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No matter where you live or what time of the year it is, functional heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (also known as HVAC) systems are a must. However, no matter how well these essential systems are maintained, there is still an off-chance of them breaking down during times when they are needed the most. Knowing this, it is vital to have an HVAC service company at your disposal when you need help with the repair of these machines.

During instances when your HVAC system breaks down or malfunctions, you should have the contact information of the repair service. These companies will be able to come to your aid and help you, no matter what time of the day or night it is. 

Emergencies That May Require The Help of an HVAC Technician

Even if you think that you are able to maintain your HVAC system on your own, it may be best to contact an HVAC repair specialist in these following circumstances. 

1) Air Conditioning Failure

There is no worse time for an air conditioning system to fail than during a heat wave in summer. Sometimes, though, it happens. It is best to call an HVAC repair service instead of trying to repair the air conditioning system. This becomes even more true if there are people living in the home who have certain medical conditions that may worsen because of heat. Having a professional repair the machine will be a much more convenient and quicker option.

2) No Heat or Airflow From The HVAC System

A heating system is designed to help normalize temperatures in a home during the cold, winter months. If the heating system suddenly stops working during winter, a technician should be called as soon as possible. Temperatures in the home can plummet, which is why it is critical for a technician to arrive on the scene to fix the machine at the soonest possible moment.

3) Strange Smells

HVAC systems do not typically expel funky-smelling air. If any out-of-the-ordinary smells start coming out of the HVAC system, there may be a chance that there is something going wrong internally. The air may be an indicator of contaminants, mildew or other potentially harmful unseen elements. A technician should be alerted the moment any strange smells are noticed. 

4) Concerns about Safety

There may be times when your HVAC system may no longer be able to do its job of providing clean air and making a home comfortable to live in. As the age of the HVAC system increases, its effectiveness may decrease. This becomes more true if the HVAC system is not maintained as often as it is meant to be. 

Conclusion

Making sure that your HVAC system is always in tip-top condition will ensure that you and your family will be able to live comfortably in your home, no matter what kind of weather is present outside. Even if your HVAC system is well-maintained, having the contact information of an HVAC repair company will give you peace of mind.

24 Hour Plumbing and Heating specializes in problems relating to plumbing and heating systems. We will solve all your plumbing, heating and air conditioning problems. Our team is specialized in emergency plumbing and HVAC. Stop searching for “AC repair near me” and contact us instead for immediate help with your HVAC system.

With the winter season in full swing and temperatures far lower than many expected, we’ve all probably spent most of the past few weeks covered up in our blankets with cups of hot cocoa in our hands.

Among the different tools, appliances, and little bits that have helped us through the coldest time of the year so far, our furnaces have undoubtedly made the biggest difference. Even though many may believe that the scarves, thick socks, and double-layer pyjamas will suffice, the truth is that these don’t deflect the freezing cold better than a furnace itself.

As you go through the entire process of making it through the cold and keeping cozy before summer sets in, your comfy self is bound to grow more dependent on this heating appliance. By the time you’ve grown accustomed to the feeling of being in a winter wonderland where you don’t freeze yourself, the unthinkable ends up happening: your furnace stops working.

Got a Dead Furnace? Here Are Some Common Factors to Check

No matter how indestructible your heater may seem, it’s best to acknowledge the fact that it isn’t bulletproof and can conk out at any time.

Admittedly, having your trusty heating appliance suddenly die out can make for a rather frightening experience because of how drastic things can get in such a short period. The moment your system conks out, you’re essentially set up for a race against time wherein each second that passes lead to quick decreases in temperature that will get unbearable.

If you find yourself in the unfortunate situation wherein your furnace has stopped working, then there’s no need to worry because here’s a checklist of different things to check:

[  ] Dirty Furnace Filters

Often linked to instances wherein a furnace starts firing up but doesn’t blow heat as hard as normal, dirty air filters are often the culprits behind inefficiently-performing furnaces. Such sudden shutdowns and “dead” furnaces typically result from this problem because filters trap dust, dirt, and debris to the point where they restrict or block vital airflow. Once enough dirt and other particles accumulate, the furnace filters will block everything and cause the heat exchanger to overheat, preventing your furnace from working optimally.

When it comes to dealing with a dirty furnace filter, the most optimal course of action is to contact a heating expert like 24 Hour Plumbing & Heating to facilitate the replacement ASAP!

[  ] Thermostat-Related Issues

Another common reason furnaces conk out and leave poor homeowners stranded and freezing during a blizzard, or heavy amounts of snow is thermostat-related issues.

Often regarded as the “control center” of a heating system, thermostats play a key role in the functionality of the appliance in question. This means that they can end up compromising a system’s functionality if they go out. If you find yourself in such a situation, here are two steps you can take to troubleshoot the problem:

• Set your thermostat to heat instead of cool, then set it to 5 degrees above room temperature
• Replace the thermostat’s batteries with appropriate options

Conclusion

There’s no denying that dealing with a dead furnace in the middle of an ever-strong Canadian winter can be nothing short of difficult because of how inconvenient everything can quickly become. Thankfully, following this guide will help set you on the right path towards getting your trusty appliance back in shape to prevent yourself from freezing!

Do you have a furnace emergency in Calgary, AB, that needs to be solved ASAP? Look no further because we’ve got you covered! Get in touch with us today to schedule an appointment with our experts so that we can get your problem sorted out right away!

If you live in an area that frequently experiences hot and humid weather, you probably rely on your air conditioning unit to give you comfort as you stay indoors. AC units are a godsend, yet they’re not meant to last forever. This is why you need to know how to maintain it properly so that it won’t prematurely stop working. When it comes to maintenance, there are common mistakes you need to avoid, and one of the most common ones is failing to schedule regular maintenance.

In this article, we will share four common mistakes that you must avoid when it comes to AC maintenance:

– Not Having Groundcover

Indeed, vegetation and tall grass around your AC unit can block airflow and reduce the device’s functionality and efficiency, which is why most homeowners leave the ground bare. However, doing this is not the best option because when it rains, the dirt from the ground can turn to mud, which can splash on the unit and affect the condenser coil’s fins. 

Instead of leaving the ground bare, have a groundcover that’s under six inches tall. Another solution is to add mulch like gravel or bark chips to avoid mud getting on your unit. 

– Covering The Unit At All Times

The only time the AC unit must be covered with plywood is during the winter or when the unit is switched off. If you plan to cover your unit because you want to protect it from debris and other elements, you might want to think otherwise. This will only compromise its functionality and performance in the long run. Keep in mind that the AC unit is designed to pull air in through its sides and blow it out the top. When you cover the unit, you prevent it from doing this. 

– Incorrect Amount of Refrigerant

The R-22s are older units, and you will have a challenging time finding a refrigerant refill for this. You might think that a newer coolant will do the trick, but this will only cause a problem inside the system. Another common mistake is topping off the coolant and overcharging the system. When there’s too much coolant, it can compromise the compressor. You can easily avoid this by hiring reliable AC technicians to remedy the issue. 

– Pressure Washing The Condenser Coils

Washing the condenser coil at least every year is acceptable, but keep in mind that the fins are fragile, which is why you shouldn’t pressure wash it. If you plan to do the condenser coil cleaning on your own, remember to be gentle with it and make sure you switch off the unit at the breaker and the panel’s main disconnect before you remove the cleaner or do any cleaning. 

Taking care of your AC unit is essential, especially if you want to last longer and do its job. However, if you don’t have time to do the maintenance on your own, you should hire a professional to do regular inspections to help ensure your AC unit is in good condition. Surely, you don’t want your unit to break down in the middle of a hot summer day, right? 

Conclusion

At this point, you now know the four common mistakes that owners can make when it comes to maintaining their AC units. The key to ensuring your device is in good condition is to have a reliable AC technician to inspect and repair it. Your system, as much as possible, should not be a project of DIY because it has many fragile parts. If you don’t want to spend a lot of money on a repair or replacement, leave the maintenance to the experts so that you also get to avoid making mistakes!

Get quality air conditioning service here at Emergency Plumbing Heating Company. We are a professional and fast company that provides 24/7 AC and plumbing services. Get in touch with us today to see how we can help!

Now that we are down to the last quarter of the year, the cold winter months are fast approaching. It’s that time of the year when all you want to do is stay safe and warm inside your home. As much as possible, you want to avoid having to deal with a malfunctioning hot water tank in the middle of winter.

It’s for this reason that hot water tank maintenance is essential. You must ensure that your unit is in the best condition to help you make it through the freezing temperatures.

However, it’s not enough for you to simply call your trusted technicians. When it comes to maintaining your hot water tanks, you must also be familiar with at least the basics.

To help you get started, here are some essential things you must know about heater maintenance.

Hot Water Tank Replacement

Replacing your unit is a big investment, so it helps to know when you should do it. Firstly, you must remember that this depends on the type of tank you have. Gas heaters usually last for around a decade.

Furthermore, you must also pay attention to your tank’s condition. Signs such as leaks and rusty water must be acted on immediately.

Common Issues with Hot Water Tanks

Here are some more issues and problems that you must pay immediate attention to.

1) Hot Water Tank That Doesn’t Stay Lit

If you are noticing this in your unit, the first thing that you have to check is your tank’s thermocouple. It’s a device that checks if your water heater’s pilot light is on. In some cases, it could be that the thermocouple is simply bent away or faulty.

If you see that it is bent away from the pilot light, bending it back towards the flame is the quick fix. On the other hand, if you see that you have a dirty pilot tube, let it cool first before you remove any blockage with a needle.

If none of these solutions works, you need to replace the thermocouple altogether.

2) Hot Water Tank Not Filling Up

If your hot water is running out very quickly, it could be due to a leak preventing the hot water from traveling up the pipe. In this case, your technician will be able to sort this out quickly.

However, if you are not seeing any signs of a leak, check the temperature-pressure release valve. The problem may be caused by a pressure lock. Hold open the valve and release the pressure to allow your tank to fill back up.

3) How Water Tank Leaking

Leaks can happen at the top and bottom of your tank.

For leaks at the bottom, inspect your drain valve or the opening used to drain your water tank for maintenance. If you see that the leak is coming from this part, it can be fixed easily by your technician. Leaks coming from pipe connections can be easily mended, too.

On the other hand, if you discover your hot water tank is leaking from the top, the first things to check are the pipes going in around it. The leak you are seeing may be caused by loose fittings due to the pressure inside the system.

As mentioned earlier, leaks can also be caused by the temperature-pressure valve. Too much pressure in the system may be causing the valve to open on its own to release some of the pressure. Take note that this can lead to an explosion and put everyone in harm’s way. If you feel that pressure is the problem, call a professional right away.

Conclusion

With the colder months of the year approaching, hot water tank maintenance is essential. Knowing at least the basics of taking care of your heating system will go a long way in ensuring that it works well throughout winter. Ultimately, it helps keep you and your loved ones warm and cozy inside your home.

If you are noticing even the smallest problem in your hot water tank, address them quickly by calling in professionals. At 24 Hour Plumbing & Heating, we’re available any time of the day for your water heater cleaning and other plumbing services. Book an appointment today!

When it comes to managing an office heating and cooling system, it can be easy to overlook minor issues you wouldn’t have been able to spot in the first place. An unexpected power outage can result in costly repairs and work hazards that would’ve been easily avoided with regular maintenance. As the seasons continue to change drastically, too-high or too-low internal temperatures can affect your staff’s productivity and comfort. Consequently, it’s important to pay special attention to the following warning signs that may indicate a need for an emergency HVAC repair. 

Small Leaks or the Smell of Heating Fuel

While dripping from your AC unit is often missable, it may be a sign of larger plumbing problems, especially when you’re beginning to catch whiffs of gas or oil. If you spot a cooling leak and the unmistakable stench of gas, shut off your system and contact an emergency plumber. 

Incorrect Transmission of Air Temperature

A faulty air conditioning system on a hot summer day is more than just a bummer. If your HVAC system isn’t distributing the proper air temperature, it could be an indicator that your furnace is ready to shut down. Especially during the wintertime, this can negatively impact your working conditions and be hazardous to warehouse employees. 

Your Energy Bills Have Skyrocketed

Even with regular use, monthly energy bills are hardly predictable. However, if your utility bills are raking in ridiculous numbers, there may be a disruption within your HVAC system. If you’re overdue for annual servicing, contact an expert to perform an emergency inspection. Whether an electrical issue or otherwise, a specialist can likely pinpoint the issue in no time, patching up your machinery in order to prevent any recurring complications. 

Air Conditioners Shutting off Abruptly

If you haven’t put your air conditioner on a timer, your system shutting off on its own might indicate low coolant levels. A common disruption, you can easily evaluate your machinery on your own by raising the temperature by 5 degrees. If your air conditioning unit fails to run, you may be facing a blockage or clogging. 

What to Look For in an HVAC Service

Other than being able to call in for a plumbing emergency during any time of the day and week, a dependable HVAC service should: 

• Employ uniformed and licensed plumbers 
• Have insurance on-hand
• Provide free and up-front estimates on repair costs
• Provide free or reasonable travel charges
• Communicate detailed information regarding your specific issue and how to avoid it 

Conclusion

Whether during the summer or winter, your HVAC system should provide a consistently perfect indoor temperature. While most potential issues may be easy to self-evaluate, it’s important to have an emergency repair team on-call to address recurring problems or ones you may not have noticed, to begin with. 

At 24 Hour Plumbing and Heating, we understand that your home or office is your sanctuary, and thus prioritize creating a comfortable environment for our clients to work and relax in. 

Whether you’re experiencing a furnace emergency or need a second opinion on a potential plumbing problem in Calgary, AB, give us a call—we’ll be there in a jiffy!

The climate control device that is responsible for Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning your home plays an essential role in keeping your house comfortable throughout the seasons of the year. A  home’s HVAC system is responsible for maintaining temperatures, regulating humidity, and clearing the air.

Ergo, having an efficient HVAC system is vital will be quite an understatement. It is a crucial part of your house.

Exploring and understanding the essential components of the HVAC system, role each one plays can help you in maintaining the HVAC parts. And in the case when something stops working, you can either look to fix it yourself or let experts take care of your plumbing and HVAC needs and get your HVAC system back in order right away.

Furnace

The furnace is a key component of the HVAC system. It is a large appliance usually stored in a basement, attic, utility room, or garage. There are different types of furnaces. The heating process is accomplished using one of four possible heat sources — combustion (burning natural gas, oil, coal, or propane), electric resistance, heat pump, or solar energy collected on site. Their efficiency ratings are the most important: The lower your energy efficiency, the higher your heating/cooling bills.

Heat Exchanger

The heat exchanger found inside your furnace unit’s housing. This component switches on when the furnace is activated by the thermostat to produce warmer temperatures in winter. The heat exchanger pulls in cold air, heats it, and circulates the resulting heated air via your ducts and out through the vents.

Evaporator Coil

Evaporator coils are part of the furnace and located on the top or side of the furnace unit. Evaporator coils cool air that flows through the home. The coils are activated when the thermostat indicates the home needs cool air. The evaporator coil has an opposite role to the heat exchanger; it acts to cool the air when your thermostat is set to lower temperatures in summer. It uses the furnace’s blower unit to distribute the cooled air through the home’s ductwork.

Condensing unit

It is located outside your home or property where the refrigerant gas is cooled by exchanging heat with outside air. The gas is “condensed” into a liquid form and sent to the evaporator coil. The liquid again becomes a refrigerant gas that is sent back outside, and this is part of the cooling process.

Refrigerant lines

These are the metal (usually aluminum or copper) tubes that carry the liquid to the evaporating coil and back to the condensing unit. It is a part of the cooling. This unit is installed by HVAC experts on the outside of your home and filled with refrigerant gas. Once the refrigerant cools to a liquid by heat exchange with the exterior air, the condensing unit pumps the liquid to the evaporator coil to be evaporated into a gas once more.

Thermostat

Thermostats can reduce energy consumption and save you money by controlling the heating/cooling function of your HVAC system. It is usually the most visible part of the HVAC system. Set on a prominent, easily accessible wall. A thermostat may be either programmed in advance or set manually to keep the home at the desired temperature. When the ambient temperature becomes too cold or too hot, the thermostat will trigger the heat exchanger or the evaporator coil-condensing unit combo to begin circulating warmed or cooled air as needed.

Ductwork

Ductwork refers to the system of ducts that transports air warmed or cooled by the system to the various areas of your home. They are typically located in the walls or ceiling, ending at the vents and registers in the home’s rooms. Ducts are commonly made of lightweight aluminum, but they may also be manufactured from steel, flexible plastic, polyurethane, fiberglass, or fabric.

Vents

The vents are the rectangular outlets which transfer the heated or cooled air from the duct system into the individual rooms of your home. They are made of high- and low-temperature safe metal, the vents are located on or near the ceiling and usually fronted with angled slats (“vents”). These vents direct the treated air downward to where people are using the room. Often they may be manually controlled or even closed to control the amount of heating or cooling and the area of the room to which it will be directed.

Now that you’re aware of these components, the role they play, and their importance in keeping your home a happy place, maintain them well, and for any emergency plumbing service, hire an expert to ensure you get the right service for a reasonable cost. 

24hour plumbing heating will inspect all parts of the HVAC system in your home to ensure your family is breathing clean air. To inquire about our award-winning plumbing and maintenance services or to schedule a routine check-up, feel free to reach out today and book an appointment.

What if your old home furnace breaks down? You will surely be confused as to how you will heat your home henceforth. You can contact the best HVAC professional in your vicinity to know about which new home furnace is most suitable for your home. With the varied sizes that furnaces are available nowadays, they will definitely not bother you in terms of compact spaces. Moreover, furnaces are considered the most viable option for heating and one of the main components of your HVAC system. Since furnaces are available in different types, we are here to give you a deeper understanding of the main home furnace types available to you.

Gas Furnace

Gas furnaces are highly economical and also readily available due to the high availability of gas in the region. A gas furnace usually makes use of natural gas, Liquified Petroleum Gas, propane, butane or a mixture of propane-butane, whatever is available in the particular region. The gas blows through the ducts, with the help of fans and makes your homes warm. Gas furnaces create even heating throughout your entire homes, which is one of the significant reasons why it is preferred the most.

Oil Furnace

Oil furnaces are less efficient, having low AFUE rating compared to gas furnaces. However, if you require a home furnace at relatively cheaper rates, you can surely choose oil furnaces for your HVAC needs. Oil furnace converts the oil into heat, and then the heat is distributed in your home. Since oil furnace involves the conversion of oil into heat, oil furnaces are built differently. They are built with heavy and thicker steel since the conversion of oil to heat requires a specialized burner.

Electric Furnace

Electric furnaces are remarkably cheaper compared to any other furnace when purchasing upfront. However, people only choose electric furnaces if gas lines or oil furnace availability lacks in their vicinity. These furnaces use wire coils for the heating process. People want electric furnaces, also because they are incredibly compact, making them easy to fit them anywhere. But, at the same time, electric furnaces incur high costs on your electric bills due to the considerable usage of electricity to power the furnace.

Modulating Furnace

A modulating furnace is costly as compared to any other furnace listed above. However, the benefits that they showcase are quite capable of convincing you to have them installed. Modulating furnace adjusts the amount of heat produced inside the home, based on the thermostat’s temperature. Modulating furnace will provide you with the required warm comfort; however, the little noise that it continues to make due to frequent usage might disrupt your peace.

If you need suggestions on what furnace will complement and suit your home the best or need help with installing new furnaces, 24 Hour Plumbing Heating is equipped with the best HVAC professionals. In case your existing furnace needs repair, we have the right resource and expertise to get them in working condition.

Winter has arrived, and now it is a good time to have a check with your home furnace. You need your home furnace during this time to keep your home warm. And no one wants their home furnace to get damaged during these cold days. You can conduct a maintenance check of your home furnace on your own, or you can call a plumber and get the inspection done by them. While inspecting the home furnace, there are some signs that you should look out for.

1) The Age

A home furnace has a life expectancy of fifteen to twenty years. Before the furnace reaches the age of fifteen years, you should take its effective care. Once the furnace reaches the age of 15 to 20 years, keep an eye on any abnormal function, sound or smell. If anything such happens, call a plumber for inspection, they will tell you how much longer the furnace will last.

2) Feel Cold Air

If your home furnace is not heating the house properly, then it’s probably a sign of some failure with the furnace. Most of the time, it is the blower fan in the motor that malfunctions. This can create some cold spots in the house. If the furnace is not blowing the air at all, then it could be an issue with heat exchanger or pilot light, that only professionals can see if it’s possible to fix.

3) Strange Noises

The HVAC system in your home usually makes noise. You may not hear it because the system may be new. Or the HVAC system is at a place in the house from where you are not able to hear the sounds. But if you hear some unusual pops or squeak sounds, then probably something would have come loose in the unit. The HVAC system would need a repair or replacement of the part.

4) Increased Heat Bill

If you see fast growth in your utility bills, then you should consider replacing your home furnace. This can be the sign that the furnace will last only a few more days. Over the years, home furnace loses its efficiency and it takes more time to heat the house, using more energy.

5) Yellow Pilot Light

If you are using a natural gas furnace, then go and check with the pilot light. If the pilot light is yellow, then your furnace would be leaking carbon monoxide, a poisonous gas. When you notice yellow pilot light, rust, excessive condensation or a bad smell, then immediately shut off the HVAC systems, and call a technician.

If you notice any of these signs in your home furnace, then you should probably call us. Our experts will inspect and tell if your systems need repair or replacement. To have a thorough maintenance check of your furnace and plumbing emergency, call for our services today.