Waterloo HVAC Services: Save Money On Air Conditioning Costs This Summer

If you run your air conditioning nonstop during the summer, you may also be running up your electrical bill. Energy prices don’t seem to be coming down anytime soon, so homeowners need to try creative solutions to give their wallets some relief. There are many different ways you can make your home more efficient and lower your energy costs. CJ Brubacher offers air conditioning services in Waterloo that are designed to make life more convenient. Here are some expert air conditioning tips to help you save your cash this summer.

Cover Your Windows

An easy way you can help prevent heat gain is to cover your windows. Energy loss from your home is more common from doors and windows, so using barriers, like window coverings, can help residential air conditioning be more efficient. One option is to install outdoor awnings above your windows. Awnings can reflect the heat away from your windows and your home. Indoors, use window coverings, such as shades, blinds or curtains to keep the heat from coming inside. Keep shades, blinds and curtains shut during the day to keep your home cooler.

Install Ceiling Fans

Another economical way you can make your air conditioning feel cooler and run more efficiently is to install ceiling fans throughout your home. Get ceiling fans for bedrooms and large living spaces, such as the living room or kitchen. Ceiling fans can help circulate the air inside of your home and make it feel cooler. You can try setting your thermostat to a higher temperature and switching on your ceiling fans to save some energy costs. Make sure you switch your ceiling fans to run counterclockwise in the summer.

Schedule HVAC Service

Before the summer season officially begins, homeowners and commercial air conditioning customers should also schedule a yearly maintenance check on their HVAC system. Hire the pro technicians at CJ Brubacher to do seasonal maintenance on your HVAC and detect any potential problems. Our team can inspect your unit, clear off debris, replace filters and clean the mechanical components, such as the coils and drain pans. This can help extend the life of your HVAC system and prevent emergency situations where your unit breaks down in the middle of the summer.

Make Your Basement a Living Space

Your basement can also give you some relief from the high temperatures in the summer. Because the basement is the lowest level and underground, it naturally feels cooler in this space. If you don’t already use the basement as a living space, consider spending more time there. Another option is to close off your basement HVAC vents to get the air to circulate more on the first and second floors.

Seal Air Leaks

Homeowners can also have an HVAC pro go through their property and seal any gaps or leaks that may be adding to the heat gain in the summer. Our technicians can carefully inspect and seal all doors, windows and other spaces of your home where leaks may be present.

Affordable Air Conditioning Services in Waterloo

Your HVAC unit is only one part of your home’s ability to keep everyone cool in the summer. CJ Brubacher works with homeowners to help them improve their HVAC unit’s performance and their home’s energy efficiency. Our team has been working with homeowners in this area since 1923, with a commitment to customers and emergency services available every day of the week, 24 hours a day.

If you want to schedule air conditioning services and learn what other ways could help you save more money on your utility bill this summer, contact us today. We look forward to helping you and your family stay cool.

Signs You Need Commercial Plumbing Services in Kitchener

Plumbing Services in Kitchener: 3 Signs You Need a Commercial Plumber

Commercial plumbing systems are robust, according to plumbing services in Kitchener. In most cases, a commercial design is more durable, made from higher grade materials, than residential systems.

A commercial system demands more use than a residential system. The number of users varies daily but is significantly greater than in residential properties.

The higher grade materials of a commercial system usually contribute to a system’s reliability, but plumbing, regardless of caliber, is not infallible. Commercial properties often experience plumbing issues that require quick action to resolve.

In-house maintenance or janitorial staff can mitigate minor problems, but some issues require a more experienced hand. Licensed plumbers suggest a minimum of three problems that require immediate attention, especially if you want to reduce the risks of significant water loss.

1. Slow Drains or Toilet

Efficient drainage is a requirement of plumbing systems. Water in any fixture — sink, toilet, or drain — should empty quickly and predictably. If a toilet or other fixture is experiencing a slow drain, it is a sign of a clog.

A plumbing system can have minor and severe clogs. If a single fixture drains slowly, the system likely has a minor and localized clog. Most minor blockages will require minimal effort to evacuate. If slow drainage occurs throughout the property, the system likely has a severe blockage deep within.

Severe clogs often require commercial equipment with extended reach and power to clear. Licensed plumbing services will have the necessary tools to resolve any problem.

An important side-note: the longer a company waits to resolve slow drainage, the worse the problem can get. Minor clogs can develop into significant blockages, resulting in risks of backflow.

2. Yellowish Water

A plumbing system should supply clean and clear water when connected to a public system. Occasionally, a property’s water supply can turn reddish brown if the city is working on major pipelines. Other than minor exceptions, a building should experience reliable, colour-free drinking water.

If the water is yellowish or brown, do not drink it or use it. The colour signals deterioration or corrosion in the supply line.

Corrosion is usually a result of age, and the yellow hue of the water suggests pipe material and mineral deposits seeping into the water supply. Unfortunately, yellow or brown water indicates it is time to replace the system’s pipes.

A professional plumber should inspect the system to determine the cause of the colour change. Only a licensed professional can determine potential solutions.

3. Constant Drips

Commercial properties have multiple bathrooms. Without adequate maintenance or janitorial services, staff may leave many minor problems unchecked and unmitigated.

Constant drips from faucets do not always represent significant or costly repairs. In most situations, a leaky faucet results from worn-out fixture parts.

The problem is not the repair cost but the neglect of the issue. A little drip may not seem like much of an expense, but when you multiply that drip by several days and faucets, a commercial facility can experience a hike in utility costs.

Staff needs to check facility bathrooms daily. Minor issues like faucet drips should not cost a company hundreds or even thousands of dollars.

Professional Services Can Help

Whether a commercial or residential building owner, plumbing systems are vital to smooth operations. The integrity of the system equates to the functionality of the property.

Routine maintenance and assessment help ensure an operational system. Some companies outsource maintenance and janitorial tasks, meaning routine plumbing updates are unlikely.

It is best to hire commercial or residential plumbing services to inspect systems at least twice per year. Biannual inspections can shed light on potential problems before they become costly disasters.

With an A+ BBB rating and years of proven service, CJ Brubacher Ltd. is a recognized and trusted plumbing service. Contact their offices to schedule a plumbing assessment or system cleaning.

Why Surge Protectors Are Important in Any Waterloo Home

Compared to just a few decades ago, today’s homes look like high-tech command centers. Chances are your kitchen, family room, and home office each contain more electronic gadgets than entire houses did when you were growing up.

All that equipment represents a sizable investment, so protecting your electronics is paramount. That’s where adding surge protectors in every room or to your whole house comes in. Read on to learn about the importance of these devices, and how the electrical services in Waterloo that CJ Brubacher LTD. provide are there to ensure your electronics and your home are safe from harm.

Understanding Surge Protectors

Electronics require a consistent amount of energy to operate correctly. Spikes in energy caused by anything from lightning strikes to faulty wiring to equipment malfunctions are dangerous for most devices. The ensuing damage to internal batteries or circuit boards may render electronics unusable.

Many people confuse power strips and surge protectors, but the two are not interchangeable. Some power strips simply act as additional outlets or extensions and don’t provide any protection from electricity spikes. Don’t assume that the power strips you’re using combat surges unless they specifically refer to suppression or protection when you take a close look at them.

How Surge Protectors Preserve Your Tech

By plugging your items into a surge protector rather than directly into a wall socket, you ensure that excess electricity is diverted away from your device before damage results. That’s why it’s important to route all power cords belonging to expensive tech devices through a protector.

Be aware, however, that using a surge protector isn’t a “set it and forget it” cure-all. They are subject to wear out over time, so periodically check the indicator light on all of your protectors to be sure they’re still working properly.

How Surge Protection Saves You Money

Using surge protectors is a clear case of spending a little to potentially save a lot. Compared to the cost of replacing fried televisions and computers, the amount of money you’ll shell out for a few quality protectors is negligible. Think of it as purchasing an insurance policy for your important devices.

Why Every Home Needs Protection

It’s not just your devices that can incur serious problems due to energy spikes. Sadly, overheated electronic equipment may catch fire, causing danger and damage to more than just the affected items. That’s why using surge protectors is an important safety measure for every homeowner. As troubling as burning out your entertainment system due to electricity spikes would be, losing your home and imperilling your loved ones would be devastating.

For many homeowners, investing in a whole-house surge protector is a wise investment. Although it requires professional installation and is more expensive than picking up a few socket-based protectors, the enhanced security against spikes is well worth it. Call an expert from CJ Brubacher to evaluate your home and your needs, as some houses may need more than one protector to cover every area.

Contact CJ Brubacher, Ltd for the Right Protection

Because protecting your electronics, your home, and your family is paramount, always hire top professionals in residential electrical services like CJ Brubacher to ensure you’re working with the best. With our A+ Better Business Bureau rating and almost 100 years of experience, you can count on CJ Brubacher Ltd. to handle all of your electrical, plumbing, and HVAC needs.

Give us a call or fill out our online contact form today. The sooner you connect with our expert team, the sooner you’ll have the peace of mind that comes from knowing your home is protected from dangerous electrical surges.

Waterloo HVAC Services: Summer Air Conditioning Maintenance Tips

Early summer is the time to do a full checkup on your HVAC system. If you wait until it’s truly hot in the late summer, you may find that your system is already overworked and in need of repair. Technicians are often booked and fully scheduled by the time that you really need a service. Don’t wait until an emergency happens. Use these proactive precautions recommended by expert air conditioning services in Waterloo.

1. Check Your Air Filter

Over time, an air filter becomes clogged with dust and debris that the HVAC system sucks out of the air. After all, its job is to trap the fine particulate matter before recirculating it into your home where you breathe. Because of this, your air filter needs to be routinely cleaned or replaced. Failing to do this can cause your air conditioner to work extra hard, especially when it pulls the outside air into the system to be cooled.

This can lead to a higher energy bill, and create additional wear and tear on the HVAC mechanisms. Pet dander, dust, pollen, and pollution can also get trapped in your air filter. Remove your air filter from its secure location, to get a better look at it. If it is thick with caked-on junk like the lint filter of a dryer, it needs to be replaced.

2. Have a Professional Clean Your Air Ducts

This task will best be done by a professional who’s qualified in residential air conditioning maintenance. They will come equipped with the personal protective equipment necessary for investigating your crawlspace, attic, and other tight locations of ductwork. They will know how to avoid damage to the ducts and delicate flooring that is often found in hollow spaces. Professionals can also readily identify where the ducts are suffering from damage such as rodent holes and disconnected fasteners.

3. Keep Vents Unobstructed

The homeowner can usually do this aspect of HVAC maintenance. If you have floor vents, make sure that there are no bookcases, beds, couches, recliners, or other furniture that may be blocking the airflow. A common cause of ineffective cooling is vents that are unintentionally blocked. Fortunately, this is an easy fix.

If you have ceiling vents, make sure their slider bars are in the open position so that the air is actually flowing down into the room. Otherwise, the vents are closed and the cold air is being rerouted to another room. Also make sure that are no shelves, curtains, or decorations that are impeding the flow of the ceiling vents.

4. Check Your Electrical Wiring

Visually inspect the wiring inside your HVAC furnace. Call a residential or commercial air conditioning expert if you notice any fraying, char, or scorching. Ineffective or broken wiring may not only impact the effectiveness of your air conditioning. It may also be a fire risk, especially during the hot summer months.

Faulty wiring may also be affecting your thermostat, which in turn could impact the effectiveness of your cooling system. Ask a technician to verify that the wiring from the furnace to the thermostat is still fully intact and installed correctly.

Residential Air Conditioning Services in Waterloo

When you schedule a service with CJ Brubacher, you will get a timely and thorough response. We have conducted business with integrity since 1923, and we take pride in our work. Our affordable prices, long-term employees, and highly educated staff are at your service.

We especially want your experience to be convenient and affordable. Take advantage of our financing options, up to $100,000. The application process is fast, and monthly installments can be easily arranged.

Preparing Your HVAC System for Severe Weather

Kitchener Furnace Repair: 4 Ways to Prepare Your HVAC System for Severe Weather

With severe weather events on the rise, it is easy to be caught off-guard or surprised by the damage a storm can cause. Keep in mind that old adage: an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. In order to avoid a large bill for furnace repair in Kitchener, follow these simple yet effective suggestions for proactively protecting your HVAC system.

1. Keep Your Furnace Footprint Free of Other Objects

We cannot prevent or predict the weather, but we can protect our assets in the event of a disaster. Imagine a perimeter of at least five feet surrounding the top, sides, and ground around your HVAC system. Clear away any tree branches, yard implements, or furniture that could be blown against the furnace during high winds and cause damage. The greater the distance between your furnace and other objects, the less likely your HVAC system will suffer a puncture or be crushed by something heavy in the chaos of a storm.

2. Cut the Power

Another way to avoid paying unexpected bills for a residential furnace repair is to simply shut off the power to your furnace when you know a storm is coming. This will be temporarily uncomfortable for those inside the house, but it could save you a lot of money over time.

During a storm, electricity surges are common and can damage the circuitry of the HVAC system. If there is no power, however, there is no surge, and your furnace will continue operating smoothly after the storm has passed. Failure to do this may result in days or weeks without proper heating and cooling. In the aftermath of a storm, repair companies are often so backlogged that residents have to wait a very long time for their systems to be up and running again.

3. Anchor Your Furnace Securely

Commercial furnace repair companies highly recommend that each furnace be fastened down to a concrete slab or securely fixed to an exterior wall. During high winds, even a heavy furnace can be lifted off the ground and jostled. This causes instability within the fan blades and wiring that make the furnace function. An unsecured furnace is not only a risk to your HVAC system but also may damage other property or people if it comes loose during a storm.

4. Use a Surge Protector

While these are more commonly used to prevent electronics from shorting out, they are absolutely a wise choice for your furnace as well. A surge protector is able to sense unusual voltage increases and will shut off the machine if it believes the voltage is too high. This is especially crucial to have done ahead of time if you are not at home during the storm to turn off the power supply yourself. Power surges are not always predictable, so installing a surge protector takes away this element of surprise that could cost you money and inconvenience.

Prompt and Professional Furnace Repair in Kitchener

There are a number of services we offer if you have the misfortune of needing your furnace repaired. The first thing we will do is visit your property and assess the damage. If you are experiencing an emergency, call our 24/7 crisis line and we can usually respond quickly. If residential furnace repair is what you need, we will send our technicians to your home to determine whether repair, replacement, maintenance, or tune-up is the best solution. If you need commercial furnace repair, let us guide you with advice on energy efficiency and the potential for capacity upgrades. Visit our website to schedule a service or request an estimate today.

Kitchener Electrical Services: Benefits of a Ceiling Fan This Summer

If you’re looking for a smarter way to cool your home this summer, consider mounting ceiling fans in the rooms in which you spend the most time. They’ll boost your comfort while doing less damage to your pocketbook and to the environment.

Here we’ll talk about just a few of the benefits of adding fans to your home. Then when you’re ready to play it cool by installing ceiling fans, contact an expert in electrical services in Kitchener like CJ Brubacher to review your options.

Lower Your Energy Bills

It’s a good thing that vacation time comes in the summer since you’ll need some major relaxation after seeing your first electric bill of the season! Each time you crank up the air conditioning, it sends your monthly charges soaring higher than the temperature. Fortunately, installing ceiling fans is a low-cost way to reduce your electricity bills.

Because overhead fans boost air circulation, they do a great job of moving conditioned air around your living spaces. With ceiling fans, your bedrooms, dining room, and family areas feel more comfortable even when you run your AC less.

By improving airflow with ceiling fans, your air conditioner doesn’t have to work as hard to cool down your rooms. You’ll save money by raising your thermostats a few degrees so your unit turns on less often, yet you’ll feel no noticeable warming. Top-quality ceiling fans draw little more energy than it takes to run a light bulb, so adding them to your home won’t cut into the savings you gain by operating your air conditioner less.

Stay Cooler

In addition to improving cold air circulation, ceiling fans make you feel cooler even when you’re not running the AC at all. This sensation isn’t just wishful thinking but rather the impact of wind chill, which is the cooling effect created by wind blowing over a surface.

In a room with a ceiling fan, perspiration and body heat are blown away from your skin by the spinning blades, making you feel colder than the air around you. You can even open a window and enjoy some fresh air, knowing that the hot outdoor air will feel cooler to everyone in the room when you’re running a fan overhead.

Help the Environment

Although modern air conditioners are more energy-efficient and emit fewer pollutants, they still have a negative impact on the environment any time they’re operating. Adding ceiling fans reduces your reliance on your AC units, allowing you to run them less frequently without sacrificing comfort.

Because of the wind chill effect, a ceiling fan shifts the focus from cooling a room to cooling the people in it. There’s no need to run your AC in an empty room so it’s comfortable when you want to spend time in it; instead, you can be kind to the environment by switching your thermostat and your ceiling fan on only when you’re ready to settle in.

CJ Brubacher Is Here To Help

Now that you know some of the benefits of installing ceiling fans in your home, it’s time to start feeling cooler and saving money and Mother Nature in the process. Work with an experienced residential electrical services team like the folks at CJ Brubacher Ltd. to select the best ceiling fan models and placement for maximum impact.

Call us at CJ Brubacher for any of your electrical, HVAC, or plumbing needs. We’ve been helping families and business owners in Kitchener, Elmira, and Waterloo for nearly 100 years, and our A+ Better Business Bureau rating reflects our commitment to customer satisfaction. Schedule an appointment today and enjoy a cooler home this summer!

Benefits of Replacing the Bathtub in Your Elmira Home

High-quality Bathtubs when installed properly and regularly maintained still have a limited lifespan just like other household items. The bathtub seems to be one item homeowners overlook due to the challenging process of removing and replacing it.

Of course, damage can occur before the end of a tub’s lifespan. If you notice cracks or leaks, it’s time to upgrade. It may also be that your tub hasn’t changed, but your needs have. There’s also nothing wrong with just wanting something different. If you are in need of replacing your bathtub CJ Brubacher offers expert plumbing services in Elmira to ensure the job is done right the first time around.

There are three options to consider when it comes to bathtub renovations: replacing, refinishing or reglazing. While many people choose to refinish or reglaze to save money, replacing may offer more benefits in the long run. If you’re on the fence, here are the top reasons homeowners choose to replace their bathtubs.

Aesthetics

Your bathtub is the centrepiece of your bathroom, meaning it has a significant effect on the decor. You can create an elegant, whimsical or modern aesthetic just by your choice of the tub.

If you want the freedom to place your bathtub anywhere, you should choose a freestanding model. Since these aren’t built into the wall, you can install them at the room’s center or even at an angle. Clawfoot bathtubs are a popular choice for their unique look and diverse designs.

Your choice of material can also make an impact on the overall aesthetic. While porcelain is traditional, you have a wide range of options:

Steel
Brass
Stone

Steel is an excellent complement to modern or contemporary styles, while brass offers more warmth. Stone bathtubs are luxurious and may add value to your property. Just keep in mind that they’re extremely heavy, so you should only use them on the ground floor to prevent damage to ceilings.

Comfort

While appearances are important when choosing a bathtub, aesthetics shouldn’t trump comfort. After all, you use your tub daily. The good news is that modern innovations offer greater comfort than ever. Many people love relaxing in a bubble bath, but did you know you can get more out of your tub? If you really want to indulge, you can get a whirlpool bathtub.

These models feature jets that circulate water or air. These offer massages that soothe sore muscles and help you relax. The downside is that whirlpool bathtubs are often in the higher price range and may be expensive to fix.

If you still want a profoundly relaxing bathing experience without the hefty cost, you can get a soaking tub. These are deeper than traditional models, allowing you to submerge your entire body comfortably.

Convenience

Whether you have mobility issues or just prefer not to clamber over a bathtub lip, walk-in tubs offer immense convenience. Unlike traditional models, these have a door, allowing you to simply step inside. Since the door has a watertight seal, you don’t have to worry about leaks.

If you’re looking for highly hygienic material that’s easy to clean, go for acrylic. It’s more mildew-resistant than other options and can withstand harsher chemicals. In contrast, stone tubs need non- or low-abrasive cleaning materials to avoid scratching the seal.

Enamel is also fairly easy to keep clean. You can even find metal tubs with enamel coating, allowing you to get the best of both worlds.

Whenever you replace a bathtub, you should contract residential plumbing services to ensure the job’s done right. At CJ Brubacher Ltd., we’re happy to replace a tub or complete any plumbing-related renovations or repairs. Our team is highly experienced and dedicated to delivering top-quality service. We’re the place to call if you want the peace of mind that comes with expert care. To get an estimate for your next project, call us or reach out online

Author: Cj Brubacher