Cj Brubacher, Author at CJ Brubacher

Add Lighting to Your Living Room In Elmira

Refresh your living room design with reliable electrical services in Elmira. Your living room is a popular gathering spot for your family and friends. If you don’t have enough lighting, then a few additions can make all the difference for your next weekend or evening gathering. Check out these three ideas for living room lighting upgrades.

Stay Cool With a Ceiling Fan

A ceiling fan is a great addition to any living room. This popular upgrade keeps air flowing throughout the room. It’s a must-have for warm summer days, but can be comfortable any time of year.

Size a ceiling fan appropriately for your room. A fan that’s too small won’t give enough airflow in your living room. A large fan, however, may look unusual and may provide too much air.

Some large living rooms are best kept cool with multiple ceiling fans. Consider whether you should add two or more fans by discussing your options with a licensed electrician in Elmira.

Fans can be installed where existing lights are or as a new installation project in another area of your ceiling. Be sure you work with a professional electrician to be sure your fans are properly installed. Ceiling fans require a fan-rated electrical box. Without this box, a fan isn’t safely secured to your ceiling.

Consider a ceiling fan with built-in lights for even more convenience. Improve the airflow of your living room while lighting it up with a ceiling-mounted light and fan combination. Some fans with lights need to be flush mounted to maintain enough headroom to walk around. This depends on the height of your ceiling and your chosen ceiling fan design.

Personalize Your Lighting With Wall Sconces

Wall sconces offer the practical light of a lamp with wall-mounted convenience. These handy lights come in a stunning range of sizes, shapes and colours, so you can use them to personalize your living room design.

Installing wall sconces where there aren’t currently any lights requires an experienced electrician. It requires an electrician to run wiring to the sconce, a light switch and the breaker box. These residential electrical services can be dangerous if you’re not working with a qualified professional.

Ask a professional for recommendations on wall sconce design ideas and placement strategies. Properly placed sconces add convenient light as you stay up late or read a book in the early morning. Improperly placed wall sconces, however, are visually unappealing and don’t provide convenient light.

Some wall sconces require durable lightboxes. Don’t attempt to swap out sconces yourself, particularly if you’re upgrading to a larger, heavier design. Discuss your plans with a local electrician to be sure you have the proper support and wiring configuration.

Add a Touch of Style With Accent Lights

Create an iconic living room experience with accent lights. These dynamic lighting features help create a focal point in your room. Some accent lights are designed to light up works of art, while others create a vibrant wall of light as an accent feature.

Just like wall sconces, accent lights typically require new wiring and electrical expertise. Improper accent lighting installation isn’t just dangerous, but can actually detract from the decorative features of your living room.

A professional can help you explore your accent light options. Ask for recommendations on size, style and light colour to match your living room design.

Schedule Residential Electrical Services With CJ Brubacher

Explore your options with leading residential and commercial electrical services from CJ Brubacher. From a single ceiling fan to an entire living room makeover, our team offers reliable electrical repairs and updates in Elmira and the surrounding area. Request an estimate to see how you can refresh your living room for an affordable rate.

Kitchener Heating Services: 5 Common Furnace Problems

There’s probably nothing worse than having your furnace break down during the winter. You might be thinking: “Is it chilly in my home, or is it just me?” Your furnace may even be running, but it’s not as efficient as it once was. If you’re looking for furnace repair in Kitchener, CJ Brubacher Ltd. can get your commercial building or home back to comfortable temperatures. If you’ve already checked your thermostat to make sure it’s working right and set correctly, here are some other common problems that can affect your furnace.

1. Dirty Filters

If you haven’t changed the air filter in a few weeks, your heater won’t be getting enough airflow, which makes it work harder. Your heater may constantly cycle on and off, but your home won’t feel warm. Replace the filters to avoid shortening the lifespan of your furnace. You’ll save money on your utility bills, too. Plus, the air quality in your home will be better when you have fresh filters. Going forward, every time you pay your electric bill, check the filters to see if they should be replaced. You should probably replace them monthly, but it depends on how much you run your system.

2. Making Grinding or Scraping Sounds

If your furnace is making sounds, it could just be a belt that needs to be replaced, or it could be that the ball bearings are worn out. Either way, turn off your system immediately to prevent more damage. Save yourself the hassle of trying to repair your system and call CJ Brubacher for residential furnace repair.

3. Access Panel Left Open

Your furnace has an access panel for its internal guts. This is a safety feature. Your heater won’t operate if the panel is left open. If you tried to look in the furnace to check on something, you need to make sure you closed the panel afterward. It’s an easy fix that you can check before having to call in the professionals. If that doesn’t fix the problem, you may need to call us for repairs.

4. Furnace Doesn’t Blow Air

Does the furnace seem to be working, but not moving air? When the furnace doesn’t blow air, the fan belt is likely broken. Some homeowners can replace the belt, but it’s often easier to let a professional handle the job. We’ll take care of the details as quickly as we can to get your home back to normal.

5. Furnace Is Not Receiving Power

If the thermostat looks good but the heater isn’t operating, it could be an electrical issue. You should check to make sure that the furnace is plugged in. If it is plugged in but not working, check the breaker. If the breaker is switched off, flip it back to the on position. If the breaker is between on and off, switch it to off, then flip it to on. When the heater comes back on, watch to see if the breaker stays in the on position. It might be that the tripped breaker was an anomaly. If it trips again, it might be a problem with the wiring or with the breaker. Fortunately, the technicians with CJ Brubacher have electrical and HVAC licenses, so we can check your system and make repairs, regardless of what the problem is.

Of course, these aren’t the only problems your heater can have. For example, there could be a problem with the pilot light, or the burners could be dirty. For commercial furnace repair or home HVAC system maintenance, contact CJ Brubacher, Ltd. We have emergency services 24/7, so you can keep your home comfortable. Use our online system to schedule services.

Kitchener HVAC Services: Why Is Your Air Conditoner Leaking Water?

It is normal for air conditioners to produce water as they operate. An AC unit works by cooling hot air to an appropriate temperature before blowing it around the house. When hot, humid air cools, it is no longer able to carry as much water vapour, which changes into droplets via a process called condensation.

The air conditioner is equipped with a system that carries the excess water out of the house. If your AC is leaking, it means there is a problem in the system that may require air conditioning services in Kitchener to correct. Here are some common reasons why air conditioners start leaking.

1. Low Refrigerant

Refrigerant is a liquid chemical contained in the evaporator coil of the air conditioner. When hot air passes over the evaporator coil, the refrigerant absorbs the heat, cooling the air. If the refrigerant level is low, you may find that the air conditioner isn’t blowing cool air. The evaporator coil can also freeze due to the decrease of pressure inside the system. If this happens, the AC can start leaking as the ice melts. It may be possible for the damage to be repaired if the problem is caught in time. Otherwise, the air conditioner may have to be replaced.

2. Dirty Air Filter

Water that condenses inside your air conditioner is supposed to be caught by a drain pan. This connects to a condensate drain line that allows the water to flow outside. The drain pan may overflow if the evaporator coil freezes. In addition to low refrigerant, another potential cause of evaporator coil freeze is a dirty air filter that does not allow the air to reach the evaporator coil. Blocking the flow of air prevents the refrigerant from absorbing heat from the air.

A dirty air filter can cause other problems within an HVAC system as well. It can cause parts to wear out more quickly by forcing the system to work harder than it was designed to do. HVAC filters are either disposable or reusable. In either case, each one should come with instructions describing how often it needs to be replaced or cleaned. Many require attention every three months, but some can go longer than that.

3. Clogged Drain Line

The condensate line is supposed to carry the water that collects in the drain pan outside the home where it cannot do any harm. However, if something clogs up the drain line, the water has no place to go except to back up and get into your house. The condensate drain line is susceptible to mould growth and the collection of dust or dirt.

If the problem is a clogged drain line, you may not need to call residential air conditioning services right away. It may be possible to use a wet-dry vacuum cleaner to remove whatever debris is clogging up the drain line. If that doesn’t work, you definitely need to call air conditioning services in Kitchener, and even if it does, you may still want to consult the professionals about what caused the clog in the first place and what should be done to prevent the same problem from recurring later.

4. Rusted Drain Pan

Over time, metal components are susceptible to oxidation and corrosion from exposure to water. Holes can form in a rusted drain pan, preventing it from doing its job effectively. The older your air conditioner is, the more likely it is that the drain pan has rusted or otherwise become damaged. Replacing the drain pan may be adequate to resolve the problem.

Air Conditioning Services in Kitchener From CJ Brubacher

We understand how uncomfortable summers in Ontario can be when it is hot and humid. We are available 24/7 to answer repair calls about your residential or commercial air conditioning as soon as the problem arises. Find out more about how we have been providing quality workmanship to customers in and around Kitchener since 1923 and what we can do for your air conditioner.

The Benefits Of Choosing CJ Brubacher For Commercial Plumbing In Elmira

Keep your business growing and operating safely with commercial plumbing services by CJ Brubacher. Whether you’re dealing with a clogged toilet or a routine maintenance service throughout your entire facility, you deserve quality services that fit your busy schedule. See how your local experts in Elmira can help you maintain your commercial building or perform emergency repairs.

Professional Tools in Professional Hands

A professional plumber with the right tools can solve a maintenance issue in less time and with less stress. Don’t invest your own time attempting to maintain your commercial building or spend money on inexperienced plumbing services.

Locally experienced plumbers use specialized tools to easily connect lines, disconnect lines and prepare new construction projects. From basin wrenches to copper pipe cutters, these tools ensure every part of the project is done efficiently.

Of course, it takes more than the right tools to make sure the job is done correctly. A licensed plumber has up-to-date knowledge of local plumbing codes. This is crucial for new construction projects, but can also be helpful during planned services or emergency repairs. Instead of a quick, temporary fix, be sure you receive plumbing services that last.

Commercial plumbing projects are different from residential ones. While CJ Brubacher offers both commercial and residential services, don’t assume every professional plumber in your area has the resources to handle a commercial project. This is particularly important if you operate a large apartment complex, office building or industrial facility.

Maintenance and Repairs With Less Downtime

A clogged toilet or leaking water line can quickly cause your entire operation to grind to a halt. From a local restaurant to a large industrial facility, plumbing systems are integral to daily operations for many businesses.

Choose professional plumbing services in Elmira to avoid costly downtime. Even a few extra hours of no running water can be a serious issue for many businesses. Choose a plumber with 24/7 support and the confidence you need for maintenance or repair tasks with less downtime.

Less downtime doesn’t just mean performing a quick, temporary repair. Downtime occurs while you wait for the repair and during any future repair issues. This means you need to work with a team that’s not only fast but can also promise that the same issue won’t appear again in hours, weeks or months. A long-term solution keeps your fixtures operating efficiently as your business grows.

Licensed and Insured Team

As a business owner, you could have a major headache in the making if you work with a plumber who isn’t licensed or insured. A licensed plumber is required for most plumbing work, so working with an unlicensed individual can stall the permit process or require a professional to handle the entire project from the beginning.

The plumbing team you work with should also be insured. Without insurance, you could be liable for any injuries that happen because of the plumbing work or while the plumbers are working in your facility. The proper insurance coverage handles these issues, which may help you avoid paying for accidents or getting your own commercial insurance involved.

Don’t be afraid to reach out and ask your chosen plumbing company if they have the right insurance and licensing to take on your commercial project. These two features are crucial to avoiding risk as you allow a professional to come and repair or maintain your commercial facility.

Schedule Plumbing Services in Elmira With CJ Brubacher

From a major commercial project to minor residential plumbing services, trust CJ Brubacher with your next project. Schedule a service today to see why we’re a leading plumbing team in the Elmira area for both commercial and residential solutions. A single call can help you recover from an emergency or schedule a long-term maintenance plan.

The Best Commercial Heating System For Your Kitchener Warehouse

Keeping a warehouse heated correctly can be difficult. It’s not only workers who need to be kept comfortable. You may have products that require special temperatures. You have multiple options to heat your warehouse, so you should understand the benefits and disadvantages of each to know what type of commercial heating system will work best for your needs.

Commercial Heating Options

Choosing the right heating option avoids poor heat distribution through your facility and energy waste because your system is overworked. It also helps avoid uncomfortable employees.

Radiant Heating

Radiant heating is a newer type of system that is usually suspended from the ceiling or on panels on the walls. It can also be installed in floors. Instead of blowing hot air, the radiant heaters deliver heat much like a desk lamp. It runs quietly and is more dust-free than heaters that blow air. It’s very energy efficient, but it can be expensive to retrofit a building with radiant heaters. It’s more popular for new construction. It’s also dependent on a boiler, which can add to the installation costs. You may also hear this type of system referred to as infrared heating.

Heat Pumps

Heat pumps use a refrigerant to pump heat through your space. One of the benefits of heat pumps is that it uses the natural environment and doesn’t rely on fossil fuels. They’re very environmentally friendly. The downside is that the installation can be significant, but heat pumps can last up to 50 years. They also have less maintenance than other types of units. Heat pumps can be duct or ductless, which can be beneficial if you don’t have space for ductwork. Although heat pumps generally rely on electricity, which reduces your carbon footprint, your heat pump can be paired with gas for a colder climate.

Factors to Consider When Installing a New Heating System

Warehouses are often large buildings with high ceilings. You don’t want to waste energy by heating every square inch of the building, which is often unused space. There are methods that can re-circulate the warm air that rises to the occupied floor level. You’ll also want to consider the square footage of the building and the insulation present. If you have loading docks in use through the day, that is another thing to look at. You’ll want to think about the space on your floor. If you have limited floor space, you may want a heating source that can be mounted on the ceiling.

Don’t forget to think long-term about the maintenance and longevity of the unit. Paying more for a system that has a longer life span can actually save your business money. Look at utility costs and sustainability, because the world is moving towards a greener planet. Should you ever want to sell the warehouse, you want to appeal to buyers.

CJ Brubacher Ltd. provides heating services in Kitchener from residential or commercial AC installation, repairs and maintenance. We can help you get the best heating option for your warehouse that does what you need it to do. Contact us to schedule service or for a consultation about your heating system replacement. We’re available 24/7 for emergency services also.

Waterloo Electrical Services: Pros and Cons of Motion Sensor Lighting

When considering electrical services in Waterloo, you might want to think about a significant change that can offer multiple benefits to you, your family and your property. Motion sensor lighting is designed to turn on the illumination in your home in response to your natural movements. It offers many advantages, but it might not be correct for every property. Here is a look at its advantages and disadvantages.

Motion Sensor Lighting Pros

When the motion sensor detects movement in the room, it turns on the lights. When you leave the room and are no longer moving around in it, it turns the lights off. This is a more efficient use of energy because the lights only go on when you need them. Because you use less power, you may see a significant decrease in your monthly utility bills.

If you are a parent, you know that children can be absent-minded and distractable. Sometimes they forget to turn off the lights when they leave a room. Other times, they purposely do not turn off the lights because they only intend to be out of the room for a moment, but then they get distracted by something else and do not return for an hour or more. Then you are stuck paying the bill for the wasted energy. You don’t have to worry about this with motion sensor lighting because the lights go off automatically when the children leave the room. It is also good for young children who cannot yet reach the light switches as well as family members who have difficulty operating them, such as elderly people with arthritis or people with disabilities that affect manual dexterity and motor skills.

Another common reason why people consider residential electrical services to install motion sensor lighting is security. If a burglar breaks into your home, the lights will go on automatically. This alerts you to the threat so that you can call for help and may scare the burglar away.

Motion Sensor Cons

For all the many benefits of motion sensor lighting, it has its weaknesses as well. To take full advantage of the convenience they offer, you have to give up a measure of control. For example, the lights may go on when you do not want or intend them to. If the sensors are sensitive enough, the lights may go on as you are just walking by a room. Some homeowners find this to be an annoyance.

The motion sensors detect movement but cannot tell what is causing it. Therefore, the lights may go on when the room is empty except for a dog or a cat, animals that are equipped by nature to navigate effectively in a dark room and do not need the lights on to get around.

The opposite problem can occur as well. You may find that the lights go off when you do not want them to if you have been still for a long time while watching television or reading a book. It can be annoying to be suddenly plunged into darkness without desiring or even expecting it. However, this is a problem that can be remedied, either by making a point to keep moving at certain intervals to keep the lights on or by combining the motion sensor lighting with lamps that you can operate manually.

Contact Us for Electrical Services in Waterloo

CJ Brubacher Ltd. has been providing both residential and commercial electrical services in the Waterloo area for nearly 100 years. Our experienced technicians can install your motion sensor lighting and, if you ever have a problem with it, perform repairs as necessary. Find out more about the potential benefits of updating the lighting in your home with a motion sensor system.

Waterloo Furnace Repair: What Is a Ductless Heating System?

Maintain comfortable indoor temperatures all year with a ductless heating system. Also known as a mini-split, this dynamic option can be a great choice for your cooling and heating services in Waterloo. Learn more about the pros and cons of a ductless system today to see which type of heating system is right for you.

What Is a Ductless Heating System?

A ductless system uses a heat pump for residential heating and an air conditioner for residential cooling services. They use a small outdoor unit and one or more wall-mounted indoor units.

They’re named ductless systems because they don’t rely on the ducting in your home. Instead, they have a line that directly connects the exterior unit with the interior ones. The same wall-mounted unit can send both hot and cool air throughout your home. Explore the pros and cons of this type of system to see if it’s right for your home.

Con: Upfront Investment

If you’re just looking for a straightforward heater or air conditioner, a ductless system can be more of an investment. Unlike a window air conditioner or an electric heater, these systems require professional installation, which adds to the cost of installation.

Depending on your situation, however, a ductless system can be a better long-term investment. You may save more on your monthly energy bills thanks to the energy-efficient design of these systems. Discuss pricing with a local contractor to see whether a ductless heating system or other option is more affordable for long-term heating.

Con: Fuel-Based Backup May Be Necessary

Winters can be particularly cold in Waterloo. While some ductless heating systems are designed to be used in subzero temperatures, you’ll notice a drop in energy efficiency in cold temperatures. Extremely cold temperatures may require a backup heat source, particularly if your home isn’t properly insulated.

Pro: Quiet Operation

Ductless systems are quieter than most traditional air conditioners and heating systems. Wall units in one or more rooms of your home or commercial space tend to be inconspicuous. Simply set the desired temperature and many mini-split systems will switch between cooling and heating as necessary to maintain comfortable indoor temperatures.

Compare the sound of a furnace and blower or window air conditioner units with a ductless system. The quiet fan can discretely blow cool air around a room to keep you comfortable.

Pro: Improved Energy Efficiency

Ducted systems lose energy as the air travels through the ducting. The air in your home warms up, or cools down, as it travels through the ductwork, which caused a central furnace or air conditioner to work harder to maintain temperatures throughout your home.

The efficiency of a ductless system helps you save money over time. They’re particularly efficient when the outdoor temperature isn’t extreme. A multi-speed system allows ductless units to speed up or slow down the system. This design uses less energy than a central air system and can avoid the additional starting and stopping issues that can wear out blower motors.

Pro: Compact Design

Compare the streamlined size and design of a ductless system. The sleek unit doesn’t take up room in your utility room or floor but can be installed on the wall out of the way.

A ductless system is particularly compact in design for new residential or commercial constructions. Consider this residential or commercial heating solution to avoid investing in any ductwork. A building without any ductwork has significantly more space in the basement or crawlspace.

Work With CJ Brubacher To Install a Ductless System

Reach out to a local HVAC specialist to learn more about ductless heating services in Waterloo. Request an estimate today to see how you can afford the right heating and cooling system to save you money and fit your lifestyle.

Author: Cj Brubacher