HVAC system maintenance is a serious thing and here's why

The primary reason why home comfort heating and cooling systems like Furnace, Air Conditioner and Heat Pumps breakdown before time is the lack of maintenance. Apart from the annual professional maintenance & tune-up which is crucial for the system, there are tasks that are supposed to be performed by the homeowners on a routine basis. This includes changing filters at least every three months and in peak seasons or in case of unusual scenarios of indoor pollution, every month.

In addition to changing the filter, slightly brushing off the indoor and outdoor unit of dust also help with good maintenance and ensures that dust & debris does not accumulate on the units.

Moreover, checking out for battery failures in the CO detector, the Thermostat must as well be added to the checklist. In the case of a Humidifier installed, giving it a thorough cleaning according to the manual is also necessary in order to ensure optimal performance from the system.

Below we discuss what difference routine maintenance has on the lifetime and efficiency of the system

Maintenance improves lifespan

No wonder you hear the new unit breakdown stories too often. There are these legends whose brand new HAVC system starts to cause serious troubles within the first few months of installation. With such a beginning, what must be the lifespan of the system? In general, unmaintained appliances fail to cover their lifespan and have to be replaced earlier. So the first and foremost disadvantage of no maintenance is a shorter lifespan.

Routine care - fewer Repairs

So the homeowner next door calls a repair tech every other month? And you can guess why. Because you've never really observed him taking care of their system. Routine maintenance ensures that you don't have to call the repair techs. People who completely follow professional guidelines when it comes to routine maintenance sometimes have their units work longer than usual and that too without any serious repairs.

Controlled energy bills

An appliance may be a one-time investment but the bills that it causes are not. To keep the HVAC appliances as cost-effective as possible, maintenance has its role to play. Unmaintained appliances have to work harder due to dust and debris accumulated on them, and the unlubricated parts that they have to work with. As a result, they run longer and harder which causes a hike in energy bills.

Resale Value

You could be thinking of selling your unit only after a few years of purchase. And guess what? No or insufficient maintenance suggests that you will have a very hard time selling the unit at least at a good price. Contrarily, properly maintained units get sold even after several years of usage.

This year, get over the laziness towards maintaining your HVAC appliances and save the unnecessary repairs that your system doesn't need.

Do you follow the habit of regular maintenance? If yes, how has it helped you over the years? If not, what loss has this caused you?

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How to ensure the safest use of space heaters


When it is overly cold and the Furnace fails to suffice or fails, space heaters are a great deal of help. Also, home where the central heating system is not installed, space heaters offer the prime comfort. There are several edges that space heaters have compared with other heating solutions, among which mobility is one while energy efficiency and cost efficiency are others. With easy usage and numerous benefits, there are some precautionary measures that need to be taken, every time a space heater is used. One of the most severe fire accidents and unhappy accidents are caused by them. Below we discuss how a common homeowner can ensure the safest possible use of space heater to make the most out of it.


Space/Portable Heaters Safety Measures

- Ideal Surface placement Tips

- When it comes to placement, it is highly recommended that a space heater is placed on a leveled and hard surface. No clothing material should be below it or near it. Concrete, tile or hard floor are ideal placements. Near carpet, on the sofa arm, near the closet or close to a hanging bedsheet are the wrong and risky placements. 

- Also, placements on heights should be avoided, as in the case of placement on tables or fireplace slab, etc. The heater can fall and may cause injuries or cause a fire.

- The distance of the space heater must be 3 feet from anything that is combustible.


- Precautions related to wires and extensions

- Most often, homeowners have a habit of pulling the wire from far away distance when they ought to unplug. The correct way is to pull the plug not the wire. Pulling the wire distorts the wire and this may lead to short-circuiting, sparks or wire burns.

- It is highly recommended by professionals to not use extension cords when using space heaters. They overheat and always maintain tripping risk.

- Stricly avoid the continuous use of frayed cords. Equally, avoid the practice of covering the frayed wire with electrical tape as this does not resolve the problem. Fires can't be stopped by covering the damaged wires with tapes.

- Cares when there are kids at home

- If you've kids at home, don't leave the two; heater and kids together in a room.

- Avoid the use of space heaters if there are crawling or walking kids at home.

- If space heaters are the only option you can afford, establish at least two layers of barriers in front of the space heater


Safety Tips for "Flammable" surroundings

- Avoid using space heaters in those surroundings where there are flammable materials stores; in garages, in the store/junk rooms, etc.

- For under desk use, be careful when choosing an under desk heater. Using a large-sized heater as an under-desk heater raises the possibilities of burns.

If you're looking for Space Heater purchase and want to make a decent purchase by choosing the most affordable and the most cost & energy-efficient unit, this post from pickhvac.com can help.

Have questions related to HVAC? Call today 1-855-245-4328

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HVAC Warranty Myths - What is covered and what is not

Homeowners are not found much interested in reading the appliance warranty manuals they are handed at the time of purchase and installation. The result is a rejection of a big number of warranty claims and on the other hand, a lot of expenses on the part of the homeowner when the warranty is not claimed and the entire expense comes on the side of the homeowner. These irritating experiences can be reduced only by increasing the awareness and upgrading homeowner's knowledge about the HVAC warranties, what they cover and what they don't, who to claim them to and how to do.
This blog today is covering the coverage part; what is covered under HVAC manufacturer's warranty and what is not covered. Let's begin.


Note:
Please note that all HVAC warranties are "Limited Warranties" which means a warranty should not be expected to cover every kind of damage that will occur to the appliance.


What does the warranty cover?

Parts that are not up to the mark

Sometimes in bulk manufacturing, damaged parts are made part of the appliance which halt the appliance performance. The HVAC manufacturer warranty covers all such bad parts whichever they are and replace the parts or the entire unit depending on the situation.

Issues in the assembly line

If the technician makes mistakes during assembling of the appliance parts, the warranty covers this kind of damage as well. The unit in this case is usually replaced with a new one.


What is not covered under HVAC warranty

- Whatever comes other than bad parts and improper assembly is excluded from the Manufacturer warranty. This include bad/unprofessional installation, no or insufficient maintenance and accidents like storms, fire hazards, vandalism and others.

- Faulty or improper fuel change from propane to gas or vice versa also results in failure. And when this happens, it a big no no.

- The claimed warranty is also rejected if the homeowners fails to show the documents of a professional installation.

- When the installed appliance is moved to another location; in case of changing homes, the appliance is no more covered.

- The warranty does not cover a unit whose parts have been self replaced by non branded parts

- Using unmatched equipment also results in voiding the warranty and the unit no more remains covered. Every unit has its own specifications and needs to be matched with the appliances they are supposed to work with. A 2-ton Air Conditioner with a 4-ton Air Handler will not make the right combination, will affect performance and may as well result in some damages.

- If the problem is due to bad installation and the parts are needed to be shipped to the installer, the warranty will not cover shipping cost as well.

- Last but not the least; please note that any kind of appliance parts that are bought online and replaced for the damaged appliance parts, void the warranty and such appliance does not remain covered anymore.

Did you know what is covered under warranty and what is not under HVAC warranties?
For any kind of HVAC help and queries, call 1-855-245-4328

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Buying a new home? Check These Residential HVAC checkpoints

Having own home is everyone's dream and buying your very first home is a big decision. You tend to look at everything from location and infra-structure of a home to paint-colours and available space for furniture arrangement. The process is time-intensive, yet you like to make it manageable and best decision possible.

Despite that all things are considered, homeowners often ignore a critical factor that can cost more than others! Yes! You guessed it right! A fully functional HVAC system! That does not just save you from the scorching heat of summer but save a lot of bucks on the utility bills because heating and cooling takes up over 45% of the energy consumption in every home in Ontario. 



Why hiring a home inspector is worth-considering?

Generally, buyers pay for the home inspection to evaluate all the ins and outs of the property. Home inspectors are certified, and skilled individuals who look at house HVAC system, plumbing, roof, attic, floor windows, basement, ceiling and then provide a written report. Getting the blemish-free reports about the prospective home is very rare. The problems usually identified are minor, and you won’t bother fixing them. However, there are some major issues that may prove to be troublesome in the long run.

If you don’t want to invest a few extra dollars in home inspector - then follow these simple steps to evaluate the health of the HVAC equipment. 

Check out the location of the indoor and outdoor unit

Make sure the indoor unit is not in attic; if it is, there are high chances that water damage may occur. You should also check where the outdoor unit is, it should not be located close to bedrooms because it is noisy, and homeowners get irritated.

Closely examine the HVAC equipment

The next step is to see the signs of damage to the equipment. Look carefully if there are dents, cracks, rust strain or any missing or unusual sound. If the HVAC system is older than ten years or has long surpassed the life of expectancy; it’ll soon need to be replaced and may cost you thousands of bucks in installing a new unit.

Check whether the system in your prospective home is energy efficient

- Type of unit installed

The HVAC system can be of two kinds: central and ductless. You may have to install ducts throughout the home for a central system. On the other hand, a ductless system consists of outdoor condenser unit and air handlers. A ductless system is more efficient in terms of adequate cooling, zoning and cost efficiency in the long run. 

Examine the maintenance record and warranty

Ask the realtors to provide you with the maintenance record. If the former homeowners have been keeping up the proper maintenance schedule, they won’t hesitate to offer you the maintenance record. If the equipment has not been appropriately maintained, you will have to deal with frequent repairs and the product is more likely to expire before the probable life span.

The other important thing you should consider is warranty. It typically lasts five years after installation. It gives you a clear idea about future repair cost. 

Inspect the ductwork
Ductwork is one of the crucial components, and you must look for loose connection gaps and most importantly condensation that indicates whether the system needs repairing. If the ducts are dusty, it means homeowners have not been keeping up with the necessary maintenance. 

Check installed insulation

Insulation becomes messy and less effective over time - if the insulation has not been done for so long, the chances are abundant that the prospective home may develop drafts or leaks.

Follow these guidelines and you will be able to avoid the mistake of ending up purchasing a wrong home. 

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Important!!! Five Furnace Safety Tips

The appliance responsible for providing you with comfort in winter can turn out to be a source of great misery if precautions are not taken. As you already know, your Furnaces are gas or electricity powered and both these fuels need to be delt with carefully. There are some Furnace Safety Precautions that all homeowners should consider.


1. Importance of Vacuuming 

The Furnace remains unused for a significant period of time. This causes dust and lint layers to build up in and around it. If not cleaned regularly, these layers sometimes get hardened. One of the reasons behind Furnace catching fire is also dust. So in order to keep the comforting appliance a comforting appliance, vacuum in and around the Furnace roughly every month, even during the Summers. This will ensure that you don't have a lot of work to do when there's time to turn the Furnace on and you'd also be able to save yourself from safety risks.

2. Define Furnace rules for kids 

Most people have their Furnaces installed in the basement. But this is not true for all. Sometime, it is installed just closed to the living area and kids often play around the Furnace. While people have special precautionary measures when it comes to fireplaces and kids playing around but very few realize the hazard of kids playing around a Furnace. We highly endorse educating children regarding the consequences of playing around or messing with Furnace unit. Sometimes, kids throw their tiny toys in the Furnace and this can become a really alarming situation.
If you have toddlers and they can't be taught about the good and the bad while you also have a unit installed at a place they can easily reach, consider creating a barrier around the unit.

3. Ensure constant air flow 

Your Furnace needs fresh air to treat. If it doesn't get that, it will start consuming the oxygen in your indoor, lowering the oxygen level and creating a threatening situation. Also, the blockages in duct work, in supply or return vents create the same situation. Let fresh pack of air flowing. And clear any obstacles.

4. Alert! Keep flammable items far far away! 

Whether your unit is gas powered or electric powered, in both cases it has fire. So keep every item that may catch fire easily well away from the Furnace. Particularly items like flammable liquids, wood or paper, paints, household acids etc.

5. Test alarms 

Once the alarm has been installed and it works, not so many homeowners care about checking every season whether the batteries are fully functioning or not. Whether or not you've faced an emergency situation ever, it is recommended to change the batteries before the beginning of every winter.

And of course; goes without saying that an optimal performance should not be expected from a Furnace if it is not given the due maintenance and cleaning. Be very regular at least about cleaning the Filters since clogged filters will only result in breaking down the system during the time you most need it.

Your homework time begins. Before the first snow, make sure your Furnace is ready and you're all set to use it with the above mentioned precautionary measures.

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What is a heat pump – discover the advantages and disadvantages

Homeowners strive hard to find a home comfort system that can meet their needs years round - heat pump serves best in this regard. During summers, it works as an ordinary Air Conditioner and extracts the hot heat from home and transfers it to the outdoor air. The process reverses during the winter, unlike repelling hot air from inside to outside; the heat pump collects hot heat from outside and transfers it inside the home. 

Heat Pump vs Air Conditioner


- Even when the air feels freezing, it still has some heat particles. The heat pump effectively and quickly pulls heat and sends inside to warm your place.

- When the heat is not enough to meet minimal demand of the Thermostat, an electric heater is accompanied to warm the place.

- When a heat pump is employed in conjunction with a gas furnace – the dual fuel system shares the burden but does not work simultaneously.

- When the temperature drops below the ability of a heat pump, the Gas Furnace takes over and operates unless the temperature rises for a heat pump to work effectively. The heat pump should be installed flawlessly with clear cut differences in terms of produced heat level and running time of the heat pump. 

How much a heat pump costs you?

Heat pump prices are high, and when you consider installation, the rates can be between $1835 to $8180 whereas the running costs of heat pump are contingent upon the size and insulation properties of the household. 

Pros and cons of heat pump:

Before making a purchasing decision, It is essential to aware yourself about the upside and downside of a heat pump.

                 Advantages                                                            Disadvantages 

Reduced running cost:
Unlike the combustion-based system, heat systems are way more cheap to run. The more is the energy efficiency; higher is the saving on energy.
High upfront cost and complicated installation:
Heat pumps have a substantial upfront cost. The installation process is complicated; the installer must put serious consideration to understand the precise movement of heat.
Safer to use:
Heat pump are safer and more reliable than combustion-based systems.
Homeowners face issues in cold air:
Majority of homeowners encounter problems with heat pumps during winters. Experts say when the temperature drops below -15°C, the heat circulated by the heat pump will not be enough.
Less maintenance and effective conversion rate:
Heat pumps are easy to maintain and require once a year professional inspection. Though some minor details can be accomplished at home. The reduced carbon emission makes it best in terms of the highly effective conversion rate of energy to heat.
Carbon neutral:These types of equipment heavily rely on electricity to work effectively. Implying that they can never be complete carbon neutral.
Long life span:The heat pump can last up to fifty years. Despite these numbers, it is the reliable home comfort system with a steady source of heat.Significant work:The installation process of heat pump causes disruption to the house and especially the garden. The worst is that penetration will have to be done through building cladding.

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Power Inverter in Air conditioners

Inverter air conditioning and heating is the future of HVAC system allowing homeowners to adjust the capacity of the system as needed. An inverter does not produce power but redirects the direct current to alternating current and with that, the cooling or heating capacity is increased or decreased to eliminate the temperature fluctuation. Thus, draws lesser power and lesser unit of electricity.
In contrast, non-inverters have a noisy operation, less energy efficiency, and a fixed capacity to control the indoor temperature either by starting or stopping their compressors. 

Inverter Air Conditioner Benefits


How Does An Inverter Technology Work?

The intensity of cooling and heating keeps on changing as per the outdoor temperature or the amount of heat in a room. When there is a need to amplify the cooling or heating, the compressor motor starts working at relatively high speed and upsurge the quantity of refrigerant flow.
In moderate outside temperature, the magnitude of heating and cooling will reduce accordingly and the compressor will work at a reduced speed and thus reduce the amount of refrigerant flow.
To cut the long story short, it mechanically adjusts the temperature based on the requirement of the area. 

Benefits of power inverter in an air conditioner

There are a plethora of benefits of inverter air conditioning and heating compressor. The prominent ones are outlined below:

Reduced energy consumption:

An inverter AC has potential to deviate the speed of the compressor motor that helps to eliminate all costs related to stop-start cycles and with that in mind, it is more likely the AC will have more lifespan since low energy consumption meaning the reduced amount of wear and tear. 

Eco-friendly:

Inverter air conditioning and heating systems are more eco-friendly by considering their immediate fluctuation detection feature and mechanical adjustments made to the compressor speed. This makes the inverter technology more innovative in terms of energy saving and proving advantageous for the environment. 

High Level of comfort:

The most appreciated feature of the inverter is, its ability to change the amount of cooling and heating when required. By reducing the capacity, you are allowing the system to work on longer cycles. Longer cycles are synonymous with more heat exchange that ultimately helps you reach the desired temperature - meaning you add dehumidity in humid months and humidification in the dry months. 

Soundless operation:

Inverter air conditioner does not turn on off frequently yet works steadily at low power. This mechanism makes the system more efficient and soundless. On the contrary, to the non-inverter that keeps turning on and off to reach a certain degree.

Wrapping up the article

An inverter air conditioner costs a bit extra but considering its ability to provide a blend of advanced capabilities and ultimate comfort, makes it a smart and wise investment. Be it a big building or a small room, it is worth the extra monies disbursed on inverter air conditioning and heating as it cuts down the energy cost up to 50% and offers countless benefits such as precise comfort, less energy consumption and improved lifespan of the system.

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