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Energy Efficiency Tips for Your Home: Advice from Kitchener’s Top Electricians

With energy prices going up, homeowners are increasingly looking for ways to make their homes more energy efficient without having to spend a lot of money on an initial investment like a full home remodel. Fortunately, there are many things that you can do to reduce your energy usage with the help of professionals from electrical services in Kitchener. Here are four energy efficiency tips for your home.

1. Use Ceiling Fans Installed by Electrical Services in Kitchener

When it gets hot in the house, it might be tempting to turn up the air conditioning. However, air conditioning units use a lot of energy, especially those that cool the entire house rather than just one room. Ceiling fans come in handy when residents wish to only cool down one room, or when it is not quite hot enough to make activating the central air conditioning system worth it. Ceiling fans are not only great for hot weather, as they can help regulate the heat in a room on cold days as well.

If you have a large room that you and other residents of your home spend a lot of time in, it might be worth installing a larger ceiling fan for greater cooling. Residential electrical services can help install new ceiling fans in your home and ensure that they work properly and at maximum efficiency.

2. Use Large Appliances at Night

In order to help regulate the supply and demand of energy, many electric companies use something called a time-of-use rate. This means that as a customer, you pay less for the electricity you use when overall demand is low, such as at night. If you can, do your laundry later in the evening or early in the morning. It is even easier to run the dishwasher overnight, as doing so requires even less of your attention than doing a load of laundry. Some dishwashers even give you the ability to delay the cycle ahead of time to run overnight.

Appliances that are in good repair are generally more energy efficient than older ones. Continuing to use a large appliance that is less energy efficient will hurt your pocketbook over time. If you search for an electrician near me, you will find a technician who can come and repair your existing appliances.

3. Seal Your Windows and Doors

When the seals around your windows and doors are broken, you are essentially letting out the cold air that your air conditioning system works hard to produce in the warmer months, and the warm air produced during the colder months. The professionals who work at electrical services in Kitchener suggest that if you feel air coming through your windows or doors, consider putting a new seal on them to have a more energy-efficient home.

4. Unplug Items When You Are Not Using Them

You may think that electronics and appliances only use energy when they are in use, but this is a false assumption. One easy way to help conserve electricity is to unplug items such as televisions, lamps, and small kitchen appliances like coffee makers and blenders when not in use. By making little changes such as this, you can reduce your energy consumption in the long run.

Do You Need Electrical Services in Kitchener?

When it comes to your home’s electrical efficiency, you should not take any chances. With the right measures, you can save yourself money and stress by ensuring an energy-efficient home. By following the four tips provided in this article, you can make your home more efficient while also lessening its environmental impact.

Of course, if you need assistance with installation or another type of work that requires professional expertise, then Kitchener’s top electricians are here to help. At CJ Brubacher, our electricians offer top-quality services – all backed by our satisfaction guarantee. So if you need electrical services in Kitchener, don’t wait any longer – contact us today and start on the path to a greener and more efficient home!

AC Installation: What to Expect and How to Prepare Your Home

Installing central air conditioning in your Kitchener home can provide relief from summer temperatures and increase its value. There are many advantages to this type of home improvement, and at CJ Brubacher, we can provide you with installation and air conditioning repair in Kitchener, along with some tips about how to prepare your home for a new AC system.

1. Before Installation

Whether you have an existing HVAC unit or want to add central cooling that will make every room in your house more comfortable, our technicians will guide you through the process. Before installation, they can help you choose the right system for your home’s size and for your HVAC needs. They can also inspect your home’s ducts to gauge whether any portions need replacing, as this can affect airflow and cool air distribution.

2. Preparing Your Home for Installation

While our technicians may provide you with guidance for the day of installation, you can also take several steps to prepare the work area before they arrive. If you have pets, call in a sitter or secure them in a location away from the work area. Move any valuables or furniture away from the installation area so our technicians can install your new residential air conditioning unit with more ease.

3. What To Expect on Installation Day

When our licensed technicians arrive to perform air conditioning installation in your Kitchener home, they can provide you with a detailed description of the installation or central air conditioner repair you require. First, they remove any old AC parts and malfunctioning ductwork, including the safe removal of any refrigerant and defunct wiring. Once they clear the installation space and install the new system, our experienced HVAC techs can show you how to operate your new unit and answer any questions you might have.

Some new air conditioning systems allow you to program and connect it to your smartphone, which gives you the convenience of mobile operation. On installation day, our technicians can guide you through the setup process and the system’s initial programming.

4. Our Services for Air Conditioning Repair in Kitchener

CJ Brubacher handles much more than HVAC installation. Once we install your system, our technicians can handle a variety of issues, including repair and maintenance needs. Knowing when to call and what to expect during these appointments can help give you peace of mind regarding the operation of your Kitchener home’s HVAC system.

Tune-ups

When air conditioning systems need a tune-up or a parts replacement, they usually give warning signs. These include uneven cooling, unusual sounds in the ductwork and reduced airflow. If you have your unit programmed and it no longer follows the schedule or turns off suddenly, it may require a tune-up. If your HVAC system produces unpleasant or musty odours, our technicians can provide you with inspections and ductwork cleaning to eliminate these smells when you call them in for air conditioning repair in Kitchener.

Maintenance

Scheduling yearly maintenance with our technicians can lengthen the life of your HVAC system. Consistent maintenance and duct cleaning can prepare your air conditioner for upcoming hot weather and expose any problems our techs need to address, such as separated ductwork. Our technicians can also handle any issues with the condenser unit and change the filters regularly to ensure the system provides you and your family with clean, fresh air all summer long.

Contact Us for Installation and Repair Today

AC installation and repair is an important service to many homeowners. It not only helps ensure that your home maintains a comfortable atmosphere but also ensures that your system will stay in top condition for years to come. Every technician from our team has the experience and knowledge necessary to properly install or repair your AC unit, leaving you with confidence in our services.

When you need air conditioning repair in Kitchener, we have the expertise you can trust. Contact CJ Brubacher today and we will be glad to answer any questions you may have and schedule an appointment for any of your air conditioning needs. Our priority is creating a pleasant environment for all of our customers – let us help you do just that!

Waterloo Air Conditioning Repair: Signs Your Unit Needs Repair

Don’t sweat it! When your air conditioning is acting up, it’s important to reach out to a professional right away. Spotting the signs early on allows you to tackle small problems before they turn into big ones, saving you precious time and money. Don’t hesitate, if you notice any of these red flags, it’s time to call in the AC repair experts.

For reliable air conditioning services in Elmira and the Waterloo Region, CJ Brubacher Ltd is your go-to choice, continue reading for some signs you may need to give us a call.

Your Unit Is Leaking Water

Have you discovered a mysterious puddle in or around your house but can’t find the source? If your plumbing is in good shape, the culprit may be your AC unit.

Residential air conditioning uses evaporation to cool air, which generates water as a byproduct. This water should drain via a pipe, but sometimes this important part gets damaged or clogged. Unable to exit the way it should, the water takes the path of least resistance, which is often the last place you want it.

In some cases, the pipe just needs a good cleaning, which professional AC maintenance can take care of. A pipe’s damp, dark climate is the perfect breeding ground for fungi, which can block water flow. Clearing out the mold should fix the issue.

Your Vents Blow Warm Air

Warm air from your vents should immediately raise red flags. One of the most common issues is a refrigerant leak. Without this vital substance, your unit can’t cool, resulting in warm air cycling through the ductwork. A damaged refrigerant line may also result in mysterious puddles, so let your technician know if you’ve found any.

On the other hand, this issue may not have anything to do with the AC unit. Sometimes, a faulty thermostat is the cause. In that case, all you need is a replacement.

It’s impossible to pinpoint the issue from these signs alone, so this is where a quick search for AC repair near me is beneficial. Experts know what to check, ensuring the problem gets fixed on the first visit.

Your Ducts Produce Insufficient Air Flow

Does it feel like little to no air is coming out of the vents? This is another issue that could be a major cause for concern — or a minor fix that only takes a few minutes. If it’s the former, you may need to replace the blower.

Your air conditioner contains a fan that moves air throughout the house. This fan can stop working for a few reasons:

Loose belt
Broken motor
Stuck wheel
Dirty clog

Technicians won’t know the extent of the damage until they get a look inside the unit.

On the other hand, the issue could be your air filter. Experts recommend changing filters every month or two, as they fill up with pollen, dirt and other debris. As they fill up, less air can pass through, leading to insufficient flow.

Your AC Makes Strange Noises

You’re probably familiar with the sound your AC makes when it kicks on and the rush of air through the ductwork. If you hear anything else, there may be something wrong. Keep an ear out for the following noises:

Buzzing
Grinding
Squealing

Your Unit’s Coil Is Frozen

Remember those mysterious puddles from earlier? A frozen coil is another potential cause.

The coil cools the air, which creates condensation. If this liquid stays on the coil, it will eventually freeze due to the low temperature. When the unit turns off, the temperature rises, turning the ice back into water, which then leaks into your house.

Call CJ Brubacher for Air Conditioning Repair Today!

Air conditioning repair is an important issue to have addressed in order to stay cool and comfortable during the summer months. Knowing the signs your unit needs repair is the first step in keeping it running smoothly.

If you notice any of the previously described symptoms, contact your local HVAC specialist, CJ Brubacher. We have experienced technicians and have a long-standing history with air conditioning repairs. Don’t wait any longer – contact us today for your air conditioning repair needs.

Kitchener Plumber: When to Call a Professional for Repairs

A home’s plumbing system is vital to day-to-day life. When the system is not operating at its best, it can interfere with schedules and make routine life challenging. The key to avoiding a potentially significant plumbing repair in Kitchener is to call CJ Brubacher before major problems evolve.

Whether you have a slow drain, a constantly running toilet, or an unexpectedly high water bill, it’s time to pick up the phone and call. Our plumbers have the expertise and tools to help you maintain and repair your system, ensuring you avoid any headaches. Keep reading for helpful tips.

How To Know When a Plumber Is Necessary

Not all plumbing issues merit calling in a licensed professional. You can often resolve a clogged toilet or sink with a plunger or short drain snake or auger. Calling a professional is usually reserved for repetitive issues, leaks, breaks, or unknowable problems deeper in the system.

Save money and avoid trouble by calling CJ Brubacher when you feel overwhelmed. Here are four issues that should be left to the professionals.

1. Outrageous Water Bills

You may be dealing with a plumbing problem if your water bill suddenly shoots up to an outrageous amount. A sudden increase in your utility bill typically indicates a leak or supply line break. The leak or break can be anywhere in the water supply, including ceilings, wall cavities, or crawl spaces.

Repairing line breaks is not a DIY project. The repair must meet building standards and municipal codes. Also, a homeowner can create a lot of damage and costs trying to locate the leak. In contrast, professionals can use special tools like thermal cameras to find the issue with minimal teardown.

2. Low Water Pressure

Leaks may also result in more subtle signs than skyrocketing utility costs, such as a drop in water pressure. A small crack in a pipe or supply line can cause noticeable or barely perceptible pressure drops.

If the leak goes unnoticed, it will cause water damage within the house structure. Depending on the severity and duration of the leak, homeowners may experience mold growth.

A plumber is capable of and equipped for commercial plumbing repair. Routine inspections can often catch even minor leaks, protecting your home from water damage and loss.

3. Clogged Drains

While plungers and small, manual residential snakes can help clear up minor clogs, some blockages occur further in the drainage lines of a home and require commercial-grade tools. Not only are commercial-grade tools more expensive, but they are also more complex and challenging to operate.

Attempting to use an electric auger with a 100 ft cable can result in many issues, not the least of which is catching the cable in the plumbing system. Also, an auger may not resolve all the potential problems of clogs, such as a pipe collapse. Professional assessment and skill are necessary for clogged drains, especially if the issue is ongoing.

4. Water Heater Sweating

You should also call a professional plumber if you notice condensation outside your water heater. Typically referred to as sweating, condensation on the exterior of your water heater indicates a leak. Another sign is puddling around the base of the appliance.

Do not ignore a water heater leak, regardless of its size. Leaks can cause significant problems and should be addressed by a professional plumber.

Plumbing Services in Kitchener

No one needs to suffer from a plumbing system that isn’t running optimally. CJ Brubacher is your go-to source for all your plumbing maintenance and repair services in Kitchener. Our team of certified specialists has the expertise and tools required to skillfully resolve any issue you’re facing quickly and accurately, so you can resume the life you were leading without interruption or stress. From fixing slow drains to diagnosing high water bills, our team has you covered. Don’t hesitate to get in touch today for all your plumbing repair needs!

How Renovating Your Home Can Add Value in Kitchener

Are you looking to add value to your home and make it a more enjoyable, livable space? Renovations can often be an overwhelming, daunting task. But there’s no need to worry if you don’t know where to start. CJ Brubacher is here with plenty of expert advice and services specifically tailored for homeowners that want to update their living space without breaking the bank. Keep reading for great tips about how renovating your home can increase its value!

Upgrading the Bathroom

The bathroom is one of the most important rooms in any home, and with the right renovations, it can also be one of the most valuable. From simple updates to full-scale remodels, there are a variety of improvements that can be made to increase your home’s value and enhance your everyday living experience.

Some popular bathroom renovations include replacing outdated fixtures with stylish new options, installing energy-efficient appliances and fixtures, upgrading lighting and ventilation systems, and redoing floors and walls with high-quality tile or natural stone. With the help of a skilled contractor, your bathroom renovation project can be a great investment in your home’s value and overall comfort.

Improve the Backyard

There are numerous fantastic backyard residential renovations that can offer you a significant return on investment. One popular upgrade is adding a deck, as it creates an outdoor entertaining space that’s perfect for summer barbeques or family gatherings.

Do you love eating breakfast on your deck or barbecuing on the weekends? If so, an outdoor kitchen may be the perfect addition to your backyard. These spaces have everything you need for a great meal:

Grill
Sink
Mini-fridge

Pair a patio with that outdoor kitchen and you have a match made in heaven, as cooks can tend to the food while chatting with friends.

Additionally, building a fire pit can provide warmth and a cozy ambiance on chilly nights. Also, landscaping is an excellent option for adding curb appeal and increasing the value of your property. Whatever your preference, there are numerous small adjustments you can make that will pay off big in the long run.

Updating the Kitchen

A kitchen renovation can completely transform the look and feel of a home. Not only can it improve functionality and increase storage space, but it can also greatly enhance your property’s value. After all, the kitchen is often considered the heart of the home.

To make the most of your investment, consider making updates that are in line with current trends in design and functionality. This could mean opting for modern appliances, installing new countertops made from high-quality materials, or adding an island to increase workspace and create a more functional gathering place for family and friends.

Storage is always a concern in the kitchen, replacing or adding more cabinetry is a great way to optimize available space. By investing in kitchen renovations that align with your home’s style and anticipated return on investment, you’re sure to see a positive impact on your home’s overall value and livability.

Finish the Basement

Finally, finishing your basement expands the available living space, which boosts property value as a rule. The most important step is deciding what you want that space to be:

An in-law suite for guests to stay in
A private apartment to rent out
A game room for the kids
An entertainment area for hangouts
A home theatre for the family

An experienced professional renovation company like CJ Brubacher can help transform your basement into a functional and attractive living space, increasing your home’s value and giving you more room to enjoy with your family.

A professional renovation company can guide you through every step of the process, from design and layout to choosing materials and finishing touches. With their expertise and attention to detail, you can rest assured that your residential renovations will exceed your expectations and add value to your home for years to come.

When you are in need of home renovations, CJ Brubacher is the place to call. Our experts can help you remodel any room and always provide top-tier service. Contact us today for more information.

4 Reasons to Call an Electrician in Waterloo During Summer

Your electrical system is one of the most important elements of your home because it supplies you with power. Keeping your home running smoothly throughout the year requires you to maintain your electrical system, but it’s never a good idea to tackle electrical problems yourself because of the potential hazards involved. Whether you need residential or commercial electrical services, CJ Brubacher is here to help. Here are four reasons you may need to call an electrician this summer.

1. The Circuit Breaker Keeps Tripping

Your air conditioner running excessively is the most common cause of tripping your circuit breaker. It’s often inconvenient, but the circuit breaker trips when it is overloaded to prevent an electrical fire, so it is actually a safety feature. Circuit breakers often trip during warm months when the air conditioner runs most frequently, so you may need to call an electrician to rewire your circuits if they keep being overloaded by excessive use of your air conditioner.

2. Your Pool Needs To Be Inspected

You spend a lot of time by the pool during the summer, and most pools use up a significant amount of electricity through lighting during the nighttime hours and operating the pump during the day. If you own a pool, you understand the importance of having an electrician on call when you see a problem with your pump or pool lights.

If you avoid calling a professional for help and try to resolve the issue yourself, you could end up with a more extensive problem that costs significantly more to repair. Working with an electrician to maintain your pool is the best way to ensure you get the most out of your investment.

3. Outdoor Lighting Isn’t Working

During the warm summer months, you spend a lot of time outside entertaining guests on the back patio. You rely on outdoor lights to help you see various activities after the sun goes down, and when your lights aren’t working properly, you need to call a licensed technician to resolve the problem.

Sometimes, the issue is with the light fixture and can be resolved by buying a new one. However, the problem is most often caused by issues with the wiring, and this is never a problem you should try to resolve on your own because there is an enhanced risk to your safety if you touch the wrong wire.

4. Lights Are Flickering

The lights in your home flicker for many reasons. Sometimes the solution is as simple as changing the lightbulb, but often, resolving the problem requires more extensive intervention. An electrician can provide residential electrical services and check the connections between lightbulbs and fixtures to ensure they are secure.

If the issue persists and most often occurs right after the air conditioner comes on, the problem may be caused by an overloaded circuit. Electricians can rewire circuits to distribute the spread of power more evenly throughout your home.

Call CJ Brubacher for Help With Electrical Problems

Some electrical issues have easy fixes and pose a minimal risk if you tried to result in yourself, but in general, it is dangerous to work with an electrical system if you do not have the proper training. A licensed electrician is better equipped to diagnose various issues and resolve the problem quickly and efficiently. If you expect there is a problem with any of your wires it’s best to leave the issue for a licensed electrician to solve. Call the experts at CJ Brubacher today for help with electrical services in Waterloo.

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.

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