Blog Archives - Page 2 of 3 - Western Canadian Furnace

Those who work in furnace repair in Calgary are typically the ones who have seen the complete life expectancy of a gas furnace. From installation, inspections, possible repairs and maintenance, and eventual replacement. They have a clear idea of how long a gas furnace can last.

But, for the average person, it’s not exactly common knowledge. However, knowing how long a gas furnace can last could do wonders with how people manage their furnaces.

Learn how long a gas furnace lasts and see what you can do about it!

The Lifespan of Gas Furnace

There is much debate on the life expectancy of a gas furnace. Some have stated that a gas furnace can last up to 40 years! However, those are incredibly rare circumstances and shouldn’t be taken as fact.

A gas furnace can last that long, but it doesn’t mean all gas furnaces can last that long. But, for the most part, you can realistically expect gas furnaces to last between 15 to 30 years on average. Naturally, depending on the level of regular maintenance you put into your gas furnace, it can significantly reduce or increase its lifespan.

In essence, you’re responsible for the lifespan of your furnace.

What Reduces a Gas Furnace’s Lifespan

There are several ways that your gas furnace can reduce its life expectancy. When your gas furnace’s lifespan is significantly decreased, it can result in tell-tale signs of the end being near through: constant repairs needed, poor performance, increasingly noisy, and most notably – huge increases in your monthly utilities.

Those are red flags signalling that your gas furnace is ready to kick the bucket and will need to be replaced. As a result, it just adds another unnecessary expense by having to replace it sooner rather than later. You need to look out and see what factors can reduce your furnace’s lifespan to deal with them accordingly.

Here are a few factors that affect its lifespan:

Faulty Installation
Poor Maintenance
Thermostat Settings being too high or too low

How to Extend Gas Furnace Lifespan

Thankfully, there are a few ways you can extend your gas furnace’s life expectancy. Naturally, ensuring you’re properly maintaining your furnace is a big factor. For the most part, caring for your furnace is rather low maintenance since you only need to clean and schedule inspections annually.

However, what can you do yourself to help extend its life expectancy?

It involves cleaning and maintenance by keeping filters, motors, and the heat exchanger free from dirt, dust, and other debris. In addition, you want to check and clean your air filter or even replace it. When the air filters aren’t clean, it affects your home’s air quality after a while and leads to issues that will reduce its lifespan.

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.

Now is the perfect time to see if your HVAC system is running smoothly. Typically, May and June are the busiest times for HVAC companies in Calgary as warmer temperatures have people shifting their attention from a furnace’s warmth during the winter months to now gearing up for blistering hot summers by looking into their AC.

In which case, looking into what you should scope out regarding maintenance is important in keeping it in not only working order but also furthering its lifespan.

See what you need to look out for to help maintain your HVAC system below!

The Importance of HVAC Maintenance

It’s easy to forget about checking in on your HVAC system until an actual issue results in unexpected repairs. That’s why HVAC specialists cannot stress enough for people to keep up with regular maintenance. When an HVAC system isn’t properly maintained, it’s susceptible to many unexpected problems that include causing it to work harder than necessary, indoor air pollution from poor ventilation, and paying more for energy bills and potential future repair costs. Without maintenance, a few of these issues can result in your HVAC system being out of commission suddenly without warning, which can be a massive inconvenience.

Woman Cleaning Air Conditioning System.

Best Time for Maintenance

Most people aren’t too fond of maintenance, thinking it can take so much of your time. However, you would be surprised by how low maintenance an HVAC system is. You only need to ensure you maintain your HVAC system once a year, which applies to anyone with a standard AC or furnace. But if you have a heat pump system that’s utilized year round, it will need to be checked every six months.

When it comes to the best time of the year for maintenance, a good rule of thumb is to consider doing so during the spring. Why spring in particular? The reason being is that you don’t have to worry about the warm weather messing with how your cooling system runs.

General HVAC Upkeep Checklist

With the warmer months soon approaching, check out what maintenance is needed and check them off your list immediately to help prepare your HVAC system for the turning season.

Inspecting

Before you start checking tasks off your list, you need to inspect your HVAC system thoroughly to be able to correct any issues effectively. You can do this by looking out for the following:

Mold, dust, and debris
Check humidity levels
Look into refrigerant charge and leaks
Ensure electrical system and connections are good
See if blowers and blades provide proper airflow

Testing

When it comes to testing, you mainly need to check your temperature. You can do this by testing your thermostat to see if its timer functions are correctly set and aren’t malfunctioning.

Cleaning

You will want to clean the following to help maintain your HVAC system:

Filters
Condenser and evaporator coils
Drain lines to help with the flow by clearing blogs
Clear drain pans to avoid overflows
Getting rid of outside debris from your unit

Replacing

By replacing certain parts of your HVAC system, you can effectively avoid future repairs.

Check out what might require replacing below:

Filters
Worn pulleys and belts
Change batteries
Lubricating motors bearings and moving parts

Furnace repair requires a particular set of skills and knowledge. There are many different types of furnaces that need to be repaired. However, the one type of furnace to concentrate on should be the most common – a gas unit furnace.

See what goes into furnace repair and how the costs stack up to warrant a professional.

Assessing and Repairing Yourself

If you’re wanting to tackle repairs yourself before calling an expert, here’s what you can do in the meantime.

Step #1

Assess what needs repairing by reviewing the combustion chamber for abnormalities. Check for any cracks or holes in pipes, rust spots developing from excessive condensation inside water walls from lack of insulation, deterioration around pipe joints from corrosion caused by moisture contact with combustible materials – like wood floors and carpeting.

Step #2

Prevent further damage while waiting for parts to arrive. Shut off fuel supply valves (usually located at the base). Reduce the temperature setting to 65.5 degrees Celsius before turning the power switch off, so it doesn’t cycle again once turned back on after fixing the problem area(s).

Step #3

Get new parts that can come preassembled. Complete with wiring harnesses already connected depending if you ordered online. Otherwise, you’ll have assembly work ahead. Removing old wires, connecting them again, then attaching new wire ends onto broken parts – may require an expert’s skill, depending on how complex repairs are needed.

After the new panel has been connected, all the connections and connections installed must be checked by an inspector. Look at cracks caused by corrosion and water leaking through joints or pipes, then repair the problem.

Step #4

Finally, the work is finished with new burners lighting up – the system is ready for usage. Try testing with a flame tester to make sure it works as it should. Put a dust cover/damper (if needed) to protect from dust that will come up after fixing the furnace.

As you can see, just assessing and attempting to fix a furnace is laborious and can get costly fast if you’re not sure of what you’re doing. Best to consider comparing the costs of your specific furnace issue.

Calgary Furnace Repair Costs

The furnace repair cost depends on the type and size of the furnace – whether it needs a new burner or just the metal parts like tubes, or even needing heat exchangers to be removed from the existing furnaces. Even where you live can factor into cost.

On average, you can expect the cost of furnace repairs in Calgary to be approximately $250.

The cost for a tune-up or repair varies across the city and can be estimated to be:

Intake air filters : $80 – $150
Compressor : $175 – $350
Boiler: $40 – $125

Your best bet for an accurate total on costs would be to reach out for a quote from a reliable Calgary furnace repair company. They can give you a more in-depth answer about the logistics and how they reflect the costs.

The furnace is essential in any household. It is typically installed to provide warmth throughout the house during winter. With anything, a furnace will eventually reach its lifespan and needs to be replaced with a newer model if it stops functioning or becomes unreliable. It can certainly pose an issue during the winter – after all, you don’t want to freeze because of a faulty furnace!

Unfortunately, homeowners in Calgary do not know what would warrant furnace repair, much less when to replace one. Fortunately, this article covers in-depth signs that your furnace needs replacement and not just repair.

Furnace is Noisy

It’s normal for your furnace to give off a loud noise once in a while, but if this sound persists for several hours, you need to run a check. A consistent noise can indicate a bigger issue at hand with your furnace. There are instances where the furnaces’ blades become loose and cannot be fixed without replacement.

Frequent Breakdowns

The furnace’s lifespan is affected by many things like weather, power surges, and wear-and-tear down the road. However, continuous breakdowns, especially in instances where the furnace has been replaced already, imply a problem with the furnace. It’s a clear pattern that needs attention and might foreshadow the end of days for your old furnace.

Poor Performance

In addition to frequent breakdowns, it is crucial to identify a furnace that performs poorly. Suppose it does not heat your house well after setting up the thermostat correctly or does not kick-off when the temperature reaches a certain degree. Then you need to have it checked out by a professional technician and replace it if necessary.

Manufacturer’s Warranty Expired

Take this as a signal to replace your furnace. If your furnace isn’t optimal after your warranty has expired, it’s clear that it’s not meant to last any longer. When a furnace reaches its end of life, it’s not advisable to repair it since issues can persist. In this regard, you will need to buy a new furnace as soon as possible.

Moisture and Mould Problems

Your furnace is not immune to the damages moisture and mould can create for it. Moisture encourages mould and mildew growth, which are two things that can make your home unpleasant. Mould can also lead to many health issues such as allergies, flu, and asthma. Best to replace your furnace and avoid these potential hazards.

Everyone wants to have a furnace that works well and efficiently. But it is up to you to take care of what’s yours by conducting regular maintenance checks. If you need advice on maintaining your furnace, the best thing you can do is contact a reliable furnace repair service for help and guidance. Our Calgary HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and mechanical technicians have the skills and experiences to give you a lasting solution.

Winters in Calgary bring not only cold temperatures and snow – but also drier air. When there is less moisture in the air, it can stir up issues ranging from damages in your home to even your health. During winter, HVAC is more important than ever.

HVAC Calgary experts are here to prevent potential winter woes by sharing the best HVAC tips for winter!

Clean Air Filters & Vents

The main focus in combating winter’s drier air is to maintain air quality. When your air quality is compromised, it can lead to sickness and even potential diseases.

How so? From dust and dirt accumulated from your vents and air filters.

The build-up can lead to poor air quality and invite unwanted pathogens. In addition, it can lead to needing to call an HVAC Calgary specialist to quell furnace damages that stem from collected dust, making it work harder than necessary. This applies to air filters as well – which can block heat from getting into your home.

For winter cleaning, make note of cleaning all your vents of dust and dirt. For your air filter, make sure to replace any dirty ones. However, if you have a replaceable one, then make sure to clean it every month.

Cover Outside AC Unit

Canadian winters can be harsh with temperatures that can easily drop. When your outdoor AC unit is exposed to colder elements, the lifespan of your AC unit can be greatly reduced. Worse, you might need AC unit repair from an HVAC professional to help fix winter’s damages.

However, there is a simple solution to preventing all these issues.

The best way to solve those problems is to cover your outside AC unit. In doing so, you’re protecting your AC unit from snow and other debris that could fall into it.

Check Thermostat Settings

In the winter, staying warm is paramount. Many are quick to retreat to their heated homes after braving Calgary’s cold weather. Yet, the worst-case scenario that can occur is coming home to a busted furnace that leaves your home freezing.

You can avoid this by making sure to test your thermostat. By inspecting your thermostat, you can ensure it’s in working condition. If it’s too old, you can replace it with a newer, better model that is digital. Smart thermostats will make it easier for you to maintain the ideal temperature in your home at all times.

Before winter hits, we recommend switching from cooling to heating on your thermostat. You want to set the temperature to a couple of degrees higher than your room, so you can noticeably hear the heat come on. However, if it doesn’t – that’s your sign to get your furnace checked by an HVAC expert for repairs before the cold weather seeps in.

Winter can reveal and harbour a host of issues to the air quality of your home. Make sure you’re prepared this winter and keep your HVAC system in working order!

The feeling of walking into an air-conditioned building after being out in the hot summer sun brings a wonderful sensation of respite. Once you’ve started to enjoy the benefits of air conditioning, it’s hard to imagine ever going back to living without its cooling effects. But, without proper AC coil cleaning and AC repair in Calgary, you’re air conditioning unit can break down. Turning your cool, refreshing indoors into a hot and stuffy building.

In today’s post, learn why it’s important to clean AC coils and how to clean them.

Why Clean AC Coils and Perform AC Repair in Calgary?

When air conditioning coils go too long without being cleaned, it can lead to various problems regarding the performance and quality of your air conditioner. Because AC coils are exposed to a lot of airflow, are spaced closely together, and often are covered in moisture, they are prone to the buildup of dirt, dust, debris, and other contaminants.

Unfortunately, if you don’t clean your coils with regular air conditioning repair in Calgary, your AC unit won’t be able to function at its peak capacity. Dirty AC coils can result in:

Increased operating temperatures
Reduced comfort
Decreased cooling efficiency
Increased cooling costs
Increased system wear and tear
AC repair in Calgary/AC replacement

Dirty AC coils make your system work harder, less efficiently, and less effective on the whole. Avoid more expensive air conditioning repair down the road by investing in proper cleaning and maintenance to prevent bigger problems.

AC Repair in Calgary: Cleaning Air Conditioning Coils

There is more than one way to cleaning AC coils, let’s break them down.

Compressed Air

Cleaning AC coils with compressed air is the least invasive method of removing dirt and dust from your air conditioner. However, this method is usually reserved for systems that are located outside because when the dust is blown off with compressed air, it can blow all over the place. That’s not something you want to happen inside your building.

Professional AC repair technicians blow compressed air through the coils in the opposite direction that the air normally travels. This is to push the dirt back through the system and out the same way it came in. Once the air has been used, the technician will use a shop vac to clean up any debris pushed out by the compressed air.

Commercial Cleaners

Instead of using the power of air to clean AC coils, your air conditioning repair technician may use one of several commercial cleaning solutions. These come in foaming cleaners for outdoor coils and self-rising cleaners for indoor coils. Some commercial cleaners are available in aerosol cans, while others are used in low-pressure sprayers.

Before using cleaners, your technician should do an initial cleaning with a fin brush or by hand to get rid of surface debris. Next, the cleaner is applied and then rinsed with water.

Household Detergent

Even though commercial cleaners are available, some technicians prefer to mix their own cleaning solutions. This works in much the same way as commercial cleaners but with the additional step of mixing the detergent in water. The detergent is then applied to the coils with a low-pressure sprayer, just like commercial cleaners.

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.

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!