Kitchener Furnace Repair: How Often Should Commercial HVAC Systems Recieve Tune-Ups?

HVAC systems are responsible for keeping commercial buildings at a comfortable temperature regardless of how the weather feels outside. Keeping your commercial heating and cooling unit in good condition is important for keeping your employees and customers comfortable. One of the best ways to keep your unit in top condition is to invest in regular maintenance. Here’s what you need to know about commercial HVAC system tune-ups.

What Is a Tune-Up?

You know that you need to call a professional to repair your unit when it starts to malfunction, but you may not understand what a tune-up is and how it can benefit your system. Routine maintenance appointments are important for keeping your HVAC system in top health because they give technicians a chance to make sure various components of the unit are working properly. If a certain component is close to malfunctioning, technicians can change the part before it causes a problem. During a tune-up, technicians can also play me a system to keep it operating efficiently.

Why Should You Get a Commercial HVAC Tune-Up?

You may not think you need to pay for maintenance services for your commercial HVAC system. It’s additional money that you can save by bypassing yearly tune-ups, but you will likely pay more in the long run because you will end up replacing the system more frequently. HVAC units are expensive, so you want them to last for several decades so that you get the most for your money. Paying for yearly maintenance is a good way to keep your system running smoothly so that it lasts longer.

What Are the Benefits of Tune-Ups?

There are numerous benefits to buying an HVAC maintenance plan with yearly tune-ups. In addition to extending the lifetime of your system, you’ll gain the following advantages with tune-ups:

Increased energy efficiency: HVAC units use a lot of energy and have a huge impact on your carbon footprint. Regular cleanings done at tune-up visits increase the energy efficiency of the system and require it to run less frequently to keep your building at a comfortable temperature
Improved Reliability: If your HVAC system breaks, your building will get too hot or too cold for the people inside to stay comfortable. It may be hours or even a few days before a technician can resolve the issue. Investing in tune-ups reduces the risk of your system tearing up so that you have more reliable heating and cooling.
Fewer Repairs: With HVAC systems, small problems quickly spiral out of control and become major. If you fail to fix problems right when they happen, you will end up paying for more extensive repairs and may even need to buy an entirely new unit. Regular maintenance helps you avoid costly repairs. Technicians can identify parts that are aging so that they can replace them before they begin to malfunction and cause problems.

Who Should You Call for an HVAC Tune-Up?

Although the needs of every business are unique, it is typically recommended for all commercial buildings to have their HVAC systems tuned up once a year. You should contact a reputable company to perform the maintenance so that you can keep your unit running efficiently for as long as possible. If you are looking for furnace repair in Kitchener, CJ Brubacher is ready to help. Our team of HVAC professionals is experienced with commercial furnace repair and can complete tune-ups quickly and efficiently so that your business building continues to be comfortable for everyone inside.

Make an Appointment Today

CJ Brubacher has commercial HVAC maintenance plans to keep your unit in peak condition. If your system is in need of a tune-up, contact us today to schedule an appointment.

Kitchener Plumbing Repair: Top 5 Plumbing Problems to Watch Out for this Winter

5 Plumbing Issues To Be Aware of This Winter

While it is wise for homeowners to be aware of plumbing problems throughout the year, more problems tend to arise during the colder months. Hence, paying attention to your pipes in the winter is particularly important. While plumbing services in Kitchener are available to help you fix any issues that arise, it is always a good idea to catch a problem early before it turns into something catastrophic. Here are five plumbing issues to be aware of this winter.

1. Frozen Pipes

Frozen pipes are one of the most significant plumbing issues that come up during the winter. Many homes in colder regions of North America are built in a way that protects pipes against the elements, but some are not. The first sign of a frozen pipe usually occurs when you turn on your faucet and only a trickle of water, or no water at all, comes out of the tap. Frozen pipes pose many hazards to a house, including:

Preventing residents from accessing water needed to do laundry, wash dishes and take showers
Bursting, which means that the homeowner now has a costly repair to deal with
Flooding the home, which can damage items and pose a danger to residents

While there are some things that homeowners can safely do to help prevent frozen pipes, such as letting the faucet drip overnight, always contact local residential plumbing services to assist once the pipes are frozen. Be aware that both indoor and outdoor lines are at risk of freezing.

2. Clogged Drains

Clogged drains arise not so much as a result of the weather outside, but rather from the increase in cooking that takes place over the winter holidays. Often, people are unaware of what items should not go down the kitchen sink, even when the sink has a garbage disposal attached. These items include:

Used coffee grounds
Cooking oil and grease from frying pans and other cookware
Bones left over from pieces of chicken, turkey and other meats

Avoid letting a clogged drain ruin your holiday gathering by being aware of the waste that you put in your sink. If you encounter any issues with clogged drains, contact residential plumbing services to prevent further mess.

3. Water Heater Headaches

Residents rely on their heating systems during cold Canadian winters to keep them safe and warm. The water heater is no exception, as it works harder to provide warm water for showers, washing clothes and cleaning dishes than the appliance does in warmer months. A professional from one of the many plumbing services in Kitchener can advise you on whether or not it is time to replace your current water heater, as well as provide regular maintenance so the heater continues to work properly.

4. Backed-Up Sump Pumps

Sump pumps are generally located in the basement of a home and help to prevent flooding in the building. Flooding is an issue when snowy climates start to warm and experience snow melt. To keep your sump pump working properly, ensure there is nothing inside of it that could cause a clog. Even if you do not live in an area that receives a lot of snow and ice, it is important to keep an eye on your sump pump if there is increased rainfall in your weather forecast.

5. Basement Flooding

If your sump pump fails, you may experience basement flooding. Flooding can also occur if you have cracks in the foundation that allows water to seep underneath your home. Help prevent this by keeping snow away from your house and repairing any cracks in your walls.

Contact the professionals at CJ Brubacher Ltd. if you experience plumbing issues this winter despite taking the necessary precautions to prevent problems.

Waterloo Heating Services: Preparing Your Furnace for Cold Weather

Tips You Need To Prepare Your Furnace for Colder Weather

With cooler weather on the way, it is likely that you will find yourself turning on your furnace for the first time in months. In many instances, your furnace will kick on without an issue. However, some may run into trouble at the beginning of the season, especially if they did not do any work to care for their unit in the last year. If you are looking for some tips to help care for your HVAC unit or need some heating services in Waterloo here are some things to keep in mind.

Replace Your Filter

One of the best things that you can do to help maintain your unit properly is to regularly replace your filter. Even though it may not seem like a big deal, your filter can directly impact how well your unit is able to function. When things like dust and dirt build up in your filter, not only will that debris float around in your house, but it will also force your unit to work harder to move air through your home. When it comes to residential heating, changing a filter can be a simple task. However, the exact process will vary depending on the brand of the unit and its age.

Remove All Nearby Objects

Along with changing your filter regularly, you also need to ensure that there are no objects near your unit. This can be important to do whether or not you are dealing with residential or commercial heating units. Having too many things, whether they are pieces of furniture, cardboard boxes, or something else can be hazardous. Having a crowded area around your unit can increase the risk of fire, and can ultimately put you and your family in danger.

Turn Up Your Thermostat

Something else that can help as you are preparing for a new season is making sure that you turn on the thermostat and test out your furnace before the beginning of colder weather. This way, you can ensure that it is working and take steps to repair it if you need to before the cooler weather actually kicks in. Not only can doing this help you to take care of your unit, but it can also help prevent you from being caught off guard when it does become cooler.

Get Regular Maintenance

One of the best ways to take care of your HVAC unit is to make sure that you are getting regular maintenance checks. Not only does this help you to protect and care for your unit, but it can also help save you money in the long run. While it may not seem like a money saver when you are paying for regular checks, the reality is that the cost of a maintenance check is generally much lower than the cost of replacing parts of your unit, or replacing your unit altogether.

When you get regular maintenance, you can help ensure that small issues are managed on a regular basis. Not only that, but a technician will also have a chance to catch small issues before they turn into larger and much more costly ones. Beyond that, getting a maintenance check before winter begins can help you make sure that you are prepared for the cold months ahead, and that there will be no surprises when you go to turn your furnace on for the first time that season.

Some Parting Words About Furnace Maintenance

Taking proper care of an HVAC unit can sometimes feel like a lot. The upside is, though, that by getting help from professionals like CJ Brubacher Ltd. in Waterloo you can ensure that your unit is working smoothly and that you and your family will be comfortable as the weather cools down.

Kitchener Heating Services: 3 Reasons To Avoid DIY Furnace Repairs

A furnace on the fritz can be a significant inconvenience at your home. This major appliance plays a big part in making your house comfortable. If you’re typically a handy person, you may be tempted to do some research and try to fix your furnace on your own. However, this is a risky option. Check out why it’s better to leave furnace repair in Kitchener to the professionals.

Gas Lines Are Dangerous

At the top of the list of reasons to avoid messing with your furnace is the gas connection. Many modern furnaces run on natural gas. While that offers consistent and reliable heat and energy, it also creates the risk for gas to leak into your home where it shouldn’t be. A gas leak could turn into an explosion with just a spark.

When our professionals make a repair involving a gas line, they know how to properly turn the gas supply on and off and ensure the gas line is correctly connected or capped. A professional repair person will also know the signs of a pipe that needs to be repaired to prevent future problems. These are skills you can’t get without special training.

Risk of Electrical Hazards

Safety risks also come in the form of electrical hazards. Electrical furnaces are popular as an efficient choice to heat your home. Even gas units will have some electrical parts. When repairs are needed, whoever is tasked with opening up the unit and finding the problem needs to have a healthy understanding of how to handle wires.

Making a mistake with electrical parts during a residential or commercial furnace repair could have dangerous results. Grabbing a live wire could result in burns, electrical shock or electrocution.

There is also the risk of a wire shorting out and impacting the electrical system connected to your furnace. A surge could trip a circuit or even cause damage to other HVAC elements in your home or business. You could end up needing more than just the furnace repaired.

DIY Repairs Void Warranties

Attempting residential furnace repair also brings the risk that you will void the warranty of your appliance or previous guarantees on older repairs. Furnace manufacturers usually give an estimated lifespan for how long the unit should last and will often promise to fix well-maintained furnaces if something unexpectedly fails.

However, there is likely a requirement that repair work is done by a qualified technician. This is because the company wants to make sure that there is no additional damage done to the unit. When you go tinkering inside your furnace on your own, your manufacturer may decide that they don’t have to take responsibility for a non-working component since they don’t know what was done to it.

Furnace Repair in Kitchener You Can Trust

Once you take DIY furnace repair off the table, it’s time to get a professional team you can count on like CJ Brubacher Ltd. Our experts use their experience to figure out why your furnace isn’t heating your home the way it should, and what it takes to fix it. By working with a qualified team, you get reliable work done right the first time.

A furnace repair partner can also help guide you on regular maintenance. They understand the best working conditions for your unit and can let you know if there is something that will help the furnace run better or something that is hurting its performance.

Furnaces are important and costly parts of homes, so ensuring they work well is worth the investment. Don’t risk damaging yours or hurting yourself with a home repair. Instead, reach out to CJ Brubacher Ltd for quality fixes anytime.

4 Reasons You Should Have Regular Commercial Plumbing Maintenance

A small plumbing problem can quickly turn into an emergency if you do not remedy the situation as quickly as possible. Whether your toilet is not flushing, or you have a faucet leak, many business owners wait until it is too late and then scramble to book a costly emergency appointment. Fortunately, following a plumbing services maintenance program can save you a lot of money in costly repairs. Here are four reasons it is important to regularly maintain your commercial plumbing system.

Reason #1- Detect Clogged Drains and Leaks

While leaky faucets and clogged drains may not seem like a big deal to many business owners, these issues can quickly turn into major plumbing emergencies if not addressed. These problems can sometimes cause flooding, back-ups, or pipe bursts, which are expensive, time-consuming problems to resolve.

Performing routine plumbing services in Waterloo, such as inspections, will help you identify issues before they become serious. During a routine inspection, your plumber will check for leaks, clogged drains, and standing water. When plumbing issues are caught early, they can usually be fixed quickly and inexpensively.

Reason #2- Plan for Plumbing Emergencies

The majority of plumbing emergencies can be prevented with routine maintenance. However, many Waterloo homeowners and business owners do not bother to schedule regular inspections. Other problems take priority, and a plumber is not called until there is a flooded basement or a backed-up toilet.

Luckily, many issues can be detected early on if proper maintenance is performed. Plumbers have the experience to identify problems that most homeowners cannot find on their own. Do not try to save money by performing plumbing maintenance yourself. Professional plumbers have the expertise needed to help prevent running toilets, sump pump failures, and clogged drains.

Reason #3- Protect Pipes and Plumbing Fixtures

Rusty pipes and old plumbing fixtures can quickly lead to many problems. While most business owners think they will spot a corroded pipe before it becomes an issue, the most critical pipes are not visible to you on an everyday basis. To do a proper inspection, a plumber will likely need to access the pipes inside the walls.

With regular maintenance, you can protect pipes and repair old fixtures before they cause a problem. Schedule a yearly inspection with a Waterloo plumber and request a routine maintenance check. Forming a relationship with a licensed plumber is a good idea if you plan to stay in the Waterloo area for a while.

Reason #4- Long-Term Protection Plans

Many Waterloo residents avoid purchasing long-term plumbing protection plans because of cost. However, it is a common misconception that protection plans cost a lot of money. Many companies offer discounted, budget-friendly protection plans for Waterloo residents. These plans typically come with a free yearly inspection and discounted preventative maintenance.

Enrolling in a plumbing protection plan is typically more cost-effective than paying for a massive repair or plumbing system overhaul. Performing small, consistent tasks is the key to keeping your plumbing system in proper working order.

Ask your plumber about extended warranties. If you recently purchased your home or installed a new septic system, you may be able to add an extended warranty to cover expensive repairs. While many people avoid purchasing warranties due to cost, it makes sense if you do not want to pay for a major plumbing repair in the future.

Work With a Plumbing Expert

Are you looking for affordable commercial plumbing services? CJ Brubacher Ltd. specializes in residential and commercial plumbing services. Do not wait until your sump pump fails or your toilet will not flush. Contact us today to schedule a routine maintenance check.

Kitchener Electrical Repair: Why Outlets Spark

Having an outlet that sparks when you use it can be alarming. When you have electrical trouble, you need expert service that you can trust to do the job right the first time and for less. We are CJ Brubacher Ltd., and we specialize in electrical services in Kitchener, Ontario and the surrounding areas. As experts in our field since 1923, we frequently receive questions about sparking outlets.

There are several reasons why an outlet may spark. Some are cause for concern and should be dealt with right away, while others may not warrant worry. To help you identify the nature of your situation, let’s take a look at eight potential reasons for your outlet trouble.

1. The Wiring Is Loose or Frayed

While it may not be visibly noticeable, if the outlet’s wiring is loose or frayed, it can produce a sizzling sound when you use it. Common causes for loose or frayed wiring include improper installation, age and rodent damage.

2. The Wires are Short-Circuiting

If an outlet produces too much heat, it can cause the wire casing to melt, leaving wires exposed and dangerous. This issue needs to be addressed to prevent an electrical fire.

3. It’s Old

Time is not kind to electrical systems. If your home is older, its wiring probably has not been updated. Older wiring can wear out, leading to the issues mentioned above. Depending on the age of your electrical wiring, you may be due for a rewiring.

4. Improper Repairs Were Made

Unfortunately, unless you are the only one who has ever owned your home, it is hard to know the level of experience with which electrical repairs were made. If repairs were improperly made, this can lead to dangerous outlet sparking and a host of other electrical concerns.

5. The Outlet Is Overloaded

You may have too many things plugged into the same outlet. It is never advisable to use multiple outlet extensions, as doing so can overload the electrical outlet and cause issues, and sparking is one of them.

6. The Plastic Is Damaged

An often overlooked source of sparking, damaged outlet plastic can expose the inner workings and contact points of the outlet and lead to sparking. If your outlet looks a little worse for wear, it may be time to get it replaced to prevent fire damage.

7. Water Has Reached the Outlet

Often, outlets are placed too close to sinks. If the outlet comes into contact with water, sparks may result. Additionally, if you’ve recently had a plumbing leak, water may be interfering with the wiring in the vicinity. A professional needs to take a look if you believe water damage may be to blame for your outlet sparking.

8. It May Just Be Normal

Because electricity flows quickly, it can sometimes jump around too fast when you plug something in. If your outlet produces a blue spark when you use it, but it does not regularly spark, it is most likely just a normal occurrence. If you are unsure, reach out to schedule an appointment to have one of our electricians take a look.

If you have one or multiple sparking outlets that are causing concern, give us a call right away. Our technicians can accurately diagnose the problem and get you quickly on your way to a safe and functional home. No matter what the source of your sparking outlet may be, you can trust CJ Brubacher Ltd. to put your mind at ease.

You can reach our service team by phone or fill out our online contact form. No matter which method of contact you prefer, you will receive friendly, knowledgeable assistance from our professional team. Your safety and comfort are our priority and we look forward to serving you with our top-notch residential electrical services!

5 Signs You Need Professional Furnace Repair Services in Kitchener

There are often some signs that you need furnace repair in Kitchener before the unit fails completely. You should learn to recognize these signs and pay attention to them. The furnace is most likely to fail in winter when it sees the most use, and then residential furnace repair becomes urgent. Without it, you could experience burst pipes or hypothermia.

Here are some specific signs that you need to repair your furnace.

1. Unusual Noises

A furnace typically isn’t completely silent, and this is good because otherwise, it would be harder for you to tell whether it is working. When a furnace is working correctly, it usually makes a soft whirring sound. You may become so used to this sound that you hardly notice it anymore. However, if your furnace starts making unusual noises, these may attract your attention. Examples include rattling, banging, groaning, or unusual hums. Pay attention to these noises because they could signify that something inside your furnace has come loose or is not working properly.

2. Strange Smells

If you detect an unusual odour coming from your furnace, it could mean a problem with your combustion. Poor combustion can give off aldehydes, which are chemical compounds you can smell, as well as carbon monoxide, poisonous gas that you cannot. If your furnace is giving off strange smells, it doesn’t necessarily follow that it is also giving off carbon monoxide, but because the possibility exists and carbon monoxide is so dangerous, you should have the furnace checked out promptly.

Note that it is normal for a furnace to give off a strong smell when you first have it installed, or when you first turn it on after a long summer. However, if the smell occurs out of nowhere, doesn’t gradually fade away, or starts to intensify it is a sign of a potential problem.

3. Water Leaks

A water leak can occur if you have a humidifier attached to your furnace that is not working properly. If you do not have a humidifier, the furnace’s internal drain system or condensation line may be broken or clogged. A water leak from your furnace is usually easy to fix, but if you do not address it immediately, it could cause other complications.

4. Uneven Heating

It is unlikely that your heater will keep every room in the house at exactly the same temperature at all times. For example, the basement is usually several degrees cooler than the upstairs area of the house. Nevertheless, the heating should generally be even. If you have two vastly different temperatures in similar areas of the house and there isn’t another explanation for it, e.g., a draft from a window, it could be a problem with the heater requiring residential furniture repair.

5. Unexplained Increase in Energy Bills

Of course, energy bills tend to fluctuate with the season. Your heating bill goes down in the summer when you are not using the furnace as much and then increases during the winter. However, if you see increases that are not explained by the changes in the season, it may mean that there is something wrong with your furnace that is affecting its energy efficiency. You should have it checked out right away, especially if it occurs alongside other warning signs of furnace problems.

Call CJ Brubacher for Professional Furnace Repair in Kitchener

If your furnace breaks down, it is typically at an inconvenient time, such as a cold winter night. We offer 24/7 residential and commercial furnace repair so that you can call for help whenever you need it. With an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau and nearly 100 years in the business, you can trust us to diagnose and repair your HVAC system. Find out more about our heating services.

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