Selecting the Right Boiler for Your Home

It’s vital to ensure that you can depend on your boiler throughout the winter. If you’re thinking about  selecting the right boiler  for your home, there are many factors you’ll want to consider. You need to consider things such as the venting, efficiency, and size requirements of your current boiler.
As temperatures drop, a reliable heating system becomes essential. If any parts of your current system are starting to show their age or have had issues, replace those components. You should pay particularly close attention to your home’s boiler. What Is A Boiler? Boilers are a heating source in most steam and water-based systems. By utilizing fuel sources like propane, oil, natural gas, wood, and electricity, boilers produce steam or hot water that provides homes with heat. The boiler distributes the heat through various sources, including radiant floors, baseboard convectors, fan-forced coils, and radiators.
If you’re in the market for a new boiler, you’ll find a wide array of options to choose from. You can consider high-efficiency boilers that can reduce heating costs. Although a new boiler can be a significant investment, it could pay for itself as time goes on, especially if your current boiler is over a decade old.
Many old models are more significant than they need to be and cannot heat homes efficiently. An extensive heating system leads to higher energy costs and more maintenance. If you’re not sure that your boiler is the appropriate size for your household, you’ll want to calculate the heat loss in your home. The heat loss will help you determine if it’s time to invest in a new boiler. Calculating Capacity  We measure boiler capacity by British Thermal Units (BTUs). BTUs represent how much energy it takes to raise the temperature of a pound of water by a single degree Fahrenheit. The BTU requirements of structures can vary based on many factors. It includes how well the property is insulated, the climate in the area, and how many doors and windows the property has.
Generally speaking, properties in hotter climates require a BTU of approximately 20 BTU per square foot. In a moderate climate, you’ll need a BTU of 35, while a BTU of 50 will be necessary for cold areas. If your home is 2,000 square feet and you have cold winters (such as Calgary, AB), you should look for a boiler capable of producing 100,000 BTUs or more. Evaluating Efficiency  One of the most important factors to consider when selecting a new boiler is the model’s annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) rating. AFUE describes how proficient the boiler is at transforming the fuel source into energy for generating heat. While it makes sense to look for a boiler with a high-efficiency rating, there are other factors you’ll have to take into consideration as well. You’ll want to consider the operating conditions the unit requires.
A boiler with an AFUE rating above 84% is considered a high-efficiency unit. The U.S. Environmentally Protection Agency has stringent guidelines that appliances must meet to receive Energy Star certifications. You may want to look for a unit with this certification. The majority of gas furnaces on the market day have AFUE ratings that fall between 89 and 98 percent. You can expect ratings anywhere from 80 to 90 percent for oil furnaces.
Some units can improve their efficiency with features, such as outdoor reset modulation. This feature adjusts based on the temperature outside. Since they don’t create any waste gas, it’s not unusual for electric boilers to come close to 100 percent efficiency. They can be a solid choice if you live in an area with reasonable electricity rates. Finding the Right Venting System  When selecting a boiler, it’s also essential to ensure that the venting system of the unit is compatible https://furnace-repair-calgary.ca with your house. Direct and power-vent boilers send exhaust out through a vent in the home’s roof or sidewall using fans. Power-vent boilers require air from the interior of your home. It means that a technician must install them in open spaces.
A boiler that’s chimney-vented will naturally send exhaust through the home’s chimney. Condensing units produce condensation with a high acidity, which means they have specialized requirements for venting. Selecting the Right Boiler – Conclusion Although a new boiler can be a significant investment, it could pay for itself as time goes on, especially if your current boiler is over a decade old. If you’re not sure that your boiler is capable of keeping up, then it may be time to find a new one.
You’ll want to calculate the heat loss in your home and determine if it’s time to invest in a new boiler. Generally speaking, you should look for a unit with an AFUE rating of at least 84 percent. Finally, you’ll also want to verify that your venting system is compatible with the boiler you’re considering purchasing.
The post Selecting the Right Boiler for Your Home appeared first on Furnace Repair Calgary.

Five Steps You Should Take Before Professional Drain Cleaning

How to Clean Your Drain

Your pipes, tanks, and fittings can all benefit significantly from professional drain cleaning. Even if you haven't noticed a clog, there's a good chance that hair, food waste, and other substances are stuck in your drain. Cleaning services can clear all this away, allowing your plumbing system to work efficiently.

With that said, you'll get better results from drain cleaning if you prepare your unit ahead of time. With these simple steps and the help of our experienced plumbers, you'll be able to keep your plumbing in excellent condition.

Related: Most efficient water heater

Clear Away Clutter

Take the time to do a little cleaning so that there's nothing that will get in the plumber's way as they walk from your door to your drain. You should also put away items that are around the drain. That way, your plumber will have ample space for the cleaning equipment they're using.

To get the best drain cleaning available, you have to clear away as much of the debris from your drains and pipes as possible. Even if your plumber uses a power drill and snaking system, they won't be able to find and dig out blockages that are hidden in standing water or coated with hair and soap scum.

To prepare your plumbing, you'll want to start with a careful cleanup of the area around your shower, tub, and sink drains. It would be best if you do this at least one day before professional drain cleaning.

First, remove any loose debris from inside the bathtub or basin. Next, wipe away grease and oil stains from racks or shelves near the basin. Finally, scrub down and rinse away any areas of standing water on the floor or shelves and cabinets near your drain.

This removal of materials can allow a cleaner to spot problems more easily during professional drain cleaning. Not only that, but it will likely lead to faster repairs as plumbers won't have to comb through dirty water.

Make Sure Nothing is Blocking Your Access Point

While you might think that drain cleaning is simply about pulling out the hair, soap scum, and debris inside of your mainline, it's more complicated than that. Some items can get stuck in places where they don't cause an immediate clog, like on the side of a branch line or around fasteners. See benefits of drain cleaning.

In addition to clearing away any clutter that might be on your floors, you'll want to move any items near the access point where the plumber will be working. Whether you need to move the cleaning supplies from beneath your kitchen sink or store towels and toiletries in the bathroom elsewhere, you should ensure that there's nothing in the way ahead of time.

It will not only make the process of drain cleaning more convenient, but it will also allow your plumber to address clogs and other issues as soon as they appear. It's easier for them to deal with a problem at its source rather than trying to dig out blockages from inside an enclosed pipe, which can lead to multiple issues down the line.

Clean Sewage

Has sewage been coming out of your drains? You don't need to wait until you call a plumber to deal with the problem. Use soap, hot water, and rags to remove as much of this liquid as possible.

While it's fine to use your toilet for any sewage overflow, make sure you clean up any residual liquid on the floor beneath it before calling in professionals. You don't need to spend time scrubbing the floors if your plumber will do it for you. Your plumber will have a powerful drain cleaning solution at their disposal, so don't worry about trying to get rid of any excess moisture by mopping up. These products help break down organic materials that might be stuck in your pipes.

No matter what, make sure you turn off any water in your home and prevent it from travelling through any sewage lines or drains before calling a plumber to deal with the issue. You also need to make sure that your plumber knows about everything going on at the source before they begin cleaning out your main line.

You may also consider having professionals get rid of that sewage before plumbers arrive. Find a company that provides waste removal services so that you can give the plumber a clean access point.

Don't Use Chemical Cleaners.

Don't try to deal with a clog on your own by using a commercial drain cleaner. Many drain cleaners consist of harsh chemicals that can cause damage to your pipes. If you need a solution before the plumber arrives, you can drive using a homemade drain cleaner instead.

Pour 1/2 cup of baking soda down your drains, and pour down 1 cup of white vinegar. Put the drain stopper in place and leave it there for 15 minutes. After that, remove the plug and run hot water through your drain. The hot water may be sufficient, but it can help you hold out until the plumber adequately cleans your drain.

Set Aside Money for Extra Services

Issues with your drain can be an indicator of a severe problem. When the plumber cleans your drain, they may notice that your pipes or damaged or that there's a difficulty with your sewer line. Thankfully, you can depend on our plumbers to provide all the services you need.

We offer pipe and sewer repair and replacement services and can even show you how to extend the life of your water heater. The longer you wait to address your drain concerns, the worse the issue is likely to be. Don't wait to call professionals that can inspect your pipes and take care of the issue.

Steps You Should Take Before Professional Drain Cleaning - Conclusion

You don't want to wait until you call in professionals before taking care of the problem. For example, if your sewage is coming out of your drains, take care of it right away. Also, keep in mind that you can use homemade drain cleaner or baking soda and vinegar to unclog your pipes before calling in professionals.

Don't use chemical drain cleaners, and set aside some money for extra services. For example, you could have a pipe or sewer problem that you need to address. With the steps laid out in this article, you should feel confident that your drains will be clean before professionals arrive.

https://furnace-repair-calgary.ca/five-steps-you-should-take-before-professional-drain-cleaning/

Commercial Plumbing Emergency Tips

Tips for Commercial Plumbing Emergency

When dealing with plumbing problems in your house, it is a nightmare. However, commercial plumbing emergencies can potentially cause even more disasters and hassles. At best, it can impact business operations. At worst, commercial plumbing emergencies can jeopardize your customers' and employees' safety. Having a commercial plumbing emergency tips guide can help you save time, money, and lives.

We have compiled a list of commercial plumbing emergency tips to assist you in preparing for and dealing with workplace plumbing emergencies.

What Is Considered To Be A Plumbing Emergency?

Plumbing emergencies can be big or small. They can happen at any time and without warning. Here are the following examples of potential plumbing emergencies.

A Leak Or A Drip

Although these are not the most severe plumbing emergencies that you can experience, leaks and drips can vary in intensity and cost your money over time in the form of wasted water. On the opposite side of the spectrum are more severe plumbing emergencies. A leak or a drip is a plumbing emergency when lots of water leaks.

However, you also don't want to assume that a faucet with a minor drip is not a big deal. You may not be aware, but one leaking tap that drips three times a minute results in 104 gallons worth of wasted water each year. Although a minor leak that you cannot repair or locate yourself is not an emergency, you will need to call a plumber as soon as possible.

Standing Water

Unattended leaks are the leading causes of standing water. Backed-up drains are another potential cause. No matter the reason, standing water is a plumbing emergency since, along with the potential to cause permanent structural damage, the water can cause people to be susceptible to electrical hazards. For example, an electrical malfunction that would not ordinarily be dangerous could pose higher risks if it occurs near standing water.

Flooding Or Overflowing Water

Not only is flooding or overflowing water potentially damaging to your business operations. Moreover, it can also compromise the safety of employees and even customers by posing health and electrocution risks. Flooding and overflowing water is a serious plumbing emergency.

If the problem is isolated to one area, you can simply shut down that part of your business and fix the issue as soon as possible. In the meantime, direct customers away from the affected area and notify your employees about what happened.

A Burst Pipe

Leaks that result in significant water damage are the most obvious commercial plumbing emergencies. Also, leaks that cause structural damage or flooding can be commercial plumbing emergencies. However, burst pipes are even more severe. Although the water loss is usually rapid, they typically do not affect people's health and safety.

High Water Pressure

If a loud bang accompanies a sudden extreme spike in water pressure, it is probably best to call a plumber immediately. This type of plumbing emergency can burst pipes and cause leaks, which result in electrical hazards if the leak is in standing water. Also, the high pressure itself can damage equipment and parts.

A Malfunctioning Water Heater

There are several reasons why water heater problems are a plumbing emergency. Although it happens very rarely, a water heater can explode in extreme situations. A plumbing emergency that is much more likely with the water heater is when the thermostat causes the water to become too hot and scald. Or suppose water is not heated adequately by a water heater. As a result, it can cause a sanitary problem, especially for specific commercial plumbing customers such as restaurants that need to do things like wash dishes.

What To Do When A Plumbing Emergency Arises?

Suppose you have a plumbing emergency such as one of those discussed above. To minimize damage and ensure everyone's safety at your business, follow the below instructions before calling a commercial plumbing company.

First, shut off the water supply to your site. Second, if you notice a leak, find an isolated area and shut off the tap or valves that control this part of the plumbing system. If you cannot reach it or underwater, call a plumber immediately for help. Also, be sure to check pipes outside to find the main water supply. The location of this faucet varies depending on your business, but it is typically close to where you have your meters or gas meter.

Moreover, if a specific fixture is overflowing, such as a toilet or washing machine, you can find the water shut off for the particular fixture. It will usually be located directly behind the fixture. However, some leaks are not associated with a specific individual shut-off.

Lastly, to avoid standing water plumbing emergencies, the main water shut-off for the whole building will need to be shut off. If you don't know how to do this, find out how to do it now. Then advise all employees of the shut-off valve location and instructions for shutting it off.

Breaker Box

Hopefully, it will be easy for you to find your breaker box. The circuit breakers are usually labelled and correspond to power in specific building parts. If that is not the case in your situation, you and some employees need to visit the breaker box and become familiar with it. For example, if there is standing water, shut the power off to that part of the building to eliminate the risk of electrical shocks. It can also be helpful during a plumbing emergency that involves a water heater.

Become Familiar With Your Water Heater

Is your business water heater electric or gas? If you have an electric heater, it is good if you have already checked the breaker box, as discussed earlier. If you have a gas heater, do you know the location of the gas shut-off valve? When your water heater ever overheats, this plumbing emergency will require you to immediately shut down the system to avoid more severe problems.

Moreover, turn the water valve off that feeds into your water heater. You should then be ready for commercial plumbing professional to come out to repair your water heater so you can return to business as usual.

If the valve is jammed, you need to shut it off at the source. If you cannot figure out how to do this, now is the time to call a plumber if one doesn't come within the next few minutes.

Summary - Commercial Plumbing Emergency Tips

No matter what type of commercial or residential plumbing emergency you have, our experienced professionals are ready to save the day. Our company offers same-day appointments 24 hours per day, and we guarantee all of our work. Call us after you complete the steps discussed above to help with your plumbing emergency. We will arrive as soon as possible.

https://furnace-repair-calgary.ca/commercial-plumbing-emergency-tips/

7 Major Benefits of Professional Drain Cleaning

Why You Should Get Drain Cleaning Service

You've noticed some signs of possible clogging in your kitchen or bathroom sink but placed the thought on the back burner. As time passes, you see that you need to plunge your toilet more often. Water drains a tad slower down the sink. While this might seem a minor inconvenience, it could soon develop into a major plumbing emergency. Knowing the benefits of professional drain cleaning will help you significantly.

Professional drain cleaning comes in handy to keep your plumbing system open and draining. Aside from saving a lot of money in the long run and your family clog-free, there are numerous other benefits to hiring a professional plumbing cleaner. Herein are the top seven reasons you should hire a professional drain cleaner.

#1. Professional Drain Cleaning Eliminates Persistent Nasty Odours

We all know what goes down the toilet. But do you ever think about what goes down your sink? Soap scum, hair, and other organic matter that drains down your bathtub. Your sink drains dirt, grime, and other materials.

A minor clog will cause these items to get stuck in the pipes. Once in place, bacteria start to consume the organic matter. The degradation of the organic matter creates a pungent-smelling odour that emanates from the drains. The off-putting smell will make it difficult to shower in peace.

Cleaning your drains eliminates such organic matter from your gutters, eliminating or at the very least decreasing the odour. With your drains cleaned, you can take your showers in a bathroom that doesn't like a fetid swamp.

#2. Eliminate The Chances of A Major Clog

Picture this; you flush your toilet, but all the toilet's content overflows and spreads over your bathroom floor. Suddenly, last night's taco Tuesday does not look like a good idea.

The worst thing to do is let a slow drain turn into a clog. With the drainage system clogged, you cannot do dishes, take a shower, wash your hands, or use the toilet. You might try your luck with plunging the toilet, but if the toilet is stubborn, it will not budge.

Over-the-counter drain cleaners are not a good idea either. They use harsh chemicals that are hazardous to you and aren't great for the environment.

Regularly cleaning your drains will negate clogging, and you never have to worry about sewage backup.

#3. Protects Walls And Floors From Damage

An overflowing toilet or sink causes flooding, which affects the walls and floors. Floors are not durable enough to take stagnant water, leading to water damage. Water can seep under your wood floor or tiles, causing structural damage to the floor. Moreover, when water seeps into the walls, it erodes the wallpapers. Mould growth becomes another issue of concern.

Replacing the floor and walls is an expensive affair. Unfortunately, if the clogging persists, the damage to your walls and floors will happen repeatedly.

Hiring a professional drain cleaner eliminates your worry about clogged plumbing systems. Importantly, it removes the risk of floor and wall damage. Keep in mind that clogs can last for years if not exposed to water.

#4. Improve Your Family's Health 

As alluded to above, the plumbing system is teeming with bacteria that cause a foul odour. Clogged or slow-draining plumbing systems are the perfect habitat for mould and bacteria to grow and thrive. Without consistently flowing water to flush it out, the bacteria will only thrive.

Bacteria and mould can negatively impact your family's health. Exposure to these organisms is known to cause infections, illnesses, and other health issues. Some moulds are deadly to humans and pets. Others cause allergies and breathing issues.

A plumbing system free of clogs refrains fungi and bacteria from growing. As such, with a free-flowing drain, you do not have to worry about exposure to bacteria and moulds.

#5. It Saves You Money over Time

Many homeowners refrain from getting a professional drain clean owing to the associated cost. After all, a plumber will not work for free. However, people do not realize that the cost of having your drains cleaned professionally pales compared to the expenses caused by a clogged drain (possible water damage and foul smells).

While a clog near your skink can be considered an inconvenience or pain, a clog further down the drain can be a disaster. In some cases, you might need earthmoving equipment to unclog the plumbing system.

Additionally, clogs can cause leaks, necessitating the replacement of the underground pipe. As you can appreciate, the overall cost occasioned by clogged drains can be considerably higher than getting professional drain cleaning.

#6. Keeps Your Pipes Clean And Healthy

The buildup of grease, grime, chemicals, and other materials in the pipes can cause corrosion and leaks. A small leak is usually an annoyance. A large leak necessitating large-scale repairs is a nightmare.

The good thing is that it takes a considerable amount of time for the chemicals to break down the pipes. Regular drain cleaning eliminates the chemical buildup, reducing the risk of your drain pipes corroding.

Professionally clean pipes can last decades without showing signs of corrosion. On the other hand, poorly maintained lines will require replacement much sooner than expected, resulting in costly repairs involving tearing into floors and walls.

#7. Speeds Up Drainage

Slow drainage is a tell-tale sign that there is an impending clog. In itself, it's a nuisance as it usually means shorter showers. Drains cannot keep up with the water flowing into the shower. In addition, you must plunge the toilet several times during the day.

Professional drain cleaning eliminates these hassles. The wastewater drains much quicker, and you don't have to worry about overflow in your toilets or sinks. No one wants to cut their shower short due to drainage issues. Take a shower on your timeline without having to deal with a slow drain.

Hiring A Professional Drainer Cleaner Makes Sense

Do not risk damaging your home and incurring the high cost of replacing stubborn clogged drains. It might seem a minor issue, but left to exacerbate and become a severe clog, it will turn into a plumbing nightmare.

Professional drain cleaning helps keep your home and family clog-free. Importantly, it saves you money in the long run. You can read more about drain cleaning on our site. Contact us for more information about plumbing and drain cleaning.

Related Articles

https://furnace-repair-calgary.ca/benefits-of-professional-drain-cleaning/

How to Clean Your Air Conditioner and Stay Cool This Summer

Cleaning Your AC For Summer

Have you noticed your integral central air conditioning unit working harder these days? It's time to give it some attention in the cleaning department. Keep in mind that an air conditioner stays outside, exposed to the elements, leaves, dust, bugs, etc. That's why it's essential to clean your air conditioner.

We recommend that you fully clean your air conditioner at least once per year. You should clean it thoroughly at the start of spring to get rid of accumulated dirt and grime. And just as fall nears its end, give your AC a minor touch-up to keep it clean during winter. Why is it important to clean your AC, you may ask. Well, you will ensure your AC runs as efficiently as possible, which, in turn, lowers your utility bills. Additionally, an efficiently running AC does not overwork, which means parts will not wear down quickly.

While being vital, cleaning your AC can be a daunting task. It isn't as easy as wiping your floor, cleaning your bathroom, or dusting your living room. It's a more involved task. If you're interested in professional AC cleaning, make an appointment with Furnace Repair Calgary today!

However, if you want to DIY your way to an efficiently running AC, here is a trusted step-by-step guide to clean your Air Conditioner.

Related: MERV Rating Explained

Turn off Your AC

Shutting down your AC is the first and most crucial step to take. A typical AC uses a high voltage power supply running at 220 or 240-volts. It can be pretty dangerous if you're not careful.

To cut power from your AC, start by turning it off at the thermostat. The second step is to go to the circuit breaker box and turn off the breaker connecting to your AC outlet. Shutting down the AC at the circuit breaker ensures no electricity flows to your AC. And it is safe to open up.

Open AC Unit 

Your AC should be closed up pretty well to protect its components from the elements. To this end, open the door on your outdoor AC blower, giving you access to the evaporator coils. With some AC make and models, you need to remove the foil duct tape before unscrewing the screws that secure the door in place.

Please note that opening doing this yourself may void your warranty. Only proceed if you've confirmed that opening this part of your AC will not void your warranty.

Clean Your Air Conditioner's Coils: Three Alternatives 

AC evaporator coils are responsible for the actual cooling you experience in your home. Typically, the coils consist of copper. They absorb the heat inside your home and produce the cool that the AC supplies into your home's ductwork.

Evaporator coils are an essential component of the evaporation process. Water condenses on the evaporator coil during humid conditions, extracting moisture from your home. This component plays a vital role in keeping the coils clean. Dirty coils can consume 30% more energy compared to clean coils.

After opening the unit's door, you can access the evaporator coils. There are different ways you can clean the AC coils. We'll discuss all of the options you have. It would help if you also had the following tools:

- Coil cleaner spray (readily available at many hardware stores)

- Warm water and dish soap

- A soft brush to dust off coils

- Compressed air for the harder-to-reach crevasses

Evaporator Coil Cleaning Option #1: Using Brush Cleaning 

If your Ac's evaporator coils are relatively clean, you can opt to use a soft brush for the cleaning process. Ensure you use a soft-bristled brush that doesn't scratch the coils. However, the bristles should be firm enough to extract any grime and debris that's stuck in the coils.

Use a back-and-forth motion to remove all the dirt and debris until it's clean.

Evaporator Coil Cleaning Option #2: Air Compressor Cleaning

You can remove dirt and debris from the evaporator coils with an air compressor. The powerful compressed air is effective yet safe. Direct the air compressor nozzle from the clean side to the dirty side. Additionally, ensure you maintain consistent air pressure for the compressed air to be adequate.

Ensure you wear eye protection.

Evaporator Coil Cleaning Option #3: Warm Water and Detergent

A mixture of standard dish soap and warm water will work well to remove grime from your coil. Add the detergent-warm water to a spray bottle and then apply it to your coils.

Let the mixture sit for a little while before scrubbing the grime. Giving the solution some time to settle allows it to break up the debris. After scouring the grime, rinse any soapy water that remains.

After cleaning the coils, it's time to tackle the rest of the AC.

Inspect the Drain Plug

The drain plug allows the air conditioner to dehumidify your home during humid days. Without regular cleaning, it clogs up from mould and algae growth.

Most modern AC units come with a sensor to detect any clog. As such, they shut down until the clog is cleared, thereby protecting your AC. However, older AC will continue to operate, causing water to drip through the ceiling and vents as the water has nowhere else to go. If you have water dripping from your vents ceiling, you should immediately turn your AC off and call an HVAC technician.

To unclog a drain plug:

1. Locate the drip pan at the bottom of the AC.
2. Slide it out and extract the water using a wet/dry vacuum.
3. If you have access to a compressor, use it instead.

It's more powerful and effective.

If the air compressor cannot force the debris from the drip pan, it's time to call professional help.

Clean The Area Around Your Air Conditioning Unit 

Hose down the dirt and cobwebs outside of the unit. Dirt, grime, cobwebs, anything that attaches to the AC unit might obstruct airflow, causing your AC to work inefficiently.

Remember to inspect around the base of the AC unit. Dirt can settle underneath the unit, lifting a part of the unit. An unlevel AC can cause damage, resulting in expensive repairs down the road.

Replace Your AC Filters

The final cleaning AC task is to replace the filter. You should replace these filters every three months, especially if your dog sheds a lot.

If you have a ductless mini-split AC, you can vacuum its filter and soak it to remove debris.

Clean Your Air Conditioner Today

It would help if you were diligent about cleaning your AC twice a year. Otherwise, the dirt and grime that find their way into the AC system will damage the unit, causing costly repairs and reducing the life expectancy.

If you have skipped the cleaning task and the dirt and grime in the AC are bad, consider calling an HVAC professional to give it a proper cleaning.For professional AC maintenance and cleaning, contact Furnace Repair Calgary today.

https://furnace-repair-calgary.ca/how-to-clean-your-air-conditioner-and-stay-cool-this-summer/

Selecting the Right Boiler for Your Home

How to Choose The Right Boiler

It's vital to ensure that you can depend on your boiler throughout the winter. If you're thinking about selecting the right boiler for your home, there are many factors you'll want to consider. You need to consider things such as the venting, efficiency, and size requirements of your current boiler.

As temperatures drop, a reliable heating system becomes essential. If any parts of your current system are starting to show their age or have had issues, replace those components. You should pay particularly close attention to your home's boiler.

What Is A Boiler?

Boilers are a heating source in most steam and water-based systems. By utilizing fuel sources like propane, oil, natural gas, wood, and electricity, boilers produce steam or hot water that provides homes with heat. The boiler distributes the heat through various sources, including radiant floors, baseboard convectors, fan-forced coils, and radiators.

If you're in the market for a new boiler, you'll find a wide array of options to choose from. You can consider high-efficiency boilers that can reduce heating costs. Although a new boiler can be a significant investment, it could pay for itself as time goes on, especially if your current boiler is over a decade old.

Many old models are more significant than they need to be and cannot heat homes efficiently. An extensive heating system leads to higher energy costs and more maintenance. If you're not sure that your boiler is the appropriate size for your household, you'll want to calculate the heat loss in your home. The heat loss will help you determine if it's time to invest in a new boiler.

Calculating Capacity 

We measure boiler capacity by British Thermal Units (BTUs). BTUs represent how much energy it takes to raise the temperature of a pound of water by a single degree Fahrenheit. The BTU requirements of structures can vary based on many factors. It includes how well the property is insulated, the climate in the area, and how many doors and windows the property has.

Generally speaking, properties in hotter climates require a BTU of approximately 20 BTU per square foot. In a moderate climate, you'll need a BTU of 35, while a BTU of 50 will be necessary for cold areas. If your home is 2,000 square feet and you have cold winters (such as Calgary, AB), you should look for a boiler capable of producing 100,000 BTUs or more.

Evaluating Efficiency 

One of the most important factors to consider when selecting a new boiler is the model's annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) rating. AFUE describes how proficient the boiler is at transforming the fuel source into energy for generating heat. While it makes sense to look for a boiler with a high-efficiency rating, there are other factors you'll have to take into consideration as well. You'll want to consider the operating conditions the unit requires.

A boiler with an AFUE rating above 84% is considered a high-efficiency unit. The U.S. Environmentally Protection Agency has stringent guidelines that appliances must meet to receive Energy Star certifications. You may want to look for a unit with this certification. The majority of gas furnaces on the market day have AFUE ratings that fall between 89 and 98 percent. You can expect ratings anywhere from 80 to 90 percent for oil furnaces.

Some units can improve their efficiency with features, such as outdoor reset modulation. This feature adjusts based on the temperature outside. Since they don't create any waste gas, it's not unusual for electric boilers to come close to 100 percent efficiency. They can be a solid choice if you live in an area with reasonable electricity rates.

Finding the Right Venting System 

When selecting a boiler, it's also essential to ensure that the venting system of the unit is compatible with your house. Direct and power-vent boilers send exhaust out through a vent in the home's roof or sidewall using fans. Power-vent boilers require air from the interior of your home. It means that a technician must install them in open spaces.

A boiler that's chimney-vented will naturally send exhaust through the home's chimney. Condensing units produce condensation with a high acidity, which means they have specialized requirements for venting.

Selecting the Right Boiler - Conclusion

Although a new boiler can be a significant investment, it could pay for itself as time goes on, especially if your current boiler is over a decade old. If you're not sure that your boiler is capable of keeping up, then it may be time to find a new one.

You'll want to calculate the heat loss in your home and determine if it's time to invest in a new boiler. Generally speaking, you should look for a unit with an AFUE rating of at least 84 percent. Finally, you'll also want to verify that your venting system is compatible with the boiler you're considering purchasing.

https://furnace-repair-calgary.ca/selecting-the-right-boiler-for-your-home/

Why Routine Cleaning is Critical to Air Conditioning Maintenance

Why You Need AC Cleaning

As days become sunnier, hotter, and longer, air conditioners across the country must come alive to offer necessary cooling. Millions of households in Canada rely on air conditioning in the summer. However, AC units cannot work efficiently without a bit of care and attention. That's why routine cleaning is critical to air conditioning maintenance.

Regular cleaning can help ensure that your cooling unit works optimally and your indoor air quality is pristine at all times. Your air conditioner will serve you diligently for many years if you are serious about AC cleaning and maintenance.

Here are some reasons why cleaning your air conditioning system is essential for AC maintenance.

Improve Indoor Air Quality

Pollen, dust, dirt, grease, and other contaminants are every air conditioner's worst nightmare. Moreover, they tend to build up over time within the cooling unit itself, clogging important components like coils and filters.

Accumulated debris also provides food for bacteria and fungi that live in warm environments with ample moisture. As airborne particles settle down upon surfaces, they also act as catalysts for the development of mould spores. Besides reducing your air quality, these contaminants pose health risks. It may range from minor allergies to asthma attacks and respiratory infections.

Cleaning an AC system helps reduce airborne contaminants. They may be hiding in gaps around the coils, around the ducts, and inside the evaporator and condenser.

Maintain AC Efficiency

Dirty air conditioners tend to lose considerable efficiency. It means that they use much more energy than usual to perform their cooling functions. Regular AC cleaning helps improve indoor air quality, reduces energy, and boosts performance.

Unclogged cooling coils ensure that air passes through the unit more efficiently, with less resistance. As a result, it promotes improved airflow and reduces wear and tear of all components.

Clean evaporator and condenser fins allow your cooling system to exchange heat with outdoor air. It reduces the load on compressors and fans. The result is enhanced cooling power and improved performance.

Prevent AC Breakdowns

Dirty components, clogged coils, and malfunctioning fans are a recipe for trouble in your cooling system. As a result, they contribute to breakdowns that can be costly to fix or replace.

Inspections by licensed technicians uncover issues with poor airflow early on. It allows you to address them before they create more significant problems. Poor AC maintenance and cleaning can also cause electrical issues. Therefore, it's crucial to hire a professional for tune-ups and inspections.

Protect the AC Warranty

Manufacturers of cooling units offer warranties against defects in materials for between 1 and 10 years. The exact warranty period varies from product to product and manufacturer to manufacturer.

Keeping your air conditioner clean and in good working order helps protect the warranty, reducing the risk of defects. That means you can enjoy factory-approved cooling power for longer without shelling out big bucks for high repair bills.

Maintain Healthy Lungs

Your HVAC system acts as your home's respiratory system, especially if you have a duct network with central AC and an air furnace. Maintaining your HVAC system is crucial to keep it working in good condition. Otherwise, dust will inevitably build up in the system. As a result, it may lower its efficiency and distribute the dust through the house and straight into your respiratory system.

How to Maintain Your AC System

You can follow the tips highlighted below to keep your HVAC system running smoothly and efficiently:

• Clean or change out the air filters in your AC every month, or at whichever interval the unit's manufacturer specifies. Replacing filters is a simple task requiring no technical knowledge or expertise. When the filters get clogged with dirt and dust, the air conditioner uses more energy and works harder. Moreover, that debris ends up getting circulated throughout the house. As a result, it lowers air quality and aggravating respiratory illnesses and allergies among your family members.

• Clean and service the entire unit annually. An HVAC professional should handle the cleaning. The cleaning will involve a thorough inspection of the system. It ensures everything is working and the internal components are clean and flawless. Your HVAC system can lose up to 5% efficiency each year without professional inspection and maintenance.

• Remember to clean the ducts. If the air conditioner and furnace are the lungs, the vents are the blood vessels that transport clean air around the house. Ducts don't need regular cleaning, but you should have them checked every once in a while. Make sure they aren't harbouring a staggering amount of dust and debris or leaking or broken at any point.

• Invest in a ventilator. A ventilator will help your HVAC system expel old and stale air and bring in fresh and clean air from the outside. With this, you don't recycle the same dirty air through the house over and over again.

Routine Cleaning is Critical to Air Conditioning Maintenance - Conclusion

Cleaning an HVAC system is easy and reasonably priced. You can compare the cost of cleaning your AC unit to the expenses you incur for repairs and replacement of a dirty, poorly maintained AC system.

The decision to schedule maintenance today will save you money and headaches in the future. Countless benefits are offered with proper HVAC maintenance.

If you have any queries regarding AC maintenance or want to book an appointment to have your AC cleaned, call your local HVAC expert today!

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