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.