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.