Author: ciwg_CEO@906

The times we live in right now are uncertain; more people are working from home or self-isolating to stay safe. As of March this year, we’ve had to close our own doors indefinitely since a lot of our services include in-person repairs and replacements, to keep our own customers safe in these troubling times.

One thing we know for certain though is just because we’re not meeting one-on-one, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t get good quality HVAC service. We’re in a low season right now and it’s too easy to tell yourself that you don’t need HVAC help, but that’s a dangerous assumption to make because it leads to all of the problems we’ve outlined in our blog that can happen: emergency breakdowns, problems when starting up the air conditioner or furnace, little to no heating or cooling happening…the list goes on.

We want you to stay safe and healthy during this concerning part of our current world’s history, so here are some tips we know you’re going to need right now. Here’s how to get good quality, honest HVAC service with no in-person contact to put you and your family at risk.

1. Phone or E-mail Your Technicians

Even though some of us are still technically not open, that doesn’t mean you can’t ask for help in case of an emergency! Calling your technician over the phone is one way to get guidance on emergency care tips or if you’re in need of a possible estimate. E-mail is another virtual way to get the help you need.

2. Take Pictures of Your HVAC

Sometimes describing the problems you’re experiencing over the phone are not enough to express the seriousness of your situation. The best thing you can do at this time is to grab your phone or any camera you have on hand and start recording what’s happening. Not only is it helpful to take photographs, but also you could record videos to capture the sounds that are part of the problem, such as hissing or loud banging.

3. Allow Your Technicians Entry

Supposing the estimate provided is acceptable, and your HVAC situation is a very urgent one, your technicians will have to come in person to fix the problem. That being said, you can make your appointment with the technician a contactless one. Leave the basement door unlocked if the issue is your furnace or hot water heater, and head upstairs or outside while we work inside. We can work outside and maintaining social distance if your problem involves an outdoor unit.

If for any reason you are under quarantine and can’t let anyone in, but you still require assistance, we can guide you over the phone on what needs to be done before you can allow anybody else inside. 

4. Stay Calm

If you’re facing any of the most common HVAC problems such as little to no airflow or heat, it’s disconcerting for sure. However, nothing will get done if you choose to panic at the first sign of HVAC failure. The best thing to do is to stay calm and follow the above tips for emergencies and contactless service. If you’re working from home temporarily or have time, now is a great moment to perform HVAC maintenance such as cleaning the air filter and the outside of your units. Feel free to check out our spring cleaning tips for HVAC and put them to good use while you wait for things to settle down.

Stay healthy and safe during these tough times, and know that your HVAC is still in good hands—even if you need to practice social distancing. We’ll get through this and be stronger on the other side for it! At Rep-Air Heating And Cooling we provide our customers with many options that will best suit your needs from heating and cooling to refrigeration. Contact us today for your complimentary quote: 1-844-218-3362 or contact@repairheatingandcooling.com and don’t forget to take a look at our website: https://repairheatingandcooling.com. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

If this is the year you’ve gotten a new home, congratulations! With homeownership comes a whole slew of responsibilities, however, and one of them includes HVAC maintenance. Other aspects you’re required to look after include the hot water heater as well.

You may be staring at this valuable resource right now wondering what exactly you need to do with it. If this sounds like you, don’t worry, we can help. Here are some basics on hot water heaters worth knowing as a new homeowner.

1: Yes, You Need to Clean It

Hot water heaters require cleaning and maintenance in order to do a few things: 1) heat up the water when needed, such as when washing the dishes, running the washing machine, and taking a shower; 2) keep the hot water clean and flowing throughout the plumbing. Just like HVAC, maintaining a hot water heater has its benefits: for one, you increase its lifespan and extend the number of years it’ll remain an efficient heater. For another, it makes certain you have the proper amount of domestic water running to your home.

A few tasks you can perform every so often are to clean out the tank and replace the anode rods. For more details on what anode rods are and how to clean a heater, please refer to our blog post.

2: Failure is Not an Ideal Option

It’s dangerous to leave aside the maintenance tasks for too long! Hot water heaters are built with a pressure and temperature controlled tank. If the water in the heater becomes overheated, the pressure will build to the point where the thermal expansion will blow out the bottom. This can cause the unit to take off through your home just like a rocket!

There are other risks you should always keep in mind with your water heater. There’s a chance the natural gas used to fuel the heater can leak out, and an explosion could occur. Carbon monoxide may also leak out from the fuel burn. A minor risk of electrical shock, if your heater is an electrical one, can occur if the heater was improperly installed.

Because these are such great risks to families, a hot water heater requires a permit for installation. The purpose of this permit is to allow a third-party to come and inspect the heater and make sure nothing was missed and the family living within the space is safe from harm. Our technicians at Rep-Air are licensed and equipped with the needed skills and knowledge of codes and safety procedures to inspect and maintain your water heater safely and efficiently.

3: You Have Two Options

By options we mean the type of water heater for your home. These two options are tankless and tank heaters. Tank water heaters are the most common type of heater you will find in homes. They store gallons of heated water at a time, and are an economical choice for some homeowners. There are lower up-front unit costs, for example, with tank heaters compared to the tankless ones.

Tankless, in comparison, heat your water on demand but don’t store water. What happens instead is the water will pass through a series of coils to and from the unit. Because of this, tankless heaters are a good choice for environmentally conscious homeowners, plus they take up way less space than tank ones.

As for fueling the heaters, you have two common choices there as well. Natural gas and electric hot water heaters are usually the kinds you’ll find in the marketplace within BC, the main reasons being they’re the most efficient to maintain, they’re some of the least expensive to purchase, and they’re the easiest to fix by a technician if something goes awry. Some companies may offer other fuel options, however they may not be the most environmentally friendly or the least expensive options if those are what you’re looking for.

If your new home comes with a heater that’s a tank, but you’d rather have a tankless one instead, you do have the option to replace it. Even better, rebates and financing options are available to homeowners who want to make the switch from tank to tankless.

Get a Licensed Technician to Help!

You will need to call in an expert if there are any signs that your hot water heater is having problems. These signs include but are not limited to having no hot water (despite it being cranked all the way up), your water is under or overheating, and the thermostat is faulty. For more details on the signs you can refer to our blog post on that subject as well.

Give our team a call for all your water heater needs. Our licensed technicians can also help you make the switch from tank to tankless, if you would like. At Rep-Air Heating And Cooling we provide our customers with many options that will best suit your needs from heating and cooling to refrigeration. Contact us today for your complimentary quote: 1-844-218-3362 or contact@repairheatingandcooling.com and don’t forget to take a look at our website: https://repairheatingandcooling.com. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram!

Sometimes it’s tough to feel like you want to take care of your home, especially the HVAC. After all, it’s not like you have nothing to do in the meantime. You may work long hours, you may be a parent raising your kids, or you may be struggling to make ends meet every month. Life happens.

That does not mean, however, that it’s a good idea to leave HVAC out of the picture entirely. As much as we don’t want to admit it, looking after HVAC on a regular basis is part of a homeowner’s life, whether you like it or not. If you’re wondering what will happen if you don’t take care of your HVAC, or you want to let the task of maintaining it slide for once this season, maybe reading this will help change your mind. Here’s what really happens if or when you don’t take care of your home’s HVAC.

1. Dirt. Dirt everywhere.

You know how electronics like the TV seem to naturally draw in dust when you’re not looking? Well, the same thing happens to HVAC: if you ignore cleaning and dusting off its components, expect to find dirt.

Lots of it. Everywhere.

Dirt isn’t the only thing to build up either. Mold, mildew, and yes, dust too can all pile up and get circulated throughout the home, leading to one messy house.

The filter, blower, and coils all work together to circulate air and heat up or cool down the rooms. Dirty components, on the other hand, require more energy to keep the air flowing and dirty coils are incapable of moving air of the proper temperature efficiently throughout the system. All this will lead to an inefficient HVAC system that will cost you hundreds of dollars over several years.

2. A ton of damage from air filters

You know how some people can’t stop sneezing whenever spring rolls in? Imagine not being able to stop. Now you have an idea of what happens if you don’t clean or replace the air filters in your HVAC.

Other than helping your HVAC heat up or cool down your home, one of an air filter’s roles is to filter out all of the airborne particles that could threaten your health and well-being. By refusing to clean the filter, pollen, allergens, dander, and dust are all more likely to circulate throughout the house and be breathed in by you and your family. You’re also going to experience twice the amount of dirt and dander thanks to your leaving the gunk build up.

You and your family will not be the only ones to feel worse either. All of that dirt and dust buildup can clog the heat or cold your HVAC is trying to circulate. By not bothering to replace or clean it, you are in turn reducing the lifespan of your HVAC dramatically. Worst case scenario, an extremely clogged filter will lead to a complete premature failure as your HVAC expends too much of its energy to function.

So, bottom line, not taking care of the air filter is a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad idea.

3. Carbon monoxide poisoning

If your home has a furnace, it too can break down in several ones. One of the most dangerous consequences of failing to take care of this HVAC system are gas leaks. A furnace usually comes with a combustion chamber, which is where the gas is transferred and burned to generate heated air. This combustion process also releases carbon monoxide, which is a colourless and odourless toxic gas. A properly cleaned furnace will exhaust the carbon monoxide through the flue vent, leaving your home heated and, most importantly, safe.

However, if the exhaust becomes clogged from lack of maintenance, that’s when trouble can arise. If there’s no carbon monoxide detector in your home either, that’s also dangerous considering how difficult it is to detect carbon monoxide. A clogged exhaust will cause gas to backup within the house, and thus force the carbon monoxide to spread. This is exceedingly dangerous to everyone within if it’s not addressed immediately!

4. Leaks

Not only gas leaks, but also refrigerant leaks are going to be more frequent if you don’t take care of your HVAC. Leaks are one of the most common problems we encounter at Rep-Air, and they can happen for several reasons, from several common causes:

• Dirt and debris is blocking the drain’s hole
• The condenser pump has broken
• The seals on your HVAC unit aren’t tight enough
• The hose is blocked or clogged up with—you guessed it—dirt, debris, and other mucky particles.

Every single one of these scenarios can occur if you decide to not maintain your HVAC. Fixing the problem, as opposed to preventing them from happening, will only add to the cost of repairs.

5. Power problems

Like any mechanical equipment, there are components inside of your HVAC system that have a shelf life. This include power-delivering parts and wires that keep things running smoothly and efficiently.

Neglecting these components if there are smaller issues will definitely turn into expensive, big problems fast. Power fluctuations, frequent shutdowns, and ultimately a complete breakdown can and will occur. They start from the smaller issues we’ve outlined already such as a restricted airflow and lack of cleaning. That’s why we insist that regular maintenance, both on your part as well as by professional technicians, will not only prevent these major issues from happening but also ensures your HVAC’s lifespan is prolonged significantly.

Get the Service Your HVAC Needs!

If you’re experiencing one or more of these issues, give us a call at once. Delaying the fact that your HVAC system needs maintenance and tending to will only make things worse! At Rep-Air Heating And Cooling we provide our customers with many options that will best suit your needs from heating and cooling to refrigeration. Contact us today for your complimentary quote: 1-844-218-3362 or contact@repairheatingandcooling.com and don’t forget to take a look at our website: https://repairheatingandcooling.com. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for free giveaways!

Any leak discovered in an HVAC system is a bad time! Not only does it mean your air conditioner requires repairing, but also leaks are costly to both diagnose and fix. It doesn’t help that there are multiple reasons for a leak to happen.

The only good way to stop an air conditioner refrigerant leak, which is the most common type we see on the job, is to prevent one from happening in the first place. With that in mind, here is some information that’s all about these leaks, symptoms you’ve got one going on, what to do if you discover a leak, and how best to prevent this kind of HVAC problem altogether.

How do these leaks happen?

In order to best understand how a refrigerant leak happens in the first place, it helps to know a little about air conditioning. Refrigerant is the main fuel source for refrigerators and air conditioners of all types. When switched on, the refrigerant moves between the two sets of coils within the air conditioning system, the one indoors and the one outdoors. Along its way through the indoor coil, the refrigerant absorbs the heat from the indoor air and then cools it down.

A leak may happen for quite a few reasons, which makes diagnosing it difficult:

• Vibration against the coils, which can cause a leak over time
• Joints or connections in an air conditioner or heat pump that have also weakened over time
• Pollutants in the air such as cleaners, air fresheners, hair spray, and “off gassing” from building materials and furnishings can corrode the copper tube walls of the indoor coil, causing leakage in more than one location
• Age of the unit is also a factor; as the refrigerant continues to circulate under high pressure, wear forms on the inside of the tubing which causes its walls to thin, therefore leading to the possibility of leaks by the formerly mentioned causes

What are the signs of an A/C refrigerant leak?

While some of these signs may seem obvious, it’s actually pretty hard to tell their origin unless you’re an experienced professional. That’s why it’s so crucial to ask your regular technician to check up on your system when it’s less than busy; they can detect and diagnose the potential for this problem before it even happens. The typical signs of a leak include:

• A loss in cooling power
• No cool air being blown
• A hissing noise; gurgling means there’s a larger leak
• Frozen evaporator coils
• Water on the floor near the unit
• Higher than normal electric bills

What do I do if I find a leak?

Call an HVAC technician ASAP!! Even if it’s the busy season, you can’t afford to let a leak continue to occur. Not only will the leak continue to cost you in terms of expenses, but also it’s dangerous exposing yourself to refrigerant.

One thing you should not do is assume that the only cure for a leak is that the refrigerant level is low and a refill will fix the problem. If you were recently advised this, ignore it!! An air conditioner is not like a car in which oil needs to be replenished over time. A properly functioning system can circulate and maintain the same amount of refrigerant.

How to prevent air conditioner refrigerant leaks

Not to sound repetitive, but it’s true—calling your technician is the best way to prevent leaks from occurring in the first place. If proper maintenance is provided on a regular schedule, and you keep your air conditioner clean even before summer, then it’s easier and less expensive on your part to have a potential leak detected than it would be to fix the leak as soon as it happens. It doesn’t help that the signs of a leak are so similar to that of other problems. It’s easy to assume there’s a leak without realizing the issue is as fixable as, say, replacing a clogged air filter.

So, the best way to prevent leaks is to never make assumptions and never DIY a leak if it happens. If you notice water on the floor near the unit or ice on the coils, calling in the professionals is the way to go.

Still need help? Our technicians can inspect and maintain your air conditioner before the busy summer months roll in, and detect potential leaks. Now is the best time to give us a call. At Rep-Air Heating And Cooling we provide our customers with many options that will best suit your needs from heating and cooling to refrigeration. Contact us today for your complimentary quote: 1-844-218-3362 or contact@repairheatingandcooling.com and don’t forget to take a look at our website: https://repairheatingandcooling.com. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for free giveaways!

Are you eagerly anticipating the warm weather? Spring is a prime time of the year to clean house and get ready to shed your winter coat. It’s also the best time of the year to switch from heating to cooling your home down!

It’s time to give your furnace and other heating systems a nice vacation while waking your air conditioner and cooling up from hibernation. Here are a few tips to help you get your home and HVAC systems ready for the spring season.

1. Turn on the A/C

One of the easiest tasks you should do first and foremost is switch on the air conditioner or cooling system in your home. You’ll want to do this in order to detect immediate underlying problems, such as:

• Loud, banging noises
• Minimal or no air flow
• Funky smells
• Constant stopping mid-cycle

Make sure while the cooling system is on to walk from room to room. Check on the vents in each room to ensure they’re open, clean, and providing adequate airflow.

2. Change the Filters

Even if you applied a new filter at the start of winter and your cooling system went into hibernation mode, it’s still best to check up on the filter. Dust can accumulate at any time and impact your system’s efficiency and the air quality in your home. The longer you withhold from cleaning this part of HVAC, the more dust that gathers and the bigger the cleaning job becomes.

That’s why it’s recommended you change the air filter in your HVAC every three months (or more, depending on other factors such as pets). Doing so will ensure you’re not breathing in harmful particulates such as mold, dust, and allergens, and your HVAC will keep performing smoothly.

3. Check the Thermostat

Another simple task you can perform this spring is to check up on your thermostat and make sure it’s functioning normally. You will want to check that the displayed temperature on the thermostat matches the actual temperature of the air in your home. If the numbers don’t match, watch out—that’s one of several warning signs of imminent failure on your HVAC’s part (plus you’ll start paying more money than you ought!).

If it’s been a while since you last looked at your thermostat, perhaps it’s time to upgrade it? Programmable thermostats come with their own slew of benefits. Their best feature worth noting is their ability to adjust the temperature based on your own unique schedule, and can turn HVAC on and off even when you’re not at home.

Spring is a great time of the year to upgrade your thermostat to a programmable one if you haven’t already. Your home will be more comfortable come summer and you’ll save money in the process!

4. Spring Clean Around Your Units

You knew this was coming! The air filters are not the only components of HVAC that require regular cleaning. Coils on the outside units, fan blades, and so on may all require your attention after the winter months have passed. There may be debris all around the outdoor units of your air conditioner (depending on what kind you own) that needs to be cleared out as well.

Take some time to spring clean these valuable parts of your HVAC in addition to the rest of your home this season. That way, you won’t force the units to work as hard if they’re dirty, plus you reduce the risk of increased utility bills for using them.

5. Call Your HVAC Technician

If you’re finding the task of tune-ups and maintenance to be too difficult, spring is the best time of the year to contact an expert. It’s a low season, so there’s more time we can dedicate to diagnosing the problems you’re having exactly while also providing top-notch quality service. It may be time to get an annual check-up and maintenance regardless!

Having trouble?

If you’ve discovered a problem with your cooling systems while gearing it up for spring, go ahead and give us a call. We’re here for all of your HVAC needs! At Rep-Air Heating And Cooling we provide our customers with many options that will best suit your needs from heating and cooling to refrigeration. Contact us today for your complimentary quote: 1-844-218-3362 or contact@repairheatingandcooling.com and don’t forget to take a look at our website: https://repairheatingandcooling.com. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for free giveaways!

Sometimes a new HVAC system is needed for your home, particularly if the system itself is getting too old and worn out. It could not be heating up or cooling down properly, or the parts needed to repair it are no longer being manufactured. Whatever the reason, there may come a point when you need to get a new HVAC system.

What type of system would be best for your needs though? The ones we’re going to cover in today’s article are the most common types you’ll see in the market. Here are the pros and cons of each so you know which is which and whether one will suit your needs the most.

1. Split Systems

Heating and cooling split systems are the most common type of HVAC system you’ll see. As the name implies, the entire system is split between two main units, one for cooling and one for heating. This is the system that consists of both indoor and outdoor units, which you have already recognized. A cooling system is set up outside, which uses compressors, coils, and refrigerant to cool air and a fan to blow out the hot air. These are the large air conditioning units placed outside of homes that run frequently in the summer months.

The heater part of the system is usually located in the basement or other storage area, and gas is used to heat up the home. This hot air is either dispersed by a fan or circulated via an evaporator. A traditional thermostat is used to manage the temperature, and usually keeps it at your desired level.

Pros:

• These units come packaged with purifiers and humidifiers so you’re comfortable no matter what the weather is.
• These are the most generally used systems for homes that aren’t forced to cater to specific needs or environmental factors.
• Most split systems are built to be noiseless, meaning the only sound you’ll hear is the air being circulated indoors.
• Split systems are attractive when it comes to placement because they’re unobtrusive enough. You can have them out of the way and still feel their heating and cooling effects. Even if you do see them, their build is a sleek and modern one.

Cons:

• Split systems are incredibly expensive to install from the get-go. The long-term savings you see after time has passed makes up for the initial cost; however, it is still an investment needing to be made and not everyone can afford it (especially if it turns out to be the wrong system for the job!).
• It can take a while for a licensed HVAC person to come and install it in your home. It absolutely has to be a professional who installs it, both for your safety’s sake as well as to validate your warranty. If this kind of a job is needed in the middle of summer, that’s an extra cost on top of it already!
• Split systems are only best suitable for larger homes, and they need to be positioned within 30 feet of each other since that’s the length of tubing that connects them together. This means if you’re in an apartment building or you live in an exceptionally tall building, this will not work out.
• Though the indoor units don’t make any noise, the outdoor units generate a lot of it. If you live in a highly populated area, this system won’t do since you need to be considerate of your neighbours and respect their need for a quiet space.

2. Hybrid Split Systems

Hybrid split systems are similar to split ones, but there are some key differences worth noting. These systems can react to changing temperatures and then adjust their temperatures automatically when heating up or cooling down a home. It combines a furnace with a heat pump rather than an air conditioner, saving fuel resources in the process. Hybrid heat can also work together with both gas and electric systems.

Pros:

• Homeowners can decide how they want their home to be heated up, gas or electric—the choice is there.
• Hybrid systems work best in mild climates where homeowners can take advantage of electric heat during months when it’s not too cold.
• The hybrid system uses traditional ducts and a thermostat, so it provides all the benefits of a split system but with an additional option to conserve energy and lessen up the cost of utility bills.

Cons:

• Though hybrid systems can provide efficient heat in mild and brief winters, It’s not very good at extracting heat from the outside air. So when the temperature falls below freezing one winter, your home could be potentially left chilly and uncomfortable.
• A hybrid split system is not a 100% renewable solution to reducing the carbon footprint. The hybrid system still uses boilers that rely on fossil fuels in order to function.
• You may see a difference in lower energy costs in the long term, but the higher upfront cost may be unrealistic to you as a homeowner. If you plan to move from your home in the next few years, a hybrid system is not your best financial option.

3. Mini Split (Duct Free)

A mini-split or duct-free HVAC system is unique in that it has large upfront costs, but the benefits for certain applications and needs make up for it a great deal. These types of systems come in the form of individual units in each room, providing you with great independent control. The units are typically mounted on walls indoors and attached to an outdoor compressor.

Pros:

• They’re best for heating up or cooling down individual rooms, making them ideal units in garages, additions, and/or additional buildings.
• They’re easy to install.
• They allow you independent control of the unit.
• They’re great for commercial purposes, such as hotels or venues, and for apartments or smaller homes since they allow tenants to control individual temperatures.
• They keep exterior rooms from being heated and only do so for individual rooms, so it’s conserving more energy in the process.

Cons:

• They’re highly expensive, both to install and repair if a part is broken or worn down.
• The sight of a unit is more obvious than other forms of HVAC units (can be a problem if you don’t want to notice them day in and out).
• The systems require intensive and regular cleaning and maintenance, and it’s more important to keep up with that since the total cost of repairs and replacements is also very expensive.
• Its ability to use less power is both a pro and a con; compared to central air, this system may not provide the same level of consistency you may be looking for.

To sum up, there are a great deal several types of HVAC systems, but now that you know a little more about these systems you can make a more informed purchasing decision.

Financing options are available via SNAP if you’re mainly concerned about the initial cost. When you’re ready for your new system and you want professionals to handle the installation process, give us a call. At Rep-Air Heating And Cooling we provide our customers with many options that will best suit your needs from heating and cooling to refrigeration. Contact us today for your complimentary quote: 1-844-218-3362 or contact@repairheatingandcooling.com and don’t forget to take a look at our website: https://repairheatingandcooling.com. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for free giveaways!

Winter is the season of the furnace in some homes. Even if the snow has melted, things can get pretty cold in BC’s Lower Mainland until the spring months roll in for the year.

Have you ever looked at your furnace and thought to yourself, “I have questions but don’t know where to turn”? Starting here in this online article might be a good place to start if so! Even if you’ve owned a furnace for years, it’s a good idea to refresh your memory about this sort of knowledge. And if you’re new to owning a furnace in your home, then this is all the more reason to read further.

With all of that in mind, here are our answers to five frequently asked questions about furnaces, whether they’re electric or gas.

1. Why does my furnace need regular maintenance?

All machines need to be maintained regularly, and that’s pretty much what a furnace is! It’s a machine built to heat up a home’s space. Much like cars, furnaces need to be serviced every so often so that early wear and tear problems can be detected sooner than later. Plus, it prevents your energy bills from skyrocketing to unaffordable levels, and instead of facing catastrophic failures (which go hand in hand with expenses), you keep the unit operating at a normal level.

For best results, always refer to the furnace’s manufacturer manual and specifications during your own maintenance tasks to ensure your furnace has a long and safe lifespan.

2. How many BTUs does my home need?

There are two ways to determine the number of British Thermal Units (BTUs) needed to heat your home. A rough way to do it is to divide your home’s square footage by 0.28. However, a more accurate calculation can be made; determine the amount of heat loss your home experiences. Then, choose a furnace to compensate for that loss.

3. What’s the best type of furnace to buy?

This one’s a tougher question, because there are so many variables that need to be considered before you go ahead and make a purchasing decision. The most common furnaces you’ll find in British Columbia are natural gas and electric ones, and as of today a natural gas furnace is less expensive to run. However, the real answer is that the best furnace is the one that’s right for your home. This has to mean that your furnace should produce the right amount of BTUs, and it’s capable of circulating the warm air throughout your home.

Anytime you need a new furnace, or you’re looking to buy, you should always consult with an expert. That way, you don’t overbuy or under-buy the furnace and you find something that’s truly based on your needs.

4. When do I need to replace my furnace?

The average furnace can last between 15-20 years, assuming you are providing it proper and regular maintenance. A high-efficiency furnace can last for 12-14 years on average. If your home is over 10 years old, however, you may need to do your due diligence on your furnace and how it’s operating. Carefully monitor it daily when it’s running, and take note of any signs it’s wearing down.

5. What are some signs that my furnace needs to be replaced?

Every furnace model is different, but in most cases these are the most telling signs to be aware of:

• Little/no heat being produced
• Odd smells, like sulfur or rotten eggs
• Consistent pilot light failures
• Severely delayed ignition
• A significant amount of corrosion

Any one of these means a replacement is in order rather than repairs (the latter will end up being more expensive than it’s worth!).

Still have questions?

Our HVAC technicians are available to answer all of your most burning questions about furnaces (pun intended). You can reach out to us on social media or e-mail and send us a message, or give us a call. Let us know if you’d like to book an appointment in the meantime! At Rep-Air Heating And Cooling we provide our customers with many options that will best suit your needs from heating and cooling to refrigeration. Contact us today for your complimentary quote: 1-844-218-3362 or contact@repairheatingandcooling.com and don’t forget to take a look at our website: https://repairheatingandcooling.com. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for free giveaways!

Whether you’re in the high or low season at your business, it’s guaranteed that any commercial refrigeration being used daily will have an urgent need to tend to. You can prevent major breakdowns from occurring with regular maintenance before and during the busiest months, and make sure both your customers and staff are happy too.

Here are seven good maintenance tips for commercial refrigeration to keep in mind. You can add these to your schedule if needed to stay organized and keep an eye on potential problems that may build up over time.

1. Clean both the inside and outside

One of the biggest reasons we get calls in to help fix commercial fridges and coolers, etc. is because the business or staff in question forgot that like the floors and everything else, the cooling units need to be cleaned too. Clean out any spills or stains inside of the units, and clean the outside to prevent exterior spills from making their way to the parts needed for a fridge to function properly. Keep an eye out for excess moisture, which also needs to be wiped up.

You will have to clean the floor underneath the refrigeration too. Doing so will prevent bacteria and other things like mold from contaminating your food. It will also help you control dirt and dust while maintaining the condenser coils, which is the next task you have to do.

2. Clean up condenser coils regularly

Ideally you should clean this component in your commercial refrigeration at least once every six months. You may be wondering how often this needs to be done, but really the answer is when they’re dirty—that’s it. Once every six months is only the standard recommendation as well; the number may change to more frequently depending on your circumstances.

This is why you need to check on your business’s refrigeration regularly and clean the freezer coils to ensure there is no debris clogging things up. Build-up will force the evaporator to work harder than it should and thus it’ll take longer to cool the inside. It could even lead to calling in a technician for service on reducing strain from the evaporator’s motor.

3. Clean up tubing and drain pans

Larger commercial refrigeration units and freezers tend to attract bigger amounts of slime and sludge formation, which can cause units to freeze up and stop working properly. This sludge tends to form the most frequently inside of tubing and the drain pans. If these pans overflow with sludge and moisture, it’ll create a nasty and pungent smell throughout the kitchen. Clogging in the tubing is also a problem, because it will cause an overflow in the defrost system and that will leak onto the floor.

To prevent these problems, clean the tubing and drain pans. You can clean out the pan using a vinegar solution or warm water and soap at least once a month. Check on the tubing every few months to avoid significant blockages from occurring. Water spots or calcium on the exterior of the hoses may build up, so if you notice these you can prevent future wear and tear by cleaning them with soap and water.

4. Inspect the refrigeration’s door gaskets (seals)

Torn or split door gaskets, or seals, happen over time the more frequently the refrigeration unit is used. It works hard enough to cool down the conditioned space. Gaskets that become torn or split can lead to warm air seeping into the fridge and spoiling food in the process. Food debris in these worn out gaskets can also lead to bacteria and mold build-up.

Every so often it’s a good idea to inspect all four sides of the commercial refrigeration unit’s door gaskets. Check to see if rips or tears are occurring, and make sure these actually seal well on all four sides of the door. Gasket cleaning should be very gentle, using mild soapy water; this will help remove any food debris.

5. Inspect the evaporator coil

The evaporator coil, just like the condenser coil, is a vital part of your commercial refrigeration units. This part is located by the evaporator fan and helps absorb heat as the warm air passes through the system, which then helps cool down the interior.

This part needs to be kept clean too. Keep this coil clear and clean consistently and avoid cramming the interior of the fridge or freezer, with a lot of items, especially if they’re hot. Blocking airflow to the evaporator coil will cause it to freeze up, which then leads to both a rise in cabinet temperature and water leakage.

6. Keep the ice maker clean

If your commercial refrigeration comes with an ice maker, this system will also need to be kept clean. Leaving it alone for too long will result in greater bacteria and mold accumulation, which leads to health problems for everyone (especially your customers!). No one wants to find dirty ice in their drinks, so take the time to clean it out.

There are a lot of steps to be taken for this part, which we’ve outlined in a previous blog post. If you still find you’re having difficulty with this step, there’s no harm in calling in a professional technician to clean this part for you instead.

7. Replace the air filter

Yes, just like an air conditioner or furnace, commercial refrigeration comes with air filters. This is why we keep insisting on keeping everything clean, because a large buildup can prevent air from ventilating the fridge or freezer properly. How does buildup develop, you ask? Simple: the grease and dust from fryers and griddles.

To take care of the air filter for your fridge, remove any dust or loose debris with a powerful shop vacuum. Clean up any thick grease buildup with a degreasing solution. You may want to refer to the unit’s manual for more tips on how to properly degrease the filter without causing damage.

Speaking of damage, that’s another thing that too much grease and buildup can cause. If you’re degreasing and notice any splits in the air filter from the debris, then replace the filter immediately.

Still experiencing problems?

There are some issues that these DIY fixes cannot correct and will require the aid of a professional HVAC-R technician:

• Troubles with electrical connections
• The unit isn’t cold enough, or there’s no air flow
• There’s no power to the commercial refrigeration
• The compressor is not running, or it’s short cycling
• The fan motor is out
• The evaporator coil is iced up
• The refrigerant charge needs to be checked up on
• A scheduled maintenance check-up and cleaning for specific components, such as the ice maker

We service commercial fridges, walk-in coolers, walk-in freezers, and ice machines in addition to HVAC systems, so get in touch with us if any of the above list applies to your situation. At Rep-Air Heating And Cooling we provide our customers with many options that will best suit your needs from heating and cooling to refrigeration. Contact us today for your complimentary quote: 1-844-218-3362 or contact@repairheatingandcooling.com and don’t forget to take a look at our website: https://repairheatingandcooling.com. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for free giveaways!

You may be thinking we’re crazy for suggesting you check your air conditioning in winter, but in reality it’s not that bad of an idea. We get a lot of calls regarding air conditioners that break down on the hottest days of summer, and a lot of the problems that arise from them could have easily been avoided in the first place.

We want our customers to stay cool when it’s hot out, and stay warm when it’s freezing out. Following these DIY inspection tips for your A/C even when and if it’s snowing out can help you detect potential problems that may arise, and even give yourself something to do if you’re snowed in.

Step 1: Check the Air Filter

The air filter is the part of an air conditioner that can suffocate it when it gets dirty. The dirt layers that can build up if left uncleaned will limit the amount of air that your A/C unit breathes in. Without adequate airflow, there are a whole bunch of problems that can arise and eventually lead to a total system failure.

If this sounds like the state of your air filter, clean it up yourself (you can use a vacuum cleaner) or replace it if needed. Don’t forget to place the filter back correctly when you’re finished.

Step 2: Investigate the Thermostat’s Settings

It’s very easy to forget that a thermostat on an A/C unit can typically be switched from ‘Heat’ to ‘Cool’ quite easily. Be sure to switch to this setting once you’re ready to test the airflow quality, power, and sounds of your air conditioner before turning it onto full blast for the hotter season. (More on testing later.)

If your thermostat has to be set to exact degrees rather than ‘Heat’ or ‘Cold’, then set it to the typical temperature in summer which is 25 degrees Celsius (78 degrees Fahrenheit). That way you won’t be putting too much pressure on your unit when you’re trying to cool off. Turning the thermostat down full blast will only cause more problems as opposed to keeping you cool.

Step 3: Check the Outdoor Unit (If Applicable)

This step will depend on where you live and what kind of air conditioner you own. For this example, we’re going to use central A/C which does often require an outdoor unit and/or heat pump to function properly. It’s easy to forget that you have to take care of this part of your air conditioning even in winter, because of the weather. Ice can form on the outside and when it melts, make its way into the interior of the unit. So you need to ensure that if this unit isn’t already being protected, you get rid of the ice covering the outside.

Other objects that can interfere with the efficiency of an outdoor unit are basically any outside things that can intrude on its space. There needs to be about 3 feet of space surrounding your unit outside to ensure no debris interferes with the air quality your unit produces. Make sure there are no objects such as branches hanging out within that perimeter, and brush off all the dirt on the unit’s exterior. If there’s a thicker layer of dirt, you may need to call a professional technician over for a deep cleaning.

Step 4: Inspect the Circuit Breaker

Sometimes the circuit breaker is the reason why an air conditioner won’t run or switch on. This fix is a simple one. Find your home’s main electrical panel (usually kept in the basement). Look for any circuit breakers that are not in the On position. Do you have any breakers that are clearly labeled? If so, look for one that specifically reads A/C or air conditioner. If the A/C’s circuit breakers have tripped, then push that breaker firmly into the On position. Try running your air conditioner again once that’s finished.

If for any reason the circuit breakers trip again upon switching your A/C on however, don’t try to switch the circuit breaks on again. This is a sign of an electrical problem that only your HVAC technician should look into and fix. Call yours if you make this discovery.

Step 5: Test, test, test

It’s a good idea to give your air conditioner a test run before you use it for the summer months. Once it’s switched on, walk your way through the entire house. Why? Because you’re going to be checking for any spots where the following is taking place:

• All supply air vents—both the return and supply kinds—are not being blocked or covered. Not even in unused rooms.
• No funny noises are coming from your A/C while it’s running, even when you’re not in the same room.
• The circuit breakers aren’t being tripped as soon as the A/C is switched on (see our previous point).

It’s also a good idea to run some tests after the aforementioned tasks, such as cleaning the filter, have taken place. This will ensure the test is a success and your air conditioner is ready to go when you need it!

Still having problems?

If you’ve performed all of these tasks in our article but then discover you still have an underlying problem with your air conditioner, it could be one of the following:

• Electrical problems
• Dirty or clogged air condenser
• No or minimal coolant in the unit
• Compressor problems

For all of these problems and more, give us a call. At Rep-Air Heating And Cooling we provide our customers with many options that will best suit your needs from heating and cooling to refrigeration. Contact us today for your complimentary quote: 1-844-218-3362 or contact@repairheatingandcooling.com and don’t forget to take a look at our website: https://repairheatingandcooling.com. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for free giveaways!

It’s a new year and a whole new decade! 2020 is full of expectation all around. There are new technologies being developed for homeowners and HVAC technicians alike, and new trends emerging within the industry. With this in mind, how about we have a little fun this time? Here are a few predictions we’re making for 2020 that involve the HVAC industry and where it’s headed.

More Green Homes

Energy efficiency has been the name of the game since the last two decades took place. Our environment and caring for it has never been more important than right now. To accommodate this lifestyle and approach, more homes are being developed as green—meaning greener technology will be the forefront of the HVAC industry. Gone will be the days of relying on non-renewable resources; we’re heading in that direction, but in certain areas than others, we’ve got a long way to go.

This year will be when we really up the ante on going green and taking more responsibility on ourselves to ensure we’re not harming the environment while also trying to stay warm or cool. New homes will be built with this sense of urgency in mind, and use only the highest developed and energy efficient HVAC systems during construction.

More Mobile Usage = More New Technology to Learn About

We all use our mobile phones these days to access information, buy products, and even control things when we’re absent from our homes—and yes, that does include our HVAC! With this increased reliance on mobile usage, it means there will be more new HVAC technology and controls to learn about. These new developments will make controlling your heat and cooling easier than ever, while ensuring you’re living at a comfortable temperature year-round.

There are already digital thermostats installed on phones that enable you to turn up or down the heat or air conditioning without your having to be at home to do so. We predict that this will be applied to every home that has one; after all, it goes hand in hand with the prediction on more green homes, because with this kind of technology, it’s guaranteed that no heating or cooling energy resource is going to waste.

Training and HVAC Careers Will Boom

All of this new technology means there will be new training too. According to one source, the demand for HVAC equipment is predicted to increase by 6% throughout 2020. With that kind of growth, the demand for skills across companies will grow too. This means that more HVAC companies will be looking to invest in more training and HVAC skill programs while they adapt to the changes technology is bringing to us all. In addition, since there will always be a place for HVAC in our homes and lives, we’ll be seeing a lot more students enrolling in such programs and accepting it as a long-term career choice—again, thanks to the new technology being introduced.

HVAC Companies Will Still be People-centric

“What do you mean by that?” you’re probably wondering. Simply put, we are not going to stop putting aside our customers’ needs because of the latest trend in tech or upswing in metrics. If you need financing to better afford your heating and cooling solutions, we have a solution. If you need great customer service and a properly installed HVAC system, we’ve got the licenses and skills in place for the job. New technology will be introduced, but our dedication to our customers will never be replaced by it. You can expect that great sense of customer service from us in 2020 and beyond—that’s a prediction that’s going to come true!

Let’s see whether the other predictions come true as the year goes on. In the meantime, we’re available for all of your heating and cooling needs, so go ahead and give us a call. At Rep-Air Heating And Cooling we provide our customers with many options that will best suit your needs from heating and cooling to refrigeration. Contact us today for your complimentary quote: 1-844-218-3362 or contact@repairheatingandcooling.com and don’t forget to take a look at our website: https://repairheatingandcooling.com. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for free giveaways!