Category: A/C

In hot Ontarian summers air-con systems are a blessing—but a curse when they break down from improper maintenance and heavy loading-caused wear-and-tear. As HVAC specialists in Mississauga, Brampton and Oakville we’ve got a number of time-tested-and-true tips to keep your unit in tip-top shape. We’ve got 5 helpful precautions to ensure your air conditioning system can run through the summer efficiently:

1. Check/Change your air Filter
   Your air filter is like the wizard-behind-the-curtain of your air-conditioning unit and controls the air flow and air quality. Keeping your air filter clean will keep your unit running smoothly as it will prevent the air flow from bogging down, which happens with a dirty filter will. It will also prevent allergens from circulating in your home.When the weather is extremely hot change your air filter more often. You will use less power and have cleaner air.
2. 
   Check for Debris
   To ensure your air conditioning system can run throughout the summer efficiently you need to check to see that there is no debris in and around the exterior of the unit that can be sucked into the device (which would cause it to work harder and less efficiently). Create a two-foot perimeter between the air-conditioning unit and all debris.
3. 
   Check your Ventilation
   Just as the exterior needs to be free from debris you should also check the interior ventilation to ensure it is free of vent-clogging elements like garbage, children’s toys (you would be amazed how many times we have seen this) or anything else that can restrict air flow and cause the unit to work harder than needed. This should be done be a qualified HVAC professional.While we check your vents for debris we’ll also look to see if there is any mold or mildew, which will adversely affect the air quality in your home.
4. 
   Vent Heat Sources Outdoors
   The more heat-creating appliances that you vent outdoors the cooler your home will be and the less your air-conditioning unit will have to work on overdrive. This means the stove, clothes dryer and bathroom all need to be properly vented to the outdoors.
5. 
   Check your Ducts
   If your ducts have leaks you will lose valuable cool air, which will force the unit to work harder—so ensure all your ducts are professionally sealed. While you are at it you will want to seal any air leaks around doors and windows.For more tips continue to follow our blog, as your HVAC specialists in Mississauga, Brampton and Oakville—we’ve got you covered for a cool summer and we’ll help your take all necessary  precautions to ensure your air conditioning system can run through the summer efficiently.

Like homes themselves, air conditioning systems differ greatly—with some being better for some homes than others. As specialists for AC systems in Mississauga, Brampton and Oakville we know the importance of making the right AC system choice.

When it comes to choosing the best AC systems for any home there are a number of systems and factors to consider. To help you through this process we’ve put together a list of all the relevant factors to consider…

Choosing the Best AC Systems for any home—Types of AC Systems:

1. Natural Gas and Electrical
2. Electricity-Based
3. Ductless
4. Split-Air
5. Window-Mounted

Choosing the Best AC Systems for any home—Relevant Factors to Consider:

·Energy Efficiency
AC manufacturers are required by law to post the energy-efficiency rating of devices on each unit, which means buying an energy-efficient model has never been easier. Compare the cost of a device with higher energy efficiency with that of less-efficient units (which are often cheaper) and use it to determine which will give you a lower total cost of ownership.

·Strength/Power
When it comes to making a wise decision about choosing the best AC systems for any home you need to buy one with the strength and power necessary to cool your entire home (or the entire room it is installed in if it is a ductless or window unit). Buying an AC that is sufficient to cool your own home will mean you won’t be hot-and-sticky and the unit won’t be overexerting itself, which will lead to excessive wear and tear of your unit. While you want to choose one that can sufficiently chill your home you don’t want to purchase too big of a unit as it will likely end up using too much energy and driving up your energy bills.

·Affordability
When deciding on the system you can afford be sure to calculate not only the unit purchase price but also related costs, including: installation, maintenance and power-consumption costs. For example, a ductless system may be a little more expensive to purchase than duct-using ones, but it will save you money if you would need extensive duct work done.

·Warranty
Purchasing a unit with a lengthy and all-encompassing warranty can save you money—and headaches—over the long term.

While shopping around for systems, and choosing the best AC system for any home, be sure to consult with a qualified specialist in AC systems in Mississauga, Brampton and Oakville about the best system for your home, which systems are the most reliable (after all, they know better than anyone!) and additional installation and maintenance costs.)

After a long winter, some simple maintenance is often all that’s needed to get your Mississauga air conditionersrunning at peak efficiency. The following are a few ways to prepare your A/C system for the hot summer weather ahead.

• Safety is a priority. Before starting any work on your air conditioning system, always remember to turn off power at the indoor service panel and the shutoff box located near the outdoor condenser unit.
• Get in the habit of cleaning or replacing your furnace or air-handler filters regularly. Clogged filters restrict air flow, recirculating dust within your home and reducing the efficiency of your unit.
• Removing debris from the outdoor condenser unit is important too. Leaves and grass clippings can obstruct proper air flow and need to be cleared away from the base of the unit. Similarly, remove any items that have collected in the base pan underneath and cut back any weeds or vines that may have grown through the unit blocking air flow. Make sure the support for the outdoor unit is level to keep moisture draining properly.

Whether you’re a DIYer, or prefer to rely on our heating & air conditioning Mississauga professionals to handle the proper cleaning and servicing of your air conditioning system, some basic maintenance will help lower your utility bills and prolong the life of your unit.

Tips on how to get the most out of your air conditioning system

When the weather gets warm, your air conditioning system uses energy to remove heat and moisture from the air so you can maintain the proper level of indoor comfort throughout your home. When it comes to getting the most out of your air conditioning system this summer, the experts at our heating & air conditioning Mississauga companyhave some sound advice:

· Keeping the thermostat set at 78 degrees will help to reduce your energy consumption and utility costs, while maintaining a comfortable indoor temperature. Keep in mind, you’ll be saving about 2 percent on your energy bill for every degree above 75 degrees you raise your thermostat. A programmable thermostat can automatically adjust the thermostat to an even higher setting when you’re away from home or while you sleep, reducing both energy consumption and costs.

· Use oscillating or ceiling fans to keep cool air moving without lowering the thermostat. These alternate cooling devices use approximately the same amount of energy as a light bulb, saving you money on your energy bill while increasing your comfort level.

· Clean or replace filters monthly. A dirty air filter causes your Mississauga air conditioners to work harder.

· For optimum performance, keep the outside condensing unit clear of grass and other debris.

Having your air conditioning system serviced annually by professionals is one of the best ways to maintain maximum energy efficiency and extend the life of your equipment.

Whether you’re talking about an air conditioner that keeps your inside environment cool on a hot day or the refrigerator where you store your food all year long, it’s important to know the refrigerant in either appliance is doing the work intended. Remember that if the levels drop in an air conditioner or other appliance even 10%, there can be a 20% rise in electrical costs for the homeowner or business.

If the levels fall low enough, the compressor can fail or the evaporator coils can even freeze. These systems are not designed to use any refrigerant and because they are completely sealed, the levels of refrigerant should never drop.

In some cases the valves or access ports might need to be cleaned or replaced by a professional. Where there is copper tubing used, the repair is often about soldering the damaged part. When it comes to air conditioners that are over a certain age, the problem is often with the condensing or evaporator coil and these usually need to be replaced entirely.

While the issue could very well be with a dirty cooling coil that needs to be blown clean, adding more refrigerant to a broken system isn’t generally considered a good idea. The best bet when you notice there’s a change in performance on any of your cooling appliances is to call in the qualified professionals that can find and fix the problem properly the first time.

Like homes themselves, air conditioning systems differ greatly—with some being better for some homes than others. As specialists for AC systems in Mississauga, Brampton and Oakville we know the importance of making the right AC system choice.

When it comes to choosing the best AC systems for any home there are a number of systems and factors to consider. To help you through this process we’ve put together a list of all the relevant factors to consider…

Choosing the Best AC Systems for any home—Types of AC Systems:

1. Natural Gas and Electrical
2. Electricity-Based
3. Ductless
4. Split-Air
5. Window-Mounted

Choosing the Best AC Systems for any home—Relevant Factors to Consider:

·Energy Efficiency
AC manufacturers are required by law to post the energy-efficiency rating of devices on each unit, which means buying an energy-efficient model has never been easier. Compare the cost of a device with higher energy efficiency with that of less-efficient units (which are often cheaper) and use it to determine which will give you a lower total cost of ownership.

·Strength/Power
When it comes to making a wise decision about choosing the best AC systems for any home you need to buy one with the strength and power necessary to cool your entire home (or the entire room it is installed in if it is a ductless or window unit). Buying an AC that is sufficient to cool your own home will mean you won’t be hot-and-sticky and the unit won’t be overexerting itself, which will lead to excessive wear and tear of your unit. While you want to choose one that can sufficiently chill your home you don’t want to purchase too big of a unit as it will likely end up using too much energy and driving up your energy bills.

·Affordability
When deciding on the system you can afford be sure to calculate not only the unit purchase price but also related costs, including: installation, maintenance and power-consumption costs. For example, a ductless system may be a little more expensive to purchase than duct-using ones, but it will save you money if you would need extensive duct work done.

·Warranty
Purchasing a unit with a lengthy and all-encompassing warranty can save you money—and headaches—over the long term.

While shopping around for systems, and choosing the best AC system for any home, be sure to consult with a qualified specialist in AC systems in Mississauga, Brampton and Oakville about the best system for your home, which systems are the most reliable (after all, they know better than anyone!) and additional installation and maintenance costs.)

After a long winter, some simple maintenance is often all that’s needed to get your Mississauga air conditionersrunning at peak efficiency. The following are a few ways to prepare your A/C system for the hot summer weather ahead.

• Safety is a priority. Before starting any work on your air conditioning system, always remember to turn off power at the indoor service panel and the shutoff box located near the outdoor condenser unit.
• Get in the habit of cleaning or replacing your furnace or air-handler filters regularly. Clogged filters restrict air flow, recirculating dust within your home and reducing the efficiency of your unit.
• Removing debris from the outdoor condenser unit is important too. Leaves and grass clippings can obstruct proper air flow and need to be cleared away from the base of the unit. Similarly, remove any items that have collected in the base pan underneath and cut back any weeds or vines that may have grown through the unit blocking air flow. Make sure the support for the outdoor unit is level to keep moisture draining properly.

Whether you’re a DIYer, or prefer to rely on our heating & air conditioning Mississauga professionals to handle the proper cleaning and servicing of your air conditioning system, some basic maintenance will help lower your utility bills and prolong the life of your unit.

If your hot water tank is over ten years old and running out of hot water more often than it used to, you may want to consider the advantages of installing a new electric or gas-fired tankless water heater in its place.

First of all, tankless water heaters are space savers. Often the size of a suitcase, these quiet, compact units are usually designed to hang on a wall, freeing up the area where the traditional 40-gallon holding tank once occupied space next to your Mississauga furnaces.

Secondly, tankless units can produce an unlimited supply of hot water. Once the faucet is turned on, a sensor operated heat exchanger heats water flowing through heating coils to the desired temperature based on the flow rate demanded, shutting down automatically when the faucet is turned off.

Energy savings are another major benefit to homeowners. In order to maintain water temperature, a standard tank heats water periodically accounting for up to twenty percent of your water heating costs, while a tankless unit operates on a need to use basis. In fact, it is estimated an ENERGY STAR qualified tankless water heater can reduce your home’s water heating expenses by thirty percent.

Start reaping all the benefits of a tankless water heater in your home by ensuring it is properly installed to meet all applicable codes by our qualified, licensed heating & air conditioning Mississauga company. With regular maintenance and no risk of rust or corrosion, tankless units are estimated to last twice as long as a normal hot water tank.

Whether you’re talking about an air conditioner that keeps your inside environment cool on a hot day or the refrigerator where you store your food all year long, it’s important to know the refrigerant in either appliance is doing the work intended. Remember that if the levels drop in an air conditioner or other appliance even 10%, there can be a 20% rise in electrical costs for the homeowner or business.

If the levels fall low enough, the compressor can fail or the evaporator coils can even freeze. These systems are not designed to use any refrigerant and because they are completely sealed, the levels of refrigerant should never drop.

In some cases the valves or access ports might need to be cleaned or replaced by a professional. Where there is copper tubing used, the repair is often about soldering the damaged part. When it comes to air conditioners that are over a certain age, the problem is often with the condensing or evaporator coil and these usually need to be replaced entirely.

While the issue could very well be with a dirty cooling coil that needs to be blown clean, adding more refrigerant to a broken system isn’t generally considered a good idea. The best bet when you notice there’s a change in performance on any of your cooling appliances is to call in the qualified professionals that can find and fix the problem properly the first time.