How to Tips Archives - Western Canadian Furnace

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!

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.

Achieving the proper humidity levels in your home helps you stay comfortable and breathe more easily. But what is the proper level? Let’s take a look at humidity in your home.

What is Humidity?

There are two ways to measure humidity: absolute humidity and relative humidity. Absolute humidity is the amount of water in the air while relative humidity is a general measurement of

the amount of water in the air in relation to the amount of water the air can hold. Relative humidity is the more important measurement for your home and comfort.

Problems with Too Little Humidity

Low indoor humidity levels create problems. Your skin, lips, eyes, and nasal passages become extremely dry and uncomfortable; you may get chapped lips or nose bleeds. Dry air is harder to breathe and may make allergy and asthma symptoms worse. Low humidity levels also make you feel colder and can damage the wood in your home.

Ideal Humidity Levels in Your Home

Ideal humidity levels vary slightly depending on the season. In summer, keeping your home at a relative humidity around 35-45% is usually comfortable. Increasing a little in winter to around 40-50% helps you feel warmer and more comfortable. A humidifier replacement or installation can help you keep your home at an ideal humidity levels.

Controlling Indoor Humidity Levels with Calgary Heating Companies

The humidity in your home fluctuates depending on the climate, the time of year, and your daily lifestyle. Humidity is usually much lower in winter than in summer, but with Calgary’s dry climate, humidity levels are often low even during the summer. Investing in humidifier installation by a heating company in Calgary is the best way to control the humidity level in your home.

Maintaining an ideal indoor humidity level with a humidifier installation by heating companies in Calgary helps keep your home comfortable all year long.

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.

Keeping your home cool during the summer can be costly, but the alternative can be miserable. Thankfully, there are ways to help your air conditioner work efficiently so you can save money while staying cool.

Get started with these tips from plumbing & heating companies in Calgary.

Get Repairs If Needed
If you need to make sure that your air conditioner is working as it should be, you can always look towards getting A/C repair services in Calgary. You will be surprised at what they can find.

Save Cool Air
Older homes often allow cool air to seep outside through worn seals around doors and windows, a poorly insulated attic, and other cracks. Sign up for a home energy audit or do a mini audit yourself to check for leaks. Stand outside and feel around doors and windows for cold air; if you feel it seeping out, add caulk and insulation as necessary.

Upgrade Your Thermostat
A smart thermostat helps air conditioning run efficiently by regulating the temperature when you aren’t home. Upgrade your thermostat if you don’t already have a smart model. Plumbing & heating companies in Calgary can help you choose a smart thermostat and the right placement for it.

Close the Blinds
The hot summer sun doesn’t just heat things up outside, it can dramatically raise the temperature inside too. Close the blinds to keep out the sun during the hottest part of the day.

Use a Fan
Air conditioning has a major ally in ceiling fans. These can make a room feel cooler while using a lot less energy than the air conditioner.

Use these tips to help your air conditioner run efficiently and keep your home cool this summer. And remember to schedule annual maintenance with plumbing & heating companies in Calgary before the hot weather hits.