Kitchen and Bathroom Renovations: Maximizing Space and Improving Functionality

Kitchen and Bathroom Renovations: Maximizing Space and Improving Functionality

Most people want their homes to have as much space and be as well suited to their needs as possible. It is often worth it for homeowners to make a call to home renovation services in Waterloo to discuss some ways to enhance their living spaces. Here are some things that homeowners, as well as professionals, can do to maximize space and improve the functionality of kitchens and bathrooms. 

Upgrade the Lights

Light upgrades can boost the functionality of a house by allowing its residents to see better and providing them with more options when it comes to lighting a room in a way that enhances its ambiance. Compared to some other types of upgrades, installing new lights is a relatively easy and inexpensive way to make improvements to the home. 

In the kitchen, adding more lights to areas of the room where people prepare food and eat can add to the overall experience. More importantly, proper lighting in food preparation areas provides additional safety when chopping food with knives and engaging in other kitchen activities. 

In the bathroom, installing lights around the mirror and sink make it easier for residents to go about their skincare routines and apply makeup. In addition, even though better lighting does nothing to increase space in and of itself, lights can help make a room appear larger than it really is. 

There are many lighting options for homeowners to choose from, and making a selection can easily turn into a fun weekend project. As always, contact an electrician near me if they need assistance installing lights, or if they have any questions about whether or not their home’s electrical system can withstand more lights. 

Consider Additional Storage

More storage increases a home’s functionality because having more storage means that it is easier to remove clutter from various rooms and put it someplace where it cannot be seen by guests and other residents. More storage also helps homeowners make the most of the space that they have because it provides a place to store items off the floor and countertops. 

Many homeowners opt to have someone install additional cabinets in their kitchens as a way to have more storage space. This way, they can put dishes and small appliances like coffee makers in the cabinets and have more room on the countertops for food preparation. 

Plumbing services can install a new sink in the bathroom to increase storage. If someone owns a home that does not have a cabinet under the sink, installing one where they can store unneeded items helps to make the bathroom more tidy and functional. 

Add Railings

Adding railings around the home makes the property safer for guests and residents, especially those who have trouble walking. Bathtubs, for instance, can get quite slippery, making it difficult for some people to get in and out of the shower. This is a great place to install some grab bars and reduce the chances that someone falls in the shower. 

Make Use of the Walls

The walls are a great space to hang lighter items such as towels. Not only are towels more reachable hanging on a hook than in a cabinet, but hanging towels on the wall helps to free up valuable cabinet and counter space in the bathroom. In the kitchen, consider having someone install some sturdy hooks for hanging pots, pans and cooking utensils. Again, this will free up counter space, helping residents make the best use of their existing space. 

If a homeowner wants to maximize the space and improve the functionality of their home, they should give the professional home renovation experts at CJ Brubacher a call to discuss their options. 

Kitchener HVAC Repair: Fall Air Conditioner Maintenance Tips

Kitchener HVAC Repair: Fall Air Conditioner Maintenance Tips

3 Fall Maintenance Tips for Your Air Conditioner

Your air conditioner is responsible for keeping your home at a comfortable temperature during scorching summer heat waves. When the air turns cooler during the fall, you probably don’t run your air conditioner as much. Although you aren’t relying on it to keep your home comfortable during the season, there is no excuse to neglect your unit. Using these three maintenance tips can keep your air conditioning system functioning at peak performance so that it is ready for the next summer.

1. Keep the Unit and Surrounding Area Clean

Fall comes just before the winter, so now is the time to take preventative measures to keep your air conditioning unit safe from snow and ice. Take time each fall to thoroughly clean your unit. Wipe down any dust and dirt that accumulated over the summer. Keeping the area clean prevents snow from piling up during the winter so that your unit does not get overloaded. Make sure you clean the system several times throughout the fall, especially after big storms, to keep it operating at peak performance. Cleaning the system also gives you the opportunity to identify any malfunctioning parts that need expert repair.

2. Replace the Air Filter

Most experts recommend that you replace your air filter every 90 days, so you should perform this maintenance task more often than just every fall. However, it is a crucial fall maintenance task because this is the season when the pollutants in the air change slightly. There aren’t as many allergens in the air as there are in the summer and winter, and installing a new air filter is the best way to protect your home from these new contaminants. A high-quality air filter keeps these pollutants from entering your home so that they today outside instead of affecting your indoor air quality.

3. Clean the Outdoor Condenser

The outdoor condenser of your air conditioning system is probably one of the elements you interact with least frequently. If the condenser is choked out with a lot of vegetation or gets dirty from the elements, your unit won’t run efficiently. You can easily prevent problems from occurring by periodically removing the vegetation that grows around the condenser. By allowing air to circulate easily around the condenser, you can keep your system running smoothly.

Call for Help When the Unit Malfunctions

If you aren’t running your air conditioning system frequently, you may not pay close attention to how it functions. However, calling a professional for help as soon as you notice an issue is the best way to save money on expensive repairs. When your air conditioner malfunctions, repair expenses can quickly spiral out of control. You may even need a new unit if you wait too long to resolve issues.

Performing regular maintenance on your unit can help you keep it running smoothly. It also helps you identify minor problems before they become major issues. If you don’t have much experience with air conditioners and don’t know what to look for in terms of problems, call the experts at CJ Brubacher to help. We have years of experience in the HVAC industry and are ready to keep your unit running smoothly for decades.

Schedule an Appointment for Air Conditioning Maintenance Today

Keeping your home or business building cool during heat waves is important. When you need air conditioning services in Kitchener, CJ Brubacher is here to help. In addition to residential air conditioning services, we also offer commercial air conditioning services to ensure you stay cool and comfortable whether you are at home or work. Contact us today to set up an appointment to maintain your air conditioning unit during the fall so that it is ready to serve you next summer.

Save Money On Air Conditioning Costs This Summer

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.

Summer Air Conditioning Maintenance Tips

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. 

3 Common Problems with Commercial HVAC Systems

3 Common Problems with Commercial HVAC Systems

If you own any type of commercial building, you want it to maintain a comfortable temperature for your employees and customers. Having a functioning air conditioning system is vital. If the unit starts to malfunction, you need to take quick action to make sure everyone in the building stays comfortable regardless of the outside temperature. Here are three of the most common problems with commercial HVAC systems and how you can resolve them.

1. Lack of Cooling or Heating

The biggest indicator of a problem with your commercial HVAC system is a lack of heating and cooling. If your company building stays hot or cold at the wrong times of the year, it needs to be examined. You should also watch for spots of the building that are hotter or colder than others because uneven heating and cooling is a sign of a problem with the unit.

Your HVAC system likely needs to be repaired if it isn’t heating and cooling appropriately. The technicians at CJ Brubacher can repair any malfunctioning components to return the system to top performance. However, you should also know that HVAC units have various capacities. One possible reason that your unit isn’t heating or cooling appropriately is that the system isn’t large enough to maintain the temperature of your building. We can determine whether your unit is the right size for your building’s square footage and replace the system with a larger one if necessary.

2. Reduced Indoor Air Quality

Indoor air quality is important for both homes and businesses. Poor air quality can lead to many health problems, leading to a decrease in productivity and sales. Many types of pollutants build up on your air ducts, and when they circulate air through your company building, they can diminish the quality of the air in your building. 

A reputable HVAC company such as CJ Brubacher can work with you to improve the quality of the air in the building. We have trusted professionals we work with to figure out a solution to improve your building’s air quality. 

3. Unusual Noises

Sometimes, HVAC systems start to make strange noises. If your commercial unit is louder than usual or is making strange banging noises, it could indicate a serious problem. You should examine the unit to make sure that the banging is not caused by loose components. If you don’t see any obvious problems, you need to contact a professional immediately. The longer you wait to get help, the more significant the problem may become. Quick intervention is the best way to keep from having expensive repairs.

Trust CJ Brubacher To Help

Commercial HVAC systems can malfunction for many reasons. If you want to avoid expensive repairs, it is best to call a professional immediately when you start to notice signs of a problem. The faster you get the issue resolved, the more quickly you can resume your normal routine and maintain a comfortable environment for everyone in your company building.

If you are experiencing problems with your commercial HVAC system, it is time to contact a professional for air conditioning services in Waterloo. CJ Brubacher is proud to offer both residential and commercial air conditioning services. For residential air conditioning units, we help homes stay at a comfortable temperature so that the inhabitants can relax. We keep company buildings comfortable so that your employees can be more productive and your customers can have a better experience while shopping. If you are interested in fixing your commercial air conditioner, contact us today to schedule an appointment.