Signs That You May be in Need of Furnace Repair

As we enter a new year, the harshest part of winter for many people is still to come. This means it is important that you ensure that your furnace is working properly now so that it does not stop working when you need it most. Many homeowners, however, do not know that signs that can indicate that their furnace is in need of repair. Here are a few of the most common signs that can indicate that you may be in need of furnace repair.

Turning up the Heat Doesn’t Work

A common indicator that your system may be in need of repair is if you are constantly having to turn up the heat. When a furnace is running properly, turning it up a couple of degrees will warm your house up. However, when there is something wrong, such as a faulty thermostat or a problem with the computer module, you may find that no matter how much you turn up the heat you are still not warm. This can be a strong indicator that your furnace needs repairs.

Your Furnace Makes Strange Noises

While furnaces will make a certain amount of noise when running, they should not make an excessive amount of loud, strange noises. If your furnace is making groaning, banging, whining, or clanging noises, then it is likely that some component in your furnace has or is about to fail. It is thusly important to have it repaired before your system stops working altogether.

Your Furnace Has a Hard Time Starting

It is not uncommon for older furnaces to have a hard time getting started. When this happens, homeowners will immediately assume that their furnace needs replacement; however, this is not always the case. It may simply be that the pilot burner, fan motor, or wiring/controls need replacement. Contacting a furnace repair specialist can help you to determine whether your furnace is in need of repair or replacement.

Furnaces need periodic maintenance in order to ensure that they run properly. However, while the signs above can be obvious indicators that your furnace is in need of repair, more subtle signs can also point toward something being wrong. Thusly, it is always advisable that you have your furnace inspected and repaired each winter.

Five Signs That You Need Heat Pump Repair

With winter in full swing in British Columbia, you rely on your heat pump to keep your home warm and everyone inside of it comfortable. Like all types of heating and cooling equipment, heat pumps occasionally need repairs to operate at peak efficiency.

Most heat pumps don't just suddenly stop working one day. Instead, they give clues that something must be fixed. It is important to schedule heat pump repair with Complete Heating and Air Conditioning Services promptly if you notice any of the following:

• If you are unable to switch the unit from cooling to heating mode, it usually indicates a problem with the reversing valve. 
• If you stand by your heat registers and don't feel anything coming out, the reversing valve may be stuck, the board may be faulty, or the indoor blower need to be replaced entirely. It could also indicate a problem with your thermostat.
• When your heating bills are higher than you expected, it could mean that one or more parts of the heat pump needs to replaced, or the refrigerant system may need to be recharged. 
• Worn out parts cause your heat pump to work harder to achieve the same result. The extra work by your heat pump means a higher heating bill for you. Rather than just accept the higher bills, have a professional HVAC technician look at your heat pump to determine which parts need to be repaired or replaced.
• It is not normal for your heat pump to make loud or strange noises. If you notice this, call for a repair appointment right away. The noise could be caused by problems with the compressor or a part that has become loose inside of the unit.

Don't Attempt Your Own Repairs

Although it may be tempting to troubleshoot and repair your own heat pump, doing so may do more harm than good. A service technician from Complete Heating and Air Conditioning Services is uniquely qualified to determine what the problem is and fix it on the spot. This minimizes your family's discomfort and ensures that the heat pump lasts as long as possible before you need to replace it.

Furnace Repair: Common Problems and Their Solutions

As the weather gets colder, you may notice that your furnace just isn't working right or that it isn't keeping your home quite as warm this year. You might think that you need to call in a furnace repair specialist to take a look. However, there are things you as a homeowner can check before you decide to bring in the professionals.

Check the Thermostat

A dirty thermostat can be the culprit of all kinds of furnace issues because the air in your home cannot reach the temperature sensor in the back of the unit. It can cause your furnace to cycle on-and-off repeatedly, not allow your furnace to shut off, or stop it from coming on at all. Simply cleaning the dust out of your thermostat can save you an expensive service call during the busiest time of the year. It could also save you the embarrassment of knowing it was so simple to fix.

If you have a programmable thermostat, the battery may need to be replaced. This should be done every 12 - 24 months when you change your smoke detector batteries. Furthermore, it's entirely possible that the battery has simply jiggled loose from an accidental bump to the wall. Checking and replacing the battery, if necessary, is often a simple task.

Check the Furnace Filter

The furnace filter is one of the easiest things a homeowner can check and replace if necessary. Although often overlooked, a dirty filter can greatly reduce your furnace's ability to heat your home efficiently. Additionally, a clogged filter will cause your furnace fan to work a lot harder trying to push air through your heat ducts to warm your home.

Some furnace filters are made to be cleaned with a simple vacuuming. However, most are disposable and will need to be replaced. Fortunately, furnace filters are relatively inexpensive and can be purchased at your local hardware or home improvement store. When going to buy a new one, you'll want to remove the old one first and take down the measurements to be sure you get the right size. Generally, they are sold in packs of two or more, so you'll have one handy for next year.

Calling in the Professionals

If you notice other things such as a funny smell, a squealing sound or any other strange noises, it's time to call in the pros. Obviously, if your furnace won't turn on or off and you've already checked the thermostat, you're going to need help from a qualified technician. There is little a homeowner can do to remedy this type of situation safely.

Many people turn on their furnace for the first time during late fall or early winter only to find out it's not working right. Regular, annual maintenance checks can help avoid this. If you haven't done this yet, call a reputable heating company in your area to schedule a visit. That way, you'll eliminate the risk that a small maintenance issue doesn't turn into an expensive, untimely furnace replacement.

The Go-to Guide to Water Heaters: Repair or Replace?

When your water heater quits or doesn't seem to produce enough hot water, it can be quite frustrating for the whole family. Rather than scour the Internet for answers about repairing or replacing water heaters, let us help you out with this go-to guide. Here's all you really need to know about common water heater problems and how to handle them.

If your water heater is suddenly not providing you with enough hot water, then the first thing to check is whether the unit is getting power, if electric, or that the gas is not off,  if it is a gas-fired unit. If it's on but not able to heat the water to the right temperature you can check to see if the thermostat has been inadvertently bumped to a lower setting. If it has, this is an easy fix by readjusting the control to a safe temperature.

Be very aware of just how hot you set the thermostat, it can be very dangerous to set it too high. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recommends setting water heaters to a safe limit of 49°C (120°F). Water heated at anything close to 60°C (140°F) poses a severe scalding hazard, especially to children and the elderly.

Water heaters usually break down because a part inside them stops gets damaged or the tank itself leaks. In addition, water heaters may also quit working effectively if supply lines that connect to them, or the tank itself, is clogged with minerals or rust. Both of these issues require a professional to diagnose properly.

If you are suddenly experiencing low water pressure throughout your home, it's possible that the pressure reducing water valve controlling the pressure from your city supply line has failed. More likely, someone has accidentally moved the handle on the water shut off valve. You can easily check that this valve is completely open yourself. The least problematic and newer valves are the lever type ball valves. You can recognize these by a straight lever instead of a round handle. When fully opened, the handle runs parallel to the pipe.

However, if you are experiencing low pressure only at your hot water faucets, this is likely caused by mineral buildup in the lines coming from the heater. A common cause of mineral buildup in the lines from your water heater is from a faulty anode inside.

The anode protects the inside of the heater and your lines by the process of electrolysis. This is an important part of your water heater which helps it last longer. If the anode rod stops working, it causes decomposition of the interior lining and mineral buildup will start to do damage to your plumbing. So, if the rod has dissolved to the point where it doesn't work properly, it likely has to be replaced by a professional.

Leaks are the most common problem that customers will call a plumber for. You'll usually notice a leak around the bottom of the water heater. This can be due to a crack in the tank whereby a replacement is going to be necessary. Sometimes however, you may not have to replace the entire heater, but calling in a professional will remove all doubt.

Water heaters are not extremely complicated, however, they are essential to the comfort of your family. While some problems may be able to be resolved by the average homeowner, this is not always the case. The best thing to do, in most situations, is to call in a professional to take a look.

How to Know When it is Time for New Furnace Installation

A furnace is both a major expense and an absolute necessity for homeowners in British Columbia and other nearby cold weather locations. If your furnace needs frequent repairs, you are probably wondering whether you should continue to fix it or consider new furnace installation. There are several factors you must weigh when making this decision, including your current budget.

The Energy Star program, which is a division of the government of the United States, recommends replacing your furnace if exhibits several of of the following:

• The unit is more than 15 years old. Furnaces manufactured since that time are significantly more efficient than older models. Not only will your family be more comfortable, you can save up to 15 percent off your monthly heating bill.
• Your current furnace distributes heat unevenly throughout your home. Some rooms are too hot while others are too cold.
• Your home is too dry in the winter due to humidity problems. This may be caused by leaky ductwork or worn out heating equipment. You may also notice an excessive amount of dust.
• Your furnace makes frequent loud noises.
• You notice that your heating bills are increasing despite your best efforts at energy efficiency.
• Your furnace requires frequent repairs to operate effectively.

The installation technicians at Complete Heating and Air Conditioning Services are available to evaluate your current system and advise you whether it is time to replace it.

Aire-Flow Furnaces

Aire-Flow furnaces are manufactured by Lennox Industries, a world leader in climate control solutions. We chose this brand because it is affordable for our customers and has a long history of superior performance. You also have the option of selecting a new furnace from Carrier or one of the other major manufacturers in the HVAC industry. These high efficiency furnaces are ideal for colder climates. We are happy to provide you with more information about your furnace options if you are interested in pursuing a new installation. Visit us at http://www.completeheating.ca .

How to Know When You Need Professional Furnace Service

With another long winter starting in British Columbia, it is crucial that your furnace work properly to keep your family warm and comfortable. You don't need to call for furnace service with every little noise it makes, but you should know which issues are more serious. Some problems you can troubleshoot on your own while others require immediate professional attention. By knowing the difference, you can ensure your family's safety and keep your utility costs as low as possible.

Suspected Carbon Monoxide Leak

When your furnace is working properly, you should notice a blue flame from its pilot light and burners. This means that it has an optimal mix of gases. If the flame is yellow, it could indicate the presence of carbon monoxide. You should contact us at Complete Heating and Air Conditioning Services right away, or a heating service company in your area, because carbon monoxide emits a deadly, odorless gas. We will test for a carbon monoxide leak and determine if other issues are affecting the pilot light or burners.

A good, blue pilot flame

You Have Difficulty Starting Your Furnace

When you turn on your furnace, you should hear it kick in right away. Faulty wiring, a broken thermostat, or a problem with the pilot ignition system are just some of the reasons why your thermostat won't turn your furnace on or why it keeps shutting off mid-cycle. This type of problem needs professional furnace repair because it will only get worse over time.

Your Furnace is Extremely Noisy

No furnace is completely silent, but it's not normal for the unit to constantly bang, squeak, or rattle. These noises could mean that important parts have worn out or that the furnace belt or motor need replacement. It may also need oiling or just a preventive maintenance tune-up.

You Keep Turning Your Thermostat Higher

When you are cold, you instinctively go to the thermostat and turn up the temperature. There could be a problem with your furnace if you need to turn the thermostat up higher and higher just to feel comfortable in your home. A service technician should look at the unit to determine why it has become so inefficient.

Minimize Furnace Repairs With These Tips

Heating and cooling uses more energy and costs more money than any other system in your home -- typically making up about 48% of your utility bill, and many types of heating repairs can be costly. Yet keep in mind that it will cost far more to fix a problem that is ignored for too long by not caring for your system properly.

Some simple routine maintenance of your home's furnace can help you avoid premature and expensive furnace repairs.

The following are a few simple tips to keep your furnace running smoothly all year.

• Clean and/or repair filters on a monthly basis. A dirty filter can cause strain on the system making it work harder to heat your home or business. 
• Inspect all ducts, blowers, filters, and coils for obstructions.
• Check for leaks or pooling water on the floor around the system. 
• Examine outdoor handlers for fallen debris, grass, or other outdoor items that could clog or deter your system from working properly. 
• Have a professional check your gas pressures to ensure proper combustion . Improperly set gas pressures and / or air- fuel ratios can lead to incomplete combustion and the creation of carbon monoxide and sooting. Sooting is a fire hazard and can also lead to additional problems. 

Spending a small amount of money for routine maintenance will reduce repair bills later.

You can also reduce the number of repair calls by having your furnace professionally maintained every year. This will help you to avoid emergency furnace repair calls during those cold winter months.

Gas Hot Water Heater Recall Announced by Government

The BC Safety Authority has advised hot water heater contractors and installers of an important safety recall. First announced  to the public by the Government of Canada, the recall advises of a possible explosion and / or fire hazard.

Do you have one of the affected hot water heaters? To find out, follow this link to the Canadian Government's website announcement, or see the list posted below.

The hot water heater model numbers potentially affected and involved in this recall begin with the following prefixes:

Model Numbers: GG30-27MF-P...UG30-27MF-P...UG50-38F-C...GG30-30MF-N…UG30-30MF-N…UG50-40LF-N…GG40-32LF-P…UG40-32LF-P…UG50-40LFD-N…GG40-34LF-N…UG40-34LF-N…UG60-42MF-P…GG40-9-34LF-N…UG40-36LF-N…UG60-47MF-P…GG50-38LF-N…UG40-38LF-N…UG60-47MF-N…GG50-9-38LF-N…UG50-36LF-P…UG60-47MF-C…GG60-47MF-N…UG50-38LF-N…UG60-52MF-N…

Installing Sun Screens Will Help with Energy Savings

When it comes to your monthly budget, energy costs can be one of your highest bills, especially in the hot summer months. Here is one helpful tip from that will help with energy savings and lower your power bill.

One way to save on energy costs is to install sun screens on your windows. With over half of the heat coming into your home through your windows, sunscreens can keep out up to 90% of it. They also work in other ways such as cutting down on the glare so you can enjoy your favorite television show or work at your computer, and allow you to have more privacy. You'll also be able to protect your carpet and furniture because these sun screens don't allow harmful UV rays in that fades material.

Another way that sun screens help is in cases of severe weather. While we may not experience hurricanes in Canada, if the wind is strong enough to break glass or you have a tree hit the window, the sun screens hold the panes together so that glass isn't flying into your house.

This is just one way to help save on some of your cooling costs and, we can help in other ways as well. Not only do we service existing central air conditioning units that may not be working as well as they should, but we can also provide summer tune-ups and even have a new air conditioning system installed.

If you want to learn more about our services or how to save money on your cooling costs, simply contact us and we'll be glad to help.

Replacement Furnace Installation

This is another replacement furnace installation that we just completed. The furnace is a 95% high efficiency Aire-Flo made by Lennox International. In this video you can hear the heating system start - well, you can hardly hear it, actually, as these systems are very quiet when installed properly. 

The Aire-Flo furnaces are very reliable as well. We have installed up to 12 of these per month for the past 2 1/2 years, and haven't had a single warranty issue yet.

If you're looking for a quality product from a well-known manufacturer (Lennox International), this product line is definitely worth your consideration.

Venting Issues For Replacement Furnaces

Standard B-Vent Exhaust

When a replacement furnace is to be installed, an important factor to consider is whether or not your existing gas hot water heater needs to be re-vented.

If the existing furnace shares the same b-vent exhaust as the natural draft gas water heater, you may have to do that. The reason is that now only a single gas appliance is using the vent designed for two appliances to share. This results in a pipe diameter too large for the single appliance, therefore the water heater's hot exhaust gas will dilute too much with the cooler air inside of the existing venting. The result is that the cooler exhaust gas may fall back down into your home, along with all of the very dangerous products of combustion - carbon monoxide, etc.

Vent With Rain Cap Removed

Re-venting can be as easy as installing a vent liner kit. The process starts, in most cases, by removing the rain cap from the end of the exhaust on your roof.

Vent Liner Being Inserted

With the rain cap removed, a 4" flexible liner is inserted into the existing 6" vent. This effectively reduces the venting from 6" to 4" - the proper size for venting only a water heater according to our local codes.

This liner saves the work of opening walls, etc., to install new venting from scratch and saves considerable costs on a new furnace installation.

The 4" Liner Entering the Furnace Room.

The 4" liner is drawn into the furnace room where it will be properly connected to the hot water heater.

It is important to note that gas codes vary by state and province. Therefore, you should always check with your local authority for proper codes for your area. 

Hidden Furnace Repairs

This is a short video taken by one of our service technicians performing a routine annual furnace service for one of our customers. The furnace appeared to be operating normally, however, as we tested each control component and safety device individually, a very odd but important issue was discovered and it was determined that a furnace repair was required.

All mid and high efficiency furnaces have a safety device that tells the furnace circuit board that the induced draft motor is operating normally. This device is referred to by different names - proving switch, pressure switch, pressure differential switch, etc. When the induced draft motor is not operating within the designed parameters, this switch will not allow the burners to fire. 

In this video, although its difficult to see everything clearly, you are able to see that the tubing to this switch has been disconnected by the service person, and therefore the burners should not be able to fire - yet they do. This is a concern that needs to be addressed immediately. 

This point stresses the importance of having factory trained personnel inspect your heating equipment, as they know how your furnace should operate and can find the 'hidden' problems before they become a health or safety issue.

Proper Furnace Burner / Heat Exchanger Operation

This video shows the proper operation of the burners in a high efficiency furnace. You can see the flames being drawn directly into each of the heat exchanger's tubes. During the past decade, there have been several service bulletins from some of the major manufacturers regarding failed heat exchangers on the high efficiency furnaces.

When the heat exchanger fails, 'flame disturbance' will be visible. What you will see ranges from the burner flames being slightly off-centre from the heat exchanger tubes, to as drastic as the flames being blown backwards out of the tubes.

If you notice these signs, have a furnace service company inspect the unit as soon as possible. If the heat exchanger has failed, the required furnace repair will be the replacement of the heat exchanger. If your furnace is still under warranty, some or all of the cost will be covered by the manufacturer. You may still have some or most of the cost covered even if your furnace is out of the warranty period if the manufacturer has released some type of replacement advisory to the factory authorized warranty centre. Be aware that a non-qualified service firm may not be able to perform the needed repairs at the reduced cost.

The Best Ways To Remain Energy Efficient While Air Conditioning Your Home

You rely on your air conditioner or heat pump to keep your home cool during the summer and any other times the temperatures spike. Your air conditioner is part of HVAC system and one of the most expensive units to replace in your home. In the summer months, how often your air conditioning runs is directly reflected in your home energy bills. However, you can lower those bills with a few simple tips.

A clean indoor a/c coil

Change Your Air Filter Often



No matter the time of the year, changing your air filter will help lower your energy bills. As your central air conditioner draws warm air from the house into the HVAC system to cool it, it brings in all the dirt and debris in the air. Your air filter traps that dirt and keeps it from clogging up your system's indoor cooling coil. Once the filter is full, dirt and debris can get past the filter into your air conditioner. This will force your air conditioner to work harder and drive up your energy bill.

A clogged indoor a/c coil

Replace Your Thermostat With A Programmable Model

It is easy to set your thermostat at a certain temperature and forget about it for the rest of the summer. It is great having a cool house when you go to bed and wake up. Of course, arriving home after a long day at work and hot ride home in rush hour traffic to find your home nice and cool is a wonderful thing. However, your home does not need to be air conditioned all day. With a programmable thermostat, your house will be cool when you arrive home without running all day. It is a great way to lower your summer energy bills.

Regular Maintenance

Having a professional technician come to your home and check your system ahead of the summer cooling is essential to keeping your air conditioning bills under control. They will clean out the system of any debris and recommend any necessary repairs. A professional technician will calibrate your thermostat and check your vents for any leaks. When your air conditioner is working efficiently, your energy bills will be as low as possible while running the system.

It only takes a little preplanning and a few simple steps to keep your energy use down while running your air conditioner. At Complete Heating and Air Conditioning Services , we can help you with a new thermostat, scheduled maintenance or answer any questions you might have about energy efficiency. Contact us today.

The Top Three Benefits of Tankless Water Heaters

One of the biggest reasons that homeowners choose tankless water heaters is the convenience of having an unlimited supply of hot water available whenever they need it. If you are researching your water heating options, consider the following three benefits of going tankless.


An Average Lifespan of Two Decades

Whereas the typical water heater lasts approximately 12 years before requiring replacement, tankless water heaters typically last for 20 years. If you plan to stay in your home indefinitely, the tankless option is a good investment. It is also a good selling point if you ever decide to move. Potential homebuyers like to know that they won't face replacement expenses anytime soon.

Tankless Water Heaters Require Less Space

Compared to a typical water heater, a tankless unit is typically one-half to one-third of the size. This is an important benefit when you have limited space in your home. However, it is critical to ensure that your unit has the correct heating capacity prior to installation. The professionals at Complete Heating and Air Conditioning Services always make calculations before making a specific recommendation.

Long-Term Savings

There are more upfront costs associated with installing a tankless water heater, but most people find the long-term energy savings to be worth the investment. You save money because the tankless water heater operates on an as-needed basis by providing hot water on demand. That means you don't waste energy heating water that is sitting idly in a tank.

Navien Tankless Water Heater annual savings comparison

Energy Efficient Navien Tankless Water Heaters with Remote Control

Navien tankless water heaters have up to a 98 percent energy efficiency rating, which is the highest in the industry. Remote control access allows you to control the temperature of your tankless water heater in one-degree increments. It also provides you with error feedback and the ability to diagnose problems. This allows you to correct issues quickly so you can enjoy uninterrupted comfort and energy savings.

Three Ways to Improve Energy Efficiency This Winter

Ready or not, another winter season is soon to be upon us. The start of the cold weather season often means higher utility bills for several months. However, it doesn't have to be that way. The following steps can help you improve your home's energy efficiency and decrease the cost of keeping your family warm.

Schedule a Heating System Tune-Up

Regardless of the type of equipment you use to heat your home, make it a habit to schedule a preventive maintenance appointment in the early fall. This ensures that your heating equipment can keep up with the demands your family places on it all winter long. You may be able to save up to 20 percent on your heating bill by catching minor problems early and making sure your furnace filter is always clean. For long-term energy efficiency, consider replacing heating units that are more than 20 years old.

Stop Air Drafts

There are numerous ways for cold air drafts to get inside of your home. Some of these include:

• Electrical outlets
• Mail slots
• Extra space beneath doors and windows
• Wall-mounted air conditioners
• Caulk holes
• Foundational seals

One of our professional service technician's can assist you in locating and fixing air leaks in your home.

Check Your Level of Insulation

Up to 30 percent of a home's heat can be lost due to improper insulation. Northern climates should have a minimum of 30.5 to 41 centimeters of insulation in the attic and walls. This is equal to 12 to 16 inches in the U.S. and an R-40 insulation rating in Canada. Upgrading your level of insulation should result in an immediate improvement in comfort level as well as lower utility bills.

Free Estimates for New Furnace Installations

Our team of energy experts is available to help you improve the efficiency of your home. You can learn more by scheduling your free in-home estimate today.

Simple Tips for Energy Efficient Home Heating and Cooling

Whether it's summer or winter, spring or fall, home heating and cooling is crucial to staying comfortable in every season. However, with climate change and energy bills on the rise, how can you do this while minimizing the effects of both? It's easier than you may think. Just follow these simple tips and you'll be well on your way to a fuller wallet and a happier planet.

Remember to change your air filter 

At most, check on it once a month, especially during the hottest and coldest times of the year. If it looks dirty, it's best to change it. At the very least, heating and cooling systems run best when their air filter is changed at least every three months. Not changing the filter makes your system work harder than it has to to keep you comfortable, which can also shorten the life of your system, and waste considerable amounts of energy in the process. So, while it may be inconvenient to change the filter, think of what you'll be saving on energy and maintenance costs in the process.

Seal your accessible ducts 
Air ducts can waste substantial amounts of energy, especially in low-usage months. Sealing or insulating these ducts can greatly improve the efficiency of your home heating and cooling system by as much as 20 percent!

Sealing ducts is actually a rather quick and easy process. First, target ducts in easy-to-access spaces like attics and basements and use a duct sealant or metal-backed taping to close the seams. Once that's done, carefully wrap these ducts with insulation. In doing so, they won't overheat during the summer or get too cold in the wintertime.

Use a programmable thermostat

This is especially useful if you're away from home often for work, school, or travel. A programmable thermostat lets you control when the heat or air conditioning is needed even when you're out of the house, and they often have pre-programmed settings to streamline the process. Not only does this save you time, it saves you energy--and money otherwise spent on needlessly inflated energy bills.

Don't let rising energy costs get you down--with just a couple of simple tips and a few minutes' spare time, you'll be saving considerably on energy costs while keeping your home comfortable year-round.