Furnace Archives - Page 2 of 2 - Always Plumbing & Heating

3 Edmonton Furnace Tips (to Improve Indoor Air Quality)

Did you know that turning on your furnace can affect your home’s indoor air quality? If your furnace has not been properly maintained, the first time it is turned on for the Alberta winter, your household becomes susceptible to all the dust and allergens that have accumulated over the warmer summer months. Furnaces, by nature, produce a dry heat. Couple this with a lack of air conditioner treatment in the home and it can quickly have a negative effect on your indoor air quality (IAQ). Follow these tips and avoid costly furnace repairs, as well as damage to your heating system.

3 Tips to Improve Indoor Air Quality:

1. Regularly check and change your air filter.

Your furnace filter should be changed before you turn it on for the heating season and then changed at least every 2-3 months. Check your filter every month. If you have pets or are highly susceptible to allergies it may need to be changed more frequently.

2. Regular furnace maintenance and tune-up.

Schedule annual furnace maintenance with a certified HVAC technician. Ideally, this should be scheduled before you turn on your furnace for the heating season. Not only will regular maintenance make your furnace more efficient by reducing its fuel consumption, it will ensure carbon monoxide isn’t leaking into your home and help to prevent break downs during the winter when you need your furnace the most.

3. Consider upgrading to a high efficiency furnace.

If your furnace is more than 10-15 years old, it may save money in the long run to replace it. While high efficiency furnaces can be expensive, the cost associated is offset by lower utility bills and better performance.

High efficiency furnaces reduce indoor air pollution because they do not generate energy from conventional means, such as gas. They also provide more even heating and lower energy consumption making the home more comfortable overall.

Additional Tip: How to Tell If Your Furnace Gives Poor IAQ

Poor indoor air quality isn’t usually noticeable right away. The symptoms may come on suddenly but can easily be mistaken for outdoor allergies or cold symptoms. If the symptoms tend to disappear when you leave for an extended period of time or only appear indoors but not when you’re outside, then it may be a result of poor air quality. If you notice any of the below symptoms when you, your family, or guests enter your home then it may be time to check your IAQ:

Dry mucous membranes.
Excessively dry skin.
Coughing or itchy, dry throat.
Nausea or dizziness.
Hoarseness or wheezing.

If you notice any of these symptoms in multiple members of your household, then it is most likely due to your home’s indoor air quality. While your furnace may be playing a role in your home’s poor air quality, it can also be used to improve it.

It’s not too late to improve your indoor air quality for the winter! Proper furnace maintenance and staying current on repairs can significantly reduce your family’s risk of getting the flu, colds and allergy and asthma symptoms. This winter, rely on Always Heating & Plumbing for your furnace needs to keep your family happy and healthy! Call 780-489-8118 (Edmonton) or 587-601-1253 (Fort McMurray) to schedule an appointment!

Troubleshooting Common Furnace Problems in Edmonton: Signs You Need A Professional

With below freezing temperatures and snow on the way here in Edmonton, it’s a good time to check in with your furnace and make sure it’s in shape for another harsh Canadian winter. Many furnace repairs, if caught in time, can prevent bigger problems – including dreaded breakdown from happening.

Common Furnace Problems And Troubleshooting

From the outside, a furnace may look simple, but it is a complex appliance using gas or electricity to heat your home. While you may not be able to easily fix your furnace on your own, you can prevent costly repairs or an unnecessary replacement by knowing the signs that your furnace isn’t working properly – and when to call a professional.

1. Your Furnace is Making Strange Noises

The noises you are hearing could indicate that something is wrong with your furnace, such as an issue with the blower motor or a loose fan belt. It’s important to have these issues addressed as soon as possible in order to prevent further damage and costly repairs. A professional technician will be able to inspect your system and make any necessary repairs or adjustments.

2. Your pilot light no longer has a blue appearance.

If your furnace pilot changes color, it could indicate a carbon monoxide leak. Carbon monoxide is an odorless and colorless gas that can be deadly if breathed in. If you notice that the pilot light has changed colors, turn off your furnace and leave the area immediately. Contact a professional for help to determine the source of the issue and if necessary, to repair it.

3. There is a significant change in your electric bills.

A sudden spike in electric bills is a signal your furnace is not working properly and, therefore, is working inefficiently causing a much higher energy usage.

4. Your furnace frequently turns on and off.

The average heating system cycles on and off three to six times every hour. Anything more than this means your system is short cycling, which can be caused by a range of problems. An HVAC technician can help you successfully diagnose the issue and prevent further damage.

5. Your roof is icy.

If your furnace is working incorrectly the heat may travel upward and melt snow. This can cause ice to form on the roof and possibly the creation of a damaging ice dam.

6. Condensation on the windows.

There are many causes for condensation on the windows inside your home. It can be a result of an older furnace, ventilation problems, or a number of other furnace issues. A licensed technician can help you get to the bottom of the issue and determine the best course of action.

7. Your furnace is blowing cold air.

Obviously, this isn’t good. Your furnace could be overheating, your pilot light could be out, or it could be a sign of a larger problem. If there isn’t an obvious reason as to why your furnace isn’t blowing enough heat, like your pilot light out, call for a professional diagnosis before attempting repairs.

8. Weak air is blowing from the vents.

There are several reasons your furnace may not effectively be able to circulate airflow in your home. It could range from a clogged air filter to something worse. A clogged filter can be remedied, but furnaces need professional repairs. Keep your furnace from over-working and call a professional.

9. Water is pooling around the furnace.

If you notice water around your furnace, call a technician as soon as you can. Even if the problem is a relatively easy fix, a water leak can cause serious damage to your furnace or your home.

Here at Always Plumbing & Heating, we know that furnaces can break down at the absolute worst times. That’s why our professionals are here for you and your family any time, day or night, to make sure you stay warm this winter. Don’t allow your furnace to let you down and leave you in the cold this winter. Call us at 780-489-8118 (Edmonton) or 587-601-1253 (Fort McMurray) to schedule an assessment today!

DIY Edmonton Furnace Maintenance & Furnace Repair Tips from the Heating Experts

Colder temperatures in Edmonton inevitably mean higher utility bills. The furnace runs constantly just to keep your home at a comfortable temperature. In the winter, your heating system becomes, by far, the hardest working appliance in your home. With such a consistently working appliance, even the smallest change in efficiency can make a big difference in your home’s energy usage – and your furnace’s lifespan. Furnace problems can lead to more frequent breakdowns, higher utility bills, accelerated expiration, and, in worst cases, a new furnace. This winter, ensure saved money on your utility bills and prevent expensive furnace repairs with these simple DIY maintenance tips from the professionals at Always Plumbing & Heating.

Check your thermostat for an easy fix

Troubleshooting your thermostat is simple but it can make a big difference in the consistency of your furnace repairs – and how efficient it is. Check to make sure that your thermostat components are clean and that there are not any loose wires or open connections. If your thermostat is faulty, check to see if a circuit breaker has tripped or blown a fuse. If it’s a digital thermostat, try replacing the battery.

For an easy and quick furnace repair, check your furnace engagement

If your furnace is switching on and off, or the fan stops running, test for reliable furnace engagement. Start by turning the thermostat down low enough for the furnace to completely turn off. Wait 5-10 minutes, then turn your furnace back up. Listen for a “click” to indicate the furnace has engaged. If it does “click,” then the fan should start running again. If your furnace continues to have problems or the fan does not start up, call a professional to diagnose the problem.

Turn the heating switch on

This may seem like a no brainer, but you would be surprised at how common it is! The on/off switch on the furnace can sometimes inadvertently get shut off. Double check to make sure it is switched on before taking bigger measures.

Regular maintenance: replace the furnace filter

Running your Edmonton furnace with a dirty filter will adversely affect the indoor air quality (IAQ) in your home. It can also cause significant damage resulting in costly furnace repairs. Check your furnace filter every month and change it every 2-to-3 months or more frequently if needed. Once you’ve changed the filter, turn the furnace switch off for 10-15 minutes to allow the system to reset.

Service leaky air ducts

Leaky air ducts can account for a lot of heat and air loss as it tries to circulate through your home. Lower your utility bills and greatly improve your furnace’s efficiency by sealing leaky air ducts with metal tape or high temperature silicone.

No pilot light, no problem; time for a flame replacement

A failing pilot light can be a very common furnace repair in older units. Since your furnace depends on the pilot light to supply heat, it can be very frustrating when you don’t know how to relight it. Steps can vary from furnace to furnace so check the instructions on the inside of the furnace door cover before you start.

Generally, the basic procedure is to turn the thermostat to 80 degrees or a setting that will demand heat. On the furnace, find the pilot valve and the gas cock or knob. Turn the knob or gas cock to the “Off” position for about 3 minutes to allow any residual gas to clear away. Then, find the pilot and use a fireplace match or butane BBQ grill lighter to reach the pilot light.

Place the flame at the pilot while depressing and holding the gas button or knob. Hold for about 30 seconds to maintain gas flow to the pilot. Once the thermocouple gets hot enough it will open the main gas valve and the pilot light should stay on. Once it stays lit, slowly release the button or knob and turn the gas cock or knob from “Pilot” to the “On” position. After the burners have ignited, adjust the thermostat to the desired setting.

Clear the outdoor intake pipe

It is not uncommon for snow and ice to block the intake pipe on the outside of your house during the Edmonton winter. If your furnace has stopped working, check the intake pipe and make sure it is clear of all debris. It may just be blocked and unable to pull fresh air into the unit.

Canadian winters can push the limits of even the healthiest furnaces. Annual professional maintenance (and these DIY tips) can save you from untimely breakdowns in the coldest months. Remember to schedule regular maintenance in the summer or early fall to prolong your furnace’s lifespan.

Still Can’t Figure It Out? Call the best HVAC technicians in Edmonton

If you try all these DIY tips and your Edmonton furnace is still not running efficiently, contact Always Plumbing & Heating customer service. Our expert technicians will help you find a solution to meet both your needs and budget, from furnace installation to HVAC inspection. Call us at 780-489-8118 (Edmonton) or 587-601-1253 (Alberta) to schedule an appointment today!

Carbon Monoxide and Your Home’s Heating

There are plenty of household appliances that can emit carbon monoxide, but one that most homeowners do not think about is their furnace. A furnace which has not been maintained or has an inadequate supply of oxygen may produce high levels of CO.

When CO Can Become an Issue

If you do not maintain or repair your furnace as needed, then carbon monoxide could become an issue for your home and the safety of your family. There are things you can do at home to prevent CO poisoning or death, including:

Change Filter – Your home’s furnace filter must be replaced and/or cleaned regularly. This happens at a minimum of three to four times per year. A new filter does not just make your furnace energy-efficient; it ensures the ventilation does not become clogged
Tune Up Your Furnace – Each year, your furnace needs a tune-up. Professionals that offer furn a ce repair in Edmonton, like Always Plumbing & Heating, also can tune-up your furnace for the season and make sure all components are functioning properly. Our technicians can ensure there are no harmful carbon monoxide emissions coming from your unit and circulating inside your home.
Combustibles – Combustible materials should never be stored near the furnace and the burner area of your furnace should be kept clear and clean.
Registers – Inside your home, never block or close off more than 20 percent of these registers. This may lead to high resistance and unnecessary heat buildup.

Even with proper maintenance, there are other appliances in your home that emit this deadly gas, also known as the silent killer. You should use carbon monoxide detectors in the home, especially outside of your utility closet or room.

Frequent maintenance checks from qualified service technicians is your home’s first defense against carbon monoxide poisoning. If you need furnace repairs in Edmonton or a tune-up, contact Always Plumbing & Heating. We offer 24/7 emergency services as well to local homeowners. We know furnaces and can keep yours operating at maximum efficiency while always maintaining optimum safety. Give us a call at 780-489-8118 or contact us online. If you sense that you have a problem such as a carbon monoxide leak or your alarm goes off, be sure to evacuate right away and call emergency services before an accident happens. Do not take chances with carbon monoxide!

Category: Furnace