NEED TO START YOUR CENTRAL AIR CONDITIONER IN WINTER?

As winter rages on, you may not think much about turning your air conditioning unit to cool. Most likely, you are wearing long johns and turtlenecks. There may come a time where your home gets too warm, for example, while cooking a holiday meal with dozens of people standing around chatting.

Before you flip the switch randomly, make sure you follow these steps:

• Ensure there is no ice or debris on or around the unit.
• Remove any cover from the unit.
• Lower your thermostat to the desired temperature.
• Take a moment to listen for the fan and condenser to turn on.
• Go outside and check that there is warm air coming out of the top of the air conditioner.
• After about 10-15 minutes, tour all the rooms of your home to see if the temperature is cold.

If the mercury rises in the middle of winter, causing your home to become uncomfortably warm, you can cool it down, but do it properly. Once finished, remember to re-secure your central air unit for the rest of the winter.

If the unit fails to perform, it is time to call in an HVAC professional. Not only will they provide you with air conditioner maintenance tips, they will also thoroughly inspect your system and get you back to comfort quickly.

Originally Posted on The Energy Centre 

PUT YOUR CENTRAL AIR CONDITIONER DOWN FOR A LONG WINTER’S NAP

After running all day every day during the spring and summer season, your central air conditioner will be ready to take a nap. Before you move the HVAC switch to heat, prepare your unit for the upcoming blustery winter season with an end of season air conditioner maintenance.

Ensure everything is ready for spring when you put these winter steps into play:

• Do one more spring cleaning by removing any debris, including bird droppings.
• Take a look for potential leaks, cracks, or rust in pipes and casings.
• Put everything under wraps with a waterproof vinyl or plastic cover.
• Keep an eye on things throughout winter by making weekly checks to remove debris and dirt.
• As icy weather swoops in, remember to remove accumulating snow, ice, and water from the cover.

Are you overwhelmed at the idea of getting your air conditioner closed for winter? Take advantage of the expertise and skill of a certified HVAC technician. At Energy Centre, our technicians will come to your home, take care of your system, and let you get back to your day in about an hour.

Originally Posted on  The Energy Center 

IS A HIGH-EFFICIENCY FURNACE WORTH IT?

The cold weather is officially here and it’s time for you to assess whether or not your heating system is capable of getting you and your family through another winter. If you are tired of watching your heating bills steadily increase year after year, want something that has less of an impact on the environment, or are simply shopping around for a replacement; consider investing in a high-efficiency furnace.

What to Know before Buying a High-Efficiency Furnace

If you’ve given it some thought but are still not sure whether an upgrade is worth the additional upfront costs, here are some answers to a few common questions about high-efficiency furnaces that will help you make the right decision:

WHAT IS A HIGH-EFFICIENCY FURNACE?

A high-efficiency furnace works by extracting more heat from the gas that is consumed and can function off less energy that is necessary to heat your home.

WHAT IS CONSIDERED A HIGH-EFFICIENCY FURNACE?

The energy efficiency of gas furnaces is rated in the form of a percentage referred to as Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE). The rating depicts the annual heat output compared to the energy it consumes. Typically, standard furnaces have an AFUE of 80% or less, while anything with 90% and above are considered to be high-efficiency models.

WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF HIGH-EFFICIENCY FURNACES?

One of the biggest advantages of installing a high-efficiency furnace is saving money. Since nearly all the energy produced by the fuel is used to heat your home, monthly bills are greatly reduced. In addition to cost savings, high-efficiency furnaces offer safer operation and are better for the environment.

HOW MUCH IS A HIGH-EFFICIENCY FURNACE?

The average cost for a high-efficiency furnace may cost homeowners anywhere between $3000 and $5000, including installation. Prices will vary depending on factors such as installation services, the model you select, unit efficiency, size, and so on. 

Contact Us for Your Furnace Heating Needs in Ottawa

At The Energy Centre, we are committed to providing our clients in Ottawa with more efficient heating options. Your comfort is a top priority for us. Our furnace installation specialists work hard to ensure that your new furnace system is installed correctly the first time and continues to operate as it should. In addition to installation and maintenance, we also offer quality furnace cleaning and repair services. No matter the size of your home or budget, we can help you select the right furnace so you and your loved ones can stay safe and warm all winter.

If you want a more efficient furnace system, contact the team at The Energy Centre. Request your no obligation estimate by calling 613-746-7000 or contact us online to learn about our installation services.

Originally Published on Energy Centre Buying a High-Efficiency Furnace