New Furnace Installation

One of the most important appliances in the home is the furnace. These machines generate heat that is essential because of the long frigid winters we have in Canada. Life would be very intolerable without a furnace. While most furnaces last 12-15 years, some do breakdown every now and then. Even when a furnace has been well maintained, the life span is finite and most need to be replaced after 15 years. Unfortunately the majority of homeowners know very little about the furnace and do not even know what it does or where it is located. It is the one piece of home equipment that homeowners do not pay attention to on a regular basis, even though it plays a vital role in heating the home. All homeowners should know when the furnace was installed, the maker and when it was last serviced. If the appliance has been giving you problems, sometimes it is often better to replace it with a new modern machine than continue to have it repaired- which is not cost effective.
The only way to know if you need a new furnace installation is to speak to an HVAC professional. There are many types of furnaces on the market and all have their pros and cons. A new furnace installation is a major undertaking and should only be done by professionals. Once you decide that you need a new furnace, you need to do some research and know about the different brands. After knowing the basic details about new furnace installations, you need to speak to an HVAC professional about the finer details, such as warranty, how the heat will be supplied, the temperature setting, maintenance schedules and cost. In many cases, the type of furnace depends on the square foot of your home, your needs and budget. You also want to know if there is going to be major reconstruction of your basement if you plan to have a new furnace instillation.
The other thing you want to know is if there are any rebates on the furnace that you are having installed and how long it will take to replace the old one. Most of the latest models of furnaces on the market are energy efficient and reliable. However, a new furnace instillation can be tricky and hence you want to select the best professional in the business. More important, you want the person who installed the furnace to offer some type of warranty and regular maintenance. Seek a new furnace installation professional who has experience and is not in a rush to sell you an appliance.
Finally always ask the cost of installation of a new furnace. Most HVAC companies offer various payment plans and some even offer continuous maintenance with a small monthly fee. If you feel you do not have the money to buy a new furnace, opt for a rental which also provides you with regular maintenance and emergency repairs at a low monthly fee. Remember the Canadian winter is long and cold; so do not be left in misery- speak to an HVAC contractor about a new furnace installation.
Tony Lester understands New Furnace Installation. He works for Heating Ontario and has been involved in the furnace industry for over ten years. It is his vast experience that allows him to understand the furnace installation needs of his clients.

Handy Home Improvements To Help Save You Money This Winter

Can you believe it? Winter is a few months again. It seems that it always comes around too soon, bringing with it a raft of at-home repairs and maintenance tasks. While these can be frustrating to deal with.... they tend to be expensive as well. Are you looking to save some money this season? Then you are in luck. There are a number of handy home improvements that can keep your home warm and cozy while cutting down on your monthly bills. These are a few of the most effective....

Pay Attention To Your Furnace

Your furnace is one of the biggest ways that you can save money. A regular inspection at the start of the season can prevent your heating system from running inefficiently and using more power than it needs to. That means you can expect to spend less each month on your energy bill. You can also save money by changing your furnace filter once a month during the winter season. It may seem counter productive. Changing your furnace filter more often will cost you extra, right? Wrong. Filters can become clogged faster when the weather outside is cold. That in turn makes your furnace less effective - and causes it to use more energy. By changing your filter, air will be able to flow through with ease.... benefiting every aspect of your home.

Caulk Around Your Windows And Doors

Air leaks can be costly, not to mention chilly! One of the simplest ways to lose money is by watching warm air leave through small cracks and holes. The most common culprits? Your windows and doors. You want to keep the warm air inside and the cold air out. So, use caulk or weather stripping materials to seal up the areas around your windows and doors as soon as possible. You may also want to look at your ductwork to ensure that leaks are not a problem there as well. These steps will prevent air from getting out - and help you save money in the process.

Lay Down Throw Rugs On Your Flooring

Have you ever stepped onto hardwood or tile floors in the wintertime? Talk about a blast of cold on your feet! For comfort reasons, it is always a good idea to put down a few throw rugs or areas rugs on wooden or tile flooring. That will make it more comfortable to walk on - but it will also keep your home warmer. This super simple home improvement task creates an additional layer of insulation. That extra layer can reduce the amount of heat you need to use, making it possible to lower your thermostat. Other places you can add insulation include: your attic, crawl spaces, your basement, or garage. You can make it a bigger job by adding insulation into the walls.... or just throw down a few rugs. The choice is yours!
Still looking to improve your home and save some cash? Reverse your ceiling fans to circulate warm air back into each room, place a blanket around your water heater to seal in extra warmth, and cover up your windows. Each of these tasks will work to keep warm air in and prevent you from spending money unnecessarily.
Tony Lester understands the importance of saving money. He works for Heating Ontario and has been involved in the Furnace industry for over ten years. It is his vast experience that allows him to understand the furnace installation needs of his clients.

Spring Cleaning Your Furnace: What You Need To Know

Spring has sprung! Well, almost. Warm weather, sunshine, flowers, and a fresh start are just over the horizon. Nothing could be more exciting after a long, cold winter. With a new season comes a number of different responsibilities.... especially for homeowners. In addition to all of the regular spring cleaning tasks (sorting through your wardrobe, emptying out the pantry, and cleaning the floors) there are other essential must-haves you might have overlooked. Like taking care of your furnace. This is just as important as keeping your home squeaky clean. What do you need to do? This is everything you need to know about spring cleaning your furnace.
Winter can be tough. Not just on our mental well being but also on our furnaces. They work hard all season to make sure each and every room stays warm and comfortable. That makes proper maintenance essential. It is the best way to keep your furnace working well - and make sure it is always prepared. Think it doesn't matter? Without maintenance, the lifespan of your furnace can be affected and it may even cost you more out of pocket in the long run. That is not what you want! So, it is important to stick to an annual spring cleaning routine. Haven't done it in the past? Don't know where to start? It is easier than you think. Start with your filters.
Your furnace filters dramatically affect the way your HVAC unit works. That is why experts recommend they be changed every three months or as necessary. The end of winter is the perfect time to inspect and replace them. You can do it on your own by turning off the furnace, removing the filter, and simply placing in a new one. Or if you have washable filters, remove the filter, rinse away the dust and dirt, let it dry, and re-insert. This step is important to the overall health of your furnace, particularly if the winter weather was harsh.
The next spring cleaning task is all about.... you guessed it.... cleanliness. Dirt and your furnace should never go together. It can impact the overall efficiency of your unit. That means in addition to cleaning the countertops and giving the baseboards a good scrub, you will also want to give your furnace a little elbow grease. Start by removing any and all dust and dirt from the area directly around your HVAC unit. You can use any old vacuum or broom to do this.
Then there is the furnace itself. Carefully wipe off any built up dust from the exterior of the unit. Or if you are a little more skilled you can remove the access panel and use a can of compressed air to clean the blower and motor inside. Don't feel comfortable with that? Then simply call your heating and cooling company. They can tackle any spring maintenance job you do not think you can handle on your own.
You're not done yet! Other important spring cleaning tasks for your furnace include: inspecting the belt for signs of wear, taking a look at your ductwork for potential leaks or cracks, and making sure the furnace is properly lubricated.
Making sure your furnace is working well doesn't have to be difficult. It just takes some TLC and a bit of spring cleaning! Keep your unit working properly and running efficiently. Simply focus your attention on cleanliness - both inside and out.
Tony Lester understands the importance of spring maintaining your furnace. He works for Heating Ontario and has been involved in the furnace industry for over ten years. It is his vast experience that allows him to understand the furnace installation needs of his clients.

The 4 Most Important Things To Ask a Heating Company

Do you need a new furnace? Is your home temperature inconsistent? Do you hear a strange rattling sound coming from your HVAC unit? You need a heating company you can trust. The good news? There are many different companies to choose from. The bad news? That can make it difficult to find one that is qualified, experienced, professional, and has the necessary skills.
One way to narrow down your search? Ask the right questions. Being armed with important questions will allow you to find out more about a specific company or contractor - and ensure that you make the best decision for your home each and every time. These are 4 of the most important things to ask a heating company.

1) What Are Your Qualifications?

The best pace to start is to find out as much as you can about their qualifications. Are they properly licensed, are their any complaints against them, how long have they been in business (using the same name), are they certified to install, inspect, and maintain heating and cooling units, and so on. Take this opportunity to get a better understanding of the company. The better qualified they are - and the better reputation they have - the more comfortable you will feel bringing them into your home. You can double check by asking to look at copies of their licenses and looking at listing on the Better Business Bureau.

2) Which Services Do You Provide?

Another important question has to do with the services the company actually provides. Some are more extensive than others. While certain businesses may focus on installation, repairs, and maintenance.... others may branch out into things like ductless heating and cooling, radiant floor heating, and so on. Be sure to get a detailed description of what they do. This will allow you to choose the right company for your needs. One that will be able to take care of your home now and in the years to come!

3) Are There References I Can Get In Touch With?

Next up are references. It is all well and good to know the qualifications of a company and their list of services. However, it is equally important to know what you can expect from the overall experience. So, ask for a list of references. This will allow you to speak to previous clients and customers. From there you can understand the level of customer service, work performance, and pricing. In addition to contacting references, you might also want to look online for testimonials or reviews. They can help round out your research.

4) Do You Provide Written Contracts?

Something to be wary of? Any company that does not provide you with a written contract or a paper copy of services provided. This should be a red flag. You always want to have a hard copy of what they have done in your home, any guarantees or warrantees, proof of payment, and so on. That way if anything goes wrong, you have something to refer to. Be sure to ask the heating companies you are considering whether or not they provide written contracts. It will give you a better idea whether you want to hire them.
It isn't always easy choosing a heating company. There are so many options - and not all of them are best for your home and your own individual needs. Start by asking these 4 important questions. They will help you cut back your list, find a company you can trust, and make sure the job is done properly the very first time.
Tony Lester understands the importance of choosing the right heating company. He works for Heating Ontario and has been involved in the furnace industry for over ten years. It is his vast experience that allows him to understand the furnace installation needs of his clients.