Blog Archives - Page 3 of 3 - Western Canadian Furnace

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.

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

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.

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!

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.