Kitchener Heating Services 6 Furnace Safety Tips

Kitchener Heating Services: 6 Furnace Safety Tips

In warmer climates, residential heating may not be considered necessary. However, in a northern region like Kitchener that can get very cold during the winter, a furnace is absolutely essential for every home and professional building. It is easy to take your furnace for granted, but if it malfunctions, it does pose a risk for gas leaks, house fires, or carbon monoxide poisoning. With the help of heating services in Kitchener, here are some tips to follow to maintain furnace safety. 

1. Avoid Improper Installation

Furnace safety starts at the very beginning by making sure it is installed properly. The installation process is extremely complicated. If you do not install your furnace correctly, you could be putting yourself and your family at risk for gas leaks. Natural gas is very flammable and could combust with the smallest spark. Therefore, attempting to save money by installing the furnace yourself could potentially cost you and your family your lives. Correct installation of the furnace may be more important than the particular furnace you choose. 

2. Install Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Because a natural gas leak can be so dangerous, the gas companies add a strong, distinctive odour to it so that you can detect a leak and take prompt action to escape. Carbon monoxide can be even more dangerous than a natural gas leak. It is a byproduct of burning fossil fuels such as natural gas, and it doesn’t have any smell or taste, nor is it visible.

While carbon monoxide is flammable, the real danger is that it is poisonous and virtually impossible for a human being to avoid breathing in if it is present. There is usually no sign of carbon monoxide in the air until you start showing symptoms of poisoning, and by that point, it may be too late. Carbon monoxide detectors alert you to the presence of the poisonous gas in your home before you start showing symptoms. You should have one on every level of your home and be sure to keep fresh batteries in them so that you can rely on them in an emergency. If your carbon monoxide detectors are older, you may need to replace them. 

3. Clear a Space Around the Furnace

The area around the furnace may seem like a good place for storage, but clutter around the air vents may prevent proper ventilation. Keep the air intake vents free from debris, and keep the space immediately surrounding the furnace free from large obstructions such as boxes or furniture. Dispose of used furnace filters rather than storing them nearby. 

4. Don’t Hang Laundry Next to the Furnace

Though a temporary obstruction, hanging laundry next to the furnace isn’t a very good idea. It could be a fire hazard and reduce the airflow. 

5. Have Your Furnace Maintained

Maintaining your furnace helps to keep it operating properly. There are some maintenance tasks that you can handle yourself, such as changing or cleaning the furnace filter, depending on which type you use. 

While you probably cannot perform more advanced furnace maintenance yourself, you can perform frequent inspections of the furnace and have maintenance done if you notice any troubling signs. Listen for unusual noises, such as popping, rattling, or banging sounds, coming from your furnace. Look for visual changes to your furnace, such as rust spots. 

If you notice warning signs like these, you should call an HVAC professional right away. However, it isn’t only when you suspect trouble that you should have furnace maintenance. You should have a professional evaluation performed on a regular basis. 

Call CJ Brubacher for Heating Services in Kitchener

We have been providing residential and commercial heating services in the area for nearly 100 years. Schedule services 24 hours a day. 

Waterloo Heating Services: Is A Burning Smell In Your Furnace Normal?

Waterloo Heating Services: Is A Burning Smell In Your Furnace Normal?

The heating system in your home or a commercial facility is necessary for the colder winter months. While heat is essential for keeping people warm, it is also vital for the maintenance of your property. Without heat, pipes can freeze, windows can break, and so much more. If you do not have heat, contact an expert in furnace repair in Waterloo. 

However, not every apparent issue requires a technician. For example, many homeowners freak out when they smell something burning after turning on their HVAC system for the first time. Is the smell normal? Is it something to worry about? 

Is It Normal To Smell Burning?

A slight burning or hot smell does not always warrant a call to a residential furnace repair company. When a system is shut down for a while, like most systems are during the spring and summer months, a minor odour is expected as the system kicks back on.  

A stagnant system collects dust throughout. When the furnace kicks back on, it is burning the existing dust within the motor, heating elements, and other components. The burning that takes place after a while of inactivity is considered normal and nonthreatening. Still, that does not mean that all burning smells are natural. 

What Smells Are Not Normal?

Whether dealing with residential or commercial furnace repair, some odours are unnatural and require the attention of a seasoned expert. Some smells can indicate problems with specific components, and others can represent issues with entire systems. Homeowners must know the differences between these odours to explain the scent to a technician and determine the feasibility of a repair. Depending on the severity of the damage, a new system might be advisable. 

1. Rotten Eggs

Most HVAC systems use natural gas to operate. Natural gas is odourless, which is dangerous, so gas companies add mercaptan to it, producing a rotten egg smell. Without the rotten egg odour, people may not realize they have a gas leak, which can result in death or severe injury. 

If you smell rotten eggs when you turn on your furnace or HVAC unit, you should shut it off immediately and call the gas company or a licensed HVAC professional. A crew should arrive on the scene quickly to inspect and repair any issues.  

2. Mustiness

Sometimes, homeowners will turn on their furnace and notice a strong musty or mouldy smell coming from the vents. The odour usually indicates mould growth in the ductwork or evaporator coil. The vents and system will need to be cleaned to eliminate the odour. 

Unfortunately, depending on how bad the mould growth is, it often represents more significant problems. You might want to hire a mould remediation company to assess the rest of the property for mould. Sometimes, mould remediation is the only way to rid an entire property of mould risks. 

3. Electrical, Metallic, or Plastic

Electrical and metallic burning smells can indicate an overheated blower or another component. The best thing you can do is shut down the system and ask an HVAC technician for assistance. If you continue to run the system with malfunctioning parts, you risk damaging the heat exchanger or other critical components.  

The smell of burning plastic is not typical, and it can be hazardous. Plastic and similar materials can release fumes into the air that are toxic. If you smell plastic, shut off the HVAC system, open windows, and contact an HVAC specialist. 

Have you noticed strange odours coming from the vents in your home or facility? If so, contact CJ Brubacher Ltd. and schedule an assessment. The HVAC, Plumbing, and electrical specialists will send out a qualified team member as soon as possible.

Kitchener Heating Services: Are Space Heaters Dangerous?

Kitchener Heating Services: Are Space Heaters Dangerous?

As winter amps up for bone-chilling nights and frigid days, space heaters are often the go-to for homeowners that have furnace issues. Whether it’s because of maintenance issues, lack of proper cleaning, or a need for replacement, inconsistently working furnaces can be both frustrating and uncomfortable all winter long. Space heaters offer a temporary fix while saving for repairs or replacements but can also be highly dangerous. Learn more about the common concerns surrounding space heaters and who to call for heating services in Kitchener. 

Space Heaters Should Be a Temporary Fix

Despite shared memories of grandparents or parents pulling old space heaters out of storage for the entire winter season, space heaters are not meant to serve heating needs consistently. Further, when space heaters become older, the hazards surrounding them are even more significant than before. 

There are typically two types of space heaters that people have in their residential homes and commercial buildings. For the most part, in the residential heating of homes, you will find an even mix of the two, electric and fuel-burning. Due to building codes and emissions rulings, commercial heating from space heaters is only electric. 

Electric

Electric space heaters are powered by, you guessed it, electricity. These space heaters plug into an outlet to help heat the surrounding area. 

Fuel-Burning 

Though primarily a thing of the past, fuel-burning space heaters still exist and are still very dangerous. Fuel-burning heaters emit more radiant heat, similar to open fire, but from fuel use. Without proper ventilation, the effects can be both hazardous and devastating. 

Space Heaters Pose Real Dangers in the Home

Though some people believe that space heaters are sometimes necessary to take the chill out of the air, a properly working furnace should be able to get the job done without adding additional hazards to your health.

Fires 

Both electric and fuel-burning space heaters are renowned for starting house fires. Nearby materials can get too hot and catch on fire with the option. In electric space heaters, circuits are often overloaded and electrical fires that can spread across the home start with one single outlet. Fuel-burning space heaters can easily be knocked and spill fuel, accelerating flames. 

Poisoning 

Carbon monoxide can be identified by using special detectors installed in the home, which are practical for the appliances but cost additional money. Fuel-burning space heaters also pose an additional threat with carbon monoxide poisoning, sometimes referred to as the silent killer, because the signs often go unnoticed until too late. Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include:

  • Dizziness
  • Nausea 
  • Confusion 
  • Shortness of breath
  • Blurred vision 
  • Weakness 
  • Headache 
  • Loss of consciousness 

Injuries 

Like any household item that poses a threat, accidents are likely to happen. Whether you turn your back for one minute and the heater topples over, or your child pours juice on top of it, causing a short, or the dog hits the flame with a tail wag and spreads fire to the curtains, you simply never know what could happen with space heaters in the home. 

Space Heaters Can’t Replace Proper Heating 

While space heaters seemingly provide a quick and straightforward solution to winter heating woes, it is only a tach to a more significant problem. As time passes, minor issues that prohibited the furnace from working properly will only grow. Soon, space heaters will not band-aid the entire home, and the furnace will still be broken. Both fuels and electricity costs rise as the winter season wears on. Rather than wasting money, begin saving or exploring financing options to address the needs of your furnace. 

For more information on scheduling an assessment of your central heating system for furnace installation, maintenance, or repair services, contact the professionals at CJ Brubacher HVAC, plumbing, and electrical services today.

Kitchener Furnace Repair: What Is That Noise?

Kitchener Furnace Repair: What Is That Noise?

If you’ve ever seen the movie “Home Alone,” recall the main character Kevin McCallister’s tumultuous relationship with the beat-up furnace in the basement. The knocking, pinging, groaning, ponging, and banging that the starring furnace made was enough to scare a young boy into running up the stairs at top speed. While your furnace is likely not calling out your name, it might be making unsettling noises. In most cases, all the furnace needs is a little TLC and deep cleaning, but sometimes it can be more serious. Find out why your furnace won’t stop making strange noises and who to call for furnace repair in Kitchener. 

Think About When You Hear the Noises Most 

The best way to determine what’s wrong with your furnace is to schedule a diagnostic inspection. Professional HVAC technicians will come to your home and complete a thorough checklist to assess the possible causes for the noises and any other issues that may require residential furnace repair.

However, if you’re on a waiting list or you haven’t made the call just yet, you might be able to determine the root of the problem by deciding when you hear the noises most. Pay close attention and try to determine during which window the furnace bangs, clangs, bings, or knocks: when it turns on or when it turns off. 

When the Furnace Turns On 

If the noises occur primarily when the furnace starts up and circulates air through the home, you might have dirty burners. 

Burners Can Accumulate Dust and Carbon 

Carbon builds up on burners from combustion as a simple byproduct of regular operation. When this happens, ignition is delayed, and gas builds up instead of immediately lighting the flame for the furnace. After some time, the gas will ignite, creating a small explosion in your furnace. If not corrected immediately, dirty burners can lead to furnace replacement and fire hazards. 

When the Furnace Turns Off

If the noises are noticeable when the furnace shuts off and the airflow stops, either the ductwork in the home or your furnace filter could be dirty, or both. 

The Furnace Might Have a Dirty Filter 

One of the least congratulated parts of adulting is remembering to change your furnace filter as directed. Depending on what kind of filter you have, it typically needs to be swapped out for a new one no more than every three months. Build-up can prevent airflow and causes your ducts to expand and contract, making popping noises. 

The Ductwork Could Be Dirty 

Even new homes can have debris or dirt in the ducts. During construction, errors could have been made, or even prior homeowners did not have ductwork vented correctly during a remodel. To ensure that dirty or blocked ducts are not the problem, a technician might recommend duct cleaning to prevent the popping noises from the expanding and contracting of metal when airflow is blocked.

Think About When You Didn’t Hear the Noises 

While it is typically your responsibility to change your furnace filter regularly, the internal parts of your furnace should only be cleaned by HVAC professionals. With regular maintenance and cleaning, the noises that keep you up at night should subside.

Just because there are dirty parts in your furnace doesn’t mean that you don’t keep a clean house. Furnaces naturally gather dust and carbon buildup as part of the regular operation. A diagnostic evaluation of your furnace will identify the noise source and provide you with options to remedy it. Services range from cleaning and lubing to residential and commercial furnace repair and replacement. 

For more information on professional HVAC services in Elmira, Waterloo, and the surrounding areas, contact CJ Brubacher Ltd. today. 

Elmira Heating Services: Why is the Furnace Leaking Water?

Elmira Heating Services: Why is the Furnace Leaking Water?

A water leak in your home can cause extensive damage. Therefore, if you see water coming out of your furnace, you may be alarmed. The problem may not be as serious as it seems at first. Depending on the type of furnace you have and how old it is, some condensation may be normal. When in doubt, however, you should call furnace repair in Elmira to have it checked out. To help you narrow down the possible cause and determine whether it is anything to worry about, here are some common reasons why a furnace may leak water. 

1. Issue With the Furnace Humidifier

In the winter, the air becomes drier because cold temperatures prevent water from becoming vapour. Due to the hot air that your HVAC system forcefully circulates, the relative humidity inside your home may decrease even further during the winter. This can cause problems such as dry skin or nosebleeds. To prevent this, some furnaces come equipped with their own humidifiers to keep the air moist and comfortable by evaporating water and circulating the vapour throughout your home. A problem with the humidifier, such as a crack, may cause a leak requiring residential furnace repair to correct and prevent further damage to either the humidifier or the furnace itself. 

2. Flue Pipe of Incorrect Size

Furnace operation can cause condensation. If your furnace is over 15 years old, or it is a newer furnace of standard efficiency, the condensation should be minimal, and you should not see any water leaks. If there is water leaking, it may mean that the flue pipe that directs exhaust from the furnace outside is allowing water to drain back into the furnace because it is the incorrect size. 

3. Clog of the Furnace Condensation or Internal Drain System

If you have a newer, high-efficiency furnace, one of the things that makes it different from a standard furnace is that when the natural gas burns, condensation is naturally produced as a byproduct due to the cool exhaust. These furnaces come with a system intended to allow the excess condensation to drain out of the furnace. There is usually a PVC pipe installed in the furnace that empties into the drain built into your basement floor. If there is a clog in either the floor drain or the condensation pipe, it may cause the water to leak out in another direction. 

4. Break of the Condensate Pump or Condensation Line

While most buildings with basements have a drain in the floor, not all of them do. If your building does not, it does not necessarily mean that you cannot have a high-efficiency furnace. It just means that you need another method of getting the condensation outside. A condensate pump is a mechanical device that removes the condensation to a location exterior to the building. Like other mechanical devices, a condensate pump may occasionally break down. If it does, the condensation from your furnace has no acceptable outlet. Therefore, you may find it leaking out in unexpected places. 

If you do have a floor drain, you probably have a condensation line emptying into it from your furnace, assuming that it is a new, high-efficiency model. In addition to clogs, condensation lines may crack or break. If this happens, it is another means by which your furnace may start leaking water. 

Why You Should Call CJ Brubacher for Furnace Repair in Elmira

While it is normal for some furnaces to produce condensation, they are usually designed to control the water and direct it appropriately. If your furnace appears to be leaking water from an inappropriate source, you may require residential or commercial furnace repair in Elmira. Our technicians are fully licensed, experienced, and available for emergency calls 24 hours a day. Find out more about our heating services.

4 Signs You Need To Repair Your Home Furnace in Waterloo

4 Signs You Need To Repair Your Home Furnace in Waterloo

Stay warm this winter and keep your home safe with a fully maintained furnace. Check out these four signs that it’s time to contact CJ Brubacher for residential furnace repair in Waterloo. Ignoring these issues could cause your furnace to fail, so work with a local expert for efficient maintenance and repair services.

1. Your Furnace Isn’t Heating Properly

This sign can be caused by a number of issues, but all mean it’s time to request furnace repair in Waterloo. If your furnace isn’t heating properly, then a technician will check for one or more of these components:

  • Thermostat
  • Blower motor
  • Pilot light
  • Gas lines
  • Wiring
  • Air ducts

A faulty or incorrectly adjusted thermostat won’t tell your furnace to turn on. This may be the issue if you never hear your furnace turn on or attempt to turn on. It could also be caused by faulty wiring.

A damaged blower motor won’t force the air through your air ducts. This can be caused by a clog in the system, a wiring issue or damaged mechanical components.

The pilot light is either always lit or lighted with an electric starter, depending on the model and age of your furnace. Compromised pilot lights won’t light the gas released in your furnace. This may be the issue if your blower is running but the air is cold or you smell gas as your furnace runs.

Air ducts need to be clear of debris to allow warm air to travel throughout your home. If a particular room is especially cold, or you don’t notice any air coming out of a particular duct, it may be time to schedule a cleaning service.

2. You Hear Strange Noises From Your Furnace

Unusual noises may be the first sign that a component is about to break. Treat any unusual furnace sounds serious and you may avoid a sudden furnace failure. Here are some sounds that can point to furnace damage or excessive wear:

  • Scraping
  • Squealing
  • Grinding
  • Humming
  • Rattling

3. Your Furnace Is Old

A furnace should last at least 15 years as long as it’s properly maintained. Some furnaces last 30 years or more. Most professionals recommend replacing a furnace after about 15 to 20 years. Here are some factors that affect how old is too old for your furnace:

  • Maintenance record
  • How often it is used
  • Manufacturer
  • Whether it’s sized appropriately for your home

If your furnace is over 20 years old, it’s likely less efficient than modern alternatives. Its effective lifetime may also be drawing to an end, and a planned replacement can be more affordable and less stressful than a middle-of-the-night emergency call.

4. Your Heating Costs Are High

A damaged or older furnace is likely going to be less efficient than a modern, well-maintained one. An inefficient furnace may be costing you more in monthly bills than a replacement furnace would cost.

Schedule an annual maintenance service to learn more about your furnace. As your furnace ages, ask about the efficiency difference between new and older models. You may reach a point where a replacement unit is a cost-effective solution.

You don’t always have to fully replace a furnace to enjoy reduced energy costs. A clogged air filter or blower motor can cause your heating system to work harder than it needs to. A simple service call may be all you need to lower your bills and enjoy more years out of your furnace.

Request Furnace Repair in Waterloo With CJ Brubacher

From a blower motor cleaning to a full furnace replacement project, trust CJ Brubacher with your HVAC needs in the Elmira and Waterloo region. Contact us to schedule residential or commercial furnace repair or inspection services for peace of mind.

Tips On How To Conserve Heat This Winter in Waterloo

4 Tips On How To Conserve Heat This Winter in Waterloo

Few things are more uncomfortable during the winter than being cold in your own home … Except, maybe, the heating bill that comes with trying to prevent that very fate from befalling you. Heating is one of the most significant utility expenses that homeowners face, if not the biggest one. For many Waterloo homeowners, it accounts for 40% of their total utility bill each month. If you recently experienced sticker shock after a month of lounging around indoors in a tee-shirt and bare feet, the good news is that you can take steps to reduce your heating bill without sacrificing your comfort, beginning with learning about what affects your heating costs. From there, explore all options available to you and maybe consider putting on a pair of socks. Finally, invest in heating services in Waterloo.

1. Turn the Thermostat Down

When the thermometer shows negative temperatures outside, the last thing you probably want to do is turn your thermostat down. However, adjusting the temperature down by 10 degrees for even just a few hours a day can save you as much as 10% on your annual heating bill. You don’t have to sacrifice your standard stay-in uniform, either. Set the thermostat for between 60 and 63 when you leave for work in the morning and again when you go to bed at night. When you’re up and moving, you can keep the temperature at a comfortable 72.

2. Make Sure Doors and Windows Are Tightly Shut

According to commercial and residential heating surveys, of the nearly $2,000 to $3,000 Canadians spend on their seasonal heating bills, roughly 10% to 20% could be going right out the window — quite literally. Drafts and air leaks around windows account for significant energy loss in both commercial and residential buildings. Trying to heat your home with an outdated heating system doesn’t help either. If you want to reduce your bill by as much as $400 each winter, stop the leaks. Tape up around your windows if you cannot afford new, energy-efficient ones. Place towels along the bottoms of doors to prevent cold air from seeping in, and make sure your windows are locked up tight.

For more permanent solutions, consider replacing old, single-pane windows with new double panes. Replace old seals, caulk up any gaps between casings and walls, and make sure all exterior doors fit snugly in their casings.

3. Bundle Up

Okay, so as much as you love rocking bare feet and short sleeves all winter long, doing so makes little sense for your wallet. One of the easiest ways to reduce your heating bill is to dress appropriately. Wear pants made of a substantial material, a warm sweater and wool socks while indoors. At night, cuddle up under a blanket. Double up on the comforters on your bed to offset the adjustment in your thermostat. By doing these simple things, you can drastically reduce your heating bill while maintaining your comfort levels indoors.

4. Let the Sun Heat Things Up

Almost as simple as dressing appropriately, one of the easiest ways to reduce your residential or commercial heating bill is to throw open the shades. You may see less of the sun during the winter months in Waterloo, but that doesn’t mean it never shines. Take advantage of the days when the sun’s rays are strong by opening your curtains, blinds or shades first thing in the morning. Likewise, shut them at night to provide an extra layer of protection to keep the heat in and the cold out.

These are just a few simple ways you can reduce your heating bill on your own and without making any significant changes to your home or lifestyle. However, if you want to see a real change in your annual bill, invest in commercial or residential heating services in Waterloo. Our team at CJ Brubacher Ltd can assess your heating system and either maintain or update it so that it works at maximum efficiency. To learn more about how our services can help you, request a free estimate today.