HVAC system is just one of Western Canadian Furnace Company’s many specialties. We provide this service for many residential and commercial buildings throughout Calgary. However, the cost of this service is often variable because of several factors. Below, we discuss both the price and the factors affecting it.

HVAC Calgary Cleaning Factors

The Company Performing the Work

You must always consider the company that will perform the cleaning tasks. They may charge differently than other companies in the same industry for any number of reasons. For example, larger companies have more overhead to consider, whereas smaller companies may rely on fewer clients to meet their needs.

Ultimately, the best way for you to ensure you are making the right decision, when it comes to the Calgary HVAC company you hire, is to call around and receive multiple quotes. This step will save you time and money in the long run.

The Amount of System Contamination

As we mention above, your ductwork is a prime target for filth and grime. If you clean the area every year, there is little chance the buildup is substantial. However, if this is the first time in several years that you are hoping to clean your ductwork, there is a good chance it will require additional time and cleaning to be ready for the next winter. As a result, additional charges may apply.

The Number, Type and Size of Furnace(s)

Finally, the specifics of your heating and cooling system will play a role in your cleaning costs. Larger homes may have multiple furnaces, which will require extra time and equipment. Additionally, extra ductwork can increase the time spent as can the type of furnace in your home. Each of these changes may incur extra, small charges.

The Calgary HVAC Cleaning Costs

In closing, you can expect to spend between $150-$500 for an air duct cleaning in Calgary. To learn more about your specific unit’s costs, please give us a call, and we will be happy to assist you!

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

Everyone loves to come home to find a cool house in the summertime, and a warm home in the winter months. However, that would require both an air conditioner (which can be expensive) and a heating system. It’s why for homeowners that want both, they look towards installing a split-system HVAC in Calgary.

What is a split-system HVAC system, and why should you invest in one? Let us explain…

What Is A Split System HVAC in Calgary?

A split system, also called a home comfort system or central heating, offers homeowners the opportunity to have warm and fresh air throughout the year. Usually, the split system consists of five parts:

The outdoor unit, which includes both an air conditioner and heat pump
The indoor unit, which consists of the furnace and air handler
The thermostat that manages both
Indoor air quality component, like a filtration system that provides clean air
The ductwork that allows the conditioned air to move from equipment to rooms inside the home

There are many pros to having a split system HVAC in Calgary, including:

Lower maintenance needs as only check-up will cover both systems. It is advisable to hire HVAC companies in Calgary to inspect the system for you.
As it has both indoor and outdoor systems, it provides more room in your home for other systems and installations.
Easy installation, as the systems come in one unit and require only one process for installation. This also results in less expensive installation costs and a smaller footprint on your property.
Higher levels of efficiency, as these systems are made in factories and are designed to work both ways.

Installing a Split System HVAC in Calgary

The installation of a split system is slightly more complicated than packaged or single systems. As more wires and ductworks need to be connected, and two systems need to be installed, extensive work might be required (such as refrigerant lines being connected to their components).

In such cases, it advisable to get assistance from HVAC companies in Calgary. Having an expert handle the installation can ensure that the job is completed professionally, and the system operates effectively. As mentioned above, the cost for installation is less than other systems, and considering the other benefits of efficiency and low-level maintenance, split systems HVACs are a worthwhile investment.

When it comes to the wonderful world of HVAC in Calgary, there is a whole host of knowledge for you to learn about. For instance, the different types of air ducting is a particularly interesting part of the industry, as are the differences between old and new furnaces. However, neither of these are the topic of discussion for this article.

Indeed, this article focuses on an integral part of rooftop HVAC packages. The economizer. This simple device has a very useful purpose and actually provides a relatively low-tech solution for which HVAC technicians are eternally glad.

The Purpose and Types of Economizer HVAC

The purpose of the economizer attachment is to reduce the energy consumption of the Calgary HVAC system. Indeed, the economizer makes the system more economical. To do this, there is a sensor attached to the system that notes various data depending on the individual model of economizer.

Essentially, each system works to supplement the artificially-cooled air with air that is already cooler than the internal area of the building. For this, some use thermometers outside of the intake area and inside the building to compare the relative temperatures and open or close accordingly.

For others, though, they rely on a “dry bulb” sensor that detects the amount of moisture in the air. In this system, the critical part is using the right amount of moisture-soaked air, but it can have a “double-edged sword” effect wherein too much moisture is drawn into the building and the relative humidity rises along with it.

Finally, one of the newer versions of economizers uses a sensor to determine the amount of cooling necessary for the building. First, it draws in cooling air from the outside, but if the air requires further cooling, it will then turn on the refrigerant/ compression system as well. This process helps to prioritize the cooling tasks and grant even greater efficiency to the system.

Find a Quality HVAC Economizer System Nearby

Find a quality HVAC economizer for your system today. This device brings a fair amount of cost-saving and convenience with it, and will certainly benefit your operations and overall air movement system.

Heating companies in Calgary often dictate the cost of furnace installation. Naturally, the company performing the work will understand the actual value of it, and they can set their rates accordingly. However, there is also a market value to consider for furnace installation as well, which causes the prices to fluctuate but still maintain a common thread throughout each company.

Although, it is worth noting that the same factors for each company often influence the average price. These factors include items like the cost of the furnace, the home of installation, and more. Let’s look at a few of these factors in-depth to understand how furnace installation costs are truly determined.

Furnace Installation Cost Factors

The Size of the Furnace

One of the first costs that you must consider is the furnace itself. There are a wide variety of products available in the furnace market, and each of them has their own set of unique features and functions that entice users. While you may not have a great deal of selection in your own furnace, you should understand that the cost changes depending on the size.

Of course, it is understandable for you to consider the above statement, and wish for the smallest furnace in order to keep the costs minimal. However, that is the wrong decision. The key distinction between the sizes of furnaces is their energy generation. The measure of energy generation is British Thermal Units (BTUs), and as a fun fact, one BTU is the measure of how much energy it takes to raise the temperature of 1lb of water by 1°F.

Why are BTUs so important? The answer is that the larger your home, the more energy you need to heat it properly. Therefore, you will have a minimum range of furnace capability to get the most out of heating your home.

The Purchase of the Furnace

Another important consideration for your furnace installation costs is your financing options. Due to the fact that furnace installation usually ranges in price from $3,000 to $7,000, it is understandable if you cannot afford to purchase the installation outright. In these circumstances, many people will choose a financing option to get the installation completed. Still, depending on the circumstances, this method can actually end up costing you more in the long run.

Interest rates and credit scores can both play a role in the financing options available to you, but working closely with your heating company in Calgary will ensure that you understand the financing process completely, and are informed about the right route to take.

With summer right around the corner, heating companies in Calgary are ramping up for one of their busier seasons. Everyone will be looking for air conditioning repair or maintenance to get the most out of their cooled and calm buildings or homes. Likely, this is on your mind as well, but did you know there are several ways for you to maintain your AC unit without a call to a heating company?

Check them out below:

Ways to Maintain Your Air Conditioner

Cleaning

Cleaning your air conditioner unit is strongly recommended by heating companies in Calgary because the air conditioner needs optimal flow and ventilation to perform at its best. Start this process by taking a moist, soapy cloth and gently cleaning the exterior of the unit. Make sure that you focus on the intake and exhaust portions of the machine, as these are the areas that will benefit the most from your cleaning.

Levelling

Another quick step that you can take to guarantee your air conditioners’ best results is to ensure a level surface. You can use a construction level to make this a simple step, but you should take a moment to make sure that it appears correct. Incorrect levelling can create issues, and running your air conditioner can cause undue stress on the mechanical components.

Interior Components

To begin with, if you are not comfortable with opening up the interior of your air conditioner, don’t proceed without proper training or research. However, if you are comfortable with basic tasks involving the interior of your air conditioner, consider removing the access panel and cleaning inside.

Include the main circulatory components in your cleaning, and you should find the tray at the bottom of the unit and clean it as well. Hopefully, this will optimize your unit, and it will be ready to run throughout the summer. Furthermore, while you are cleaning, take some time to examine the interior components for damage or potential issues.

Performing this will serve two functions: first, you will be able to diagnose any potential issues, and second, you can speak with more authority to your repair person, which brings us to:

Call the Experts

Call the experts at a heating company in Calgary to have regular service performed before summer comes around. Do this on an annual basis, and you will be able to get any potential issues you found during your cleaning resolved. Remember to find a company that you trust, and that offers affordable rates because you will likely have to interact with them. At least once a year, after all. This way, you will be able to include your air conditioner maintenance in a regular schedule and keep it in peak condition year over year.

Furnace repair in Calgary can be an exciting and quick process when you take the time to learn about the needs of your furnace. Like all expensive purchases, reading through the owner’s manual and following the maintenance schedule will be the best way to prepare yourself to meet the needs and expectations of your furnace, and keep it running in tip-top shape for the length of its service.

However, regardless of the knowledge you may possess in furnace repair in Calgary, a key part of this maintenance is changing how you interact with the furnace throughout the seasons. Obviously, furnaces will be running almost non-stop throughout the winter months, and their use will be severely reduced when summertime comes along. In the transitional period of spring, it is appreciable that the furnace will have a slightly different set of needs than when it runs full-tilt or rarely.

How does the service change? Well, there are many methods, including:

Changing Your Furnace Filters

Changing your furnace filters during your furnace repair in Calgary is the best way to keep your furnace system running smoothly. Filters will get gummed up with dust and debris over the course of the year, and the more strain that is put on the filters, the less efficiently it will run.

It is therefore imperative that you regularly check and change your filters. One of the best times to perform this task is in the spring because it is after the heavy-use season of winter. This means your filters will likely be at capacity, and after they are changed, the summer months will be less burdensome. As a result, they will not get overly dirty until the next winter season.

Turn to Furnace Repair in Calgary from the Professionals

Another great method of preparing your furnace for springtime is getting an annual service. Booking this in the spring months means that you can leave the filter replacement for a professional, and also feel confident that they will provide you with a report on any changes or problems that may have occurred with your furnace over the winter months.

Further to this point, having a professional furnace repair person in Calgary look at your furnace on a regular basis will have a positive impact on its capability to run. If you compare it to running your vehicle, you can think of a furnace service as equivalent to an oil change. Sure, you are getting the oil changed, but more than that, you are having a professional go through the system to compare how it looked previously, and ensure what it is designed to do is being done effectively.

When you’re in need of 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.

For people with central air systems, they have invested a lot of money in them and thus take pretty big steps to keep them operating for many years. This means putting them through the process of winterization, whereby they’re covered up and maintained during the cold-weather season in order to ensure they function properly when late spring and summer get here.

Though while you may know about how to winterize your central air system, you may not know how to de-winterize it, so that it operates like new for the hot-weather season. Here are some tips you can use to de-winterize. If all else fails, you can find AC repair in Calgary to help, but these tips are good DIY steps.

5 Ways to De-Winterize your AC System

1) Open it All Up to Clean and Inspect

This is also applicable to people who want to perform HVAC systems maintenance. Although the system is running during the winter, it will help to follow these steps to ensure it runs smoothly. That being said, the first thing you want to do is uncover the system to begin de-winterizing the AC. Check for leaves and debris that have accumulated, and remove it all. Check for mold and fungus, which could have formed due to stagnant water resting in the system all winter. Clean your system properly at its hub and remove any issues you find.

2) Check Your Ducts

Central air maintenance extends past the machine and into your ductwork in the home. You can check to make sure nothing is obstructing the ducts; clean out all the dust and cobwebs, and even check to make sure small animals haven’t nested inside, like rodents. You can clean out the opening and check the rest with a good flashlight to reduce the likelihood of incurring AC repairs in your Calgary home. You’ll want these ducts clear.

3) Check the Fluids

Your central air system will have a large Freon tank, which provides the cool lines that blow out cold air. Check to make sure the tank is intact and that it’s full. You can easily find this tank by removing the cover of your central AC unit. You’ll simply need a few tools, and it’s easy work.

4) Give it a Test Run

Next up, give it a test run. Make sure the temperature isn’t set to any cool settings, only the fan, and let it blow for a while. This will really clear things out and allow the motor to rev up and get ready to run for the upcoming season.

5) Have it Looked at to Determine if you need AC Repair in Calgary

If you followed these steps yet still encounter any issue, then it’s time to seek quality AC repair in Calgary to assist you. If you even suspect something’s amiss with the system, have the professionals come to look at it which is better than having to replace the entire system.

The process of de-winterizing doesn’t have to be a complicated one. With the rest steps, you can keep your central air system running well for years to come.

You prepare for winter by dressing snug and warming up your car engine every morning. However, what about your house? Before you crank the thermostat up this winter, you need to prepare your furnace as well. Here are four simple steps to get started.

1- Prepare Your Furnace for Winter by Testing the Thermostat

Give your furnace a test run. Turn on your thermostat, paying attention to how your furnace runs. Make sure that it starts quickly and gets up to the proper temperature in an appropriate fashion. If you suspect any problems, contact a Calgary heating company for a fix.

2- Change Your Air Filters for a Furnace Cleaning this Winter

Your furnace heats the air throughout your home. To do this, air must be filtered through it. Your furnace has an air filter to get this done. As part of your furnace cleaning, change the filter. You should plan to do it at the beginning of each winter for the best results.

3- Make Sure Your Ducts Are Clean for Your Furnace This Winter

You can take your furnace cleaning to the next level by attending to your ducts. When your ducts are dirty, the air also gets dirty. In the worst-case scenario, your ducts can even get blocked or clogged. This can stop the passage of warm air altogether.

4- Get Ready for Winter with an Inspection from a Calgary Heating Company

The best way to get your furnace ready for winter is with a routine inspection. You can get this kind of regular maintenance from a Calgary heating company. This type of maintenance addresses your furnace’s working parts on a whole new level. Small tweaks can improve performance and prevent future breakdowns.

Converting your home to a smart home makes a lot of sense. Consider these reasons to make your house a smart home from a Calgary heating company.

Lock or Unlock Doors with Ease

Stop fumbling for your keys with an armload of groceries or kids with a smart lock. It automatically locks or unlocks when you leave or enter a certain area that you define.

Automate Your Lights

Lights account for a large portion of the average utility bill, often around 30%. Installing smart lights in your home can make life easier and save you money. They can also make it look like someone is home while you are away.

Save Money on Energy Bills

Reducing utility bills is a common goal, and a smart home can help you do just that. Have a Calgary heating company install a smart thermostat or install one yourself. It’s then easy to adjust the temperature of your home to make efficient use of your heating and cooling system. Not only can this help reduce your utility bill, but it also helps you avoid extra wear and tear that could lead to unnecessary furnace repair.

Secure Your Home

Converting to a smart home makes it easy to set up a security system that won’t cost a fortune in monthly fees and installation costs. Control lights, trigger a loud siren if there’s unwanted motion, and check in on your home from anywhere.

These are just a few reasons to convert to a smart home, but the possibilities are vast. Set up automatic reminders for furnace repair and other routine maintenance, create alerts if there’s a leak, and much more. A Calgary heating company can help you make your home smarter and more efficient by installing a smart thermostat and providing furnace repair.

You’ve probably heard that you should have your furnace cleaned, but why and how is it important? Keep reading to learn more about the importance of furnace cleaning.

Why Furnace Maintenance and Cleaning is Important

During its normal role keeping your house warm and toasty, your furnace takes in troublesome material. Dust, pet dander, dirt, mould spores, and other particulate matter collects in furnaces. Without furnace cleaning, this material can build up; it can then spread around your house through the air ducts when you use the heating system. This can trigger allergies or make you more prone to colds.

Allowing debris to build up in the furnace can also affect its performance. As particulate matter collects in the system, it can cause additional wear that may lead to more frequent furnace repairs in Calgary.

When to Schedule Calgary Furnace Repairs and Cleaning

Schedule a professional furnace cleaning once or twice a year. Usually, the most important time is prior to winter. This clears out any dirt, dander, and other debris that has built up over the past months before heavy use begins. It’s also a good opportunity for a technician to inspect the unit and make sure it’s in peak operating condition.

The other time that cleaning is often recommended is after the winter. This is a great time to remove any material that’s built up during months of heavy use and again to check the condition of the unit. If your system needs major furnace repairs in Calgary, spring is a great time to get them done. Furnace companies are usually less busy and you’ll have plenty of time to schedule furnace repairs in Calgary at a time that’s convenient.

Cleaning your furnace is an important part of routine maintenance for your home. Scheduling a cleaning today to prepare your system for winter.