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4 Common Air Conditioning Problems You May Experience In Kitchener

People outside of Canada may assume that it is cold and snowy here all the time. However, if you live in Kitchener, you know that summers can become quite warm. If there is something wrong with your air conditioner, you want to identify it right away so you can call for air conditioning services in Kitchener. Here are some common problems you may encounter and what may be causing them.

1. Condenser Coil Freezing

It takes energy to cool your home or office during the summer. The hotter the outside temperature, the harder your AC has to work. This is normal and expected. However, if your unit has to work too hard, it could cause the condenser coil to freeze, which is not normal.

Air conditioners work harder when they are dirty or when their parts are obstructed. You can prevent the condenser coil from freezing by having frequent maintenance to check the ducts, condenser, and blower fan for obstructions and by changing the air filters frequently.

2. Hot Air Blowing Instead of Cold

One of the most obvious types of residential air conditioning problems, as well as one of the most frustrating, is when the unit blows hot air when it is supposed to be blowing cold. You turned on the AC in the first place because you were too warm, and now this just compounds the problem.

Assuming that you have checked to make sure that you switched the central HVAC unit over to air conditioning, there are two reasons for hot air blowing when you want cold. The refrigerant level may be low, or the compressor may be overheating due to an obstruction in the ducts or a dirty air filter. You may be able to prevent such issues by having regular duct cleanings and changing the filter frequently. Once the problems occur, however, they require professional air conditioning services in Kitchener to correct.

3. Air Conditioner Not Turning On

It’s bad enough when your air conditioner blows hot air on you, but it is even worse when it doesn’t turn on at all. If it doesn’t help to set the thermostat to a lower temperature, this is probably a sign of an electrical problem. The wiring may be loose or the thermostat may be faulty. Commercial air conditioning may stop working because a circuit breaker has tripped, meaning that the demand on the circuit is greater than its supply. Attempting to fix electrical issues yourself is dangerous if you do not know what you are doing, so bring in a professional.

4. Strange Smells Coming From the System

When an air conditioner is functioning properly, you shouldn’t be able to perceive any smells coming from it. Malfunctioning AC units, however, can produce several types of strange smells, and the type of smell may give you a clue as to what is causing it. For example, if the smell is musty, it means that there is a problem with the drainage. Water is collecting where it is not supposed to and may be facilitating mold growth.

A burning or electrical smell is a more serious problem. If you perceive it, you should turn off the air conditioner right away. The system may be overheating, probably due to clogged air filters, which should be replaced immediately. Contact professional HVAC services right away if you encounter the problem of a strange smell coming from your unit. You may also be able to prevent the problem with regular cleaning of the unit and the ducts.

Turn to Us for Air Conditioning Services in Kitchener

While air conditioning may seem less vital than heating, high temperatures are responsible for more deaths than any other weather. Therefore, your AC is anything but expendable, and you should have it serviced by the qualified technicians at CJ Brubacher.

Elmira Plumbing Services: 3 Signs You Need a New Mixer Valve

Taking a hot shower at the end of a long day is a luxury many take for granted. That spa-like moment doesn’t happen all on its own. The plumbing in your home is a complex network of pipes, valves and gaskets. When everything works in harmony, you’ll be in steamy bliss. But one glitch in the system could put a stop to your daily relaxation session. When faulty pipes ruin your self-care routine, contact plumbing services in Elmira.

One vital device, the mixer valve, lies behind the wall in your bathroom and regulates the temperature mix of hot and cold. This essential piece of equipment keeps your water comfortable and safe. A simple shower could scald you and your family when a mixer mechanism malfunctions. If you notice any of the following problems, you may need a new regulator.

1. You Notice a Change in Water Pressure

Congested or loose valves will allow less water to move through. This reduction in water will lead to low pressure. You may notice a slightly weaker flow or pressure that varies from firm to soft. The stream may slow to a trickle in more severe cases. Clogs are not always related to backed-up toilets. Several things could obstruct your device, such as:

Limescale from hard water may accumulate over time and form a hard blockage.
Corrosion from the valve or old metal lines can leave behind rust.
Debris, like hair, may travel from elsewhere in your plumbing system and form a clog.
Plastic fragments from the valve or pipes could have broken off and become lodged in the opening.

In some cases, soaking the part with distilled white vinegar may solve the issue. Before dismantling your shower, allow our plumbers at CJ Brubacher Ltd. to assess the situation. Cleaning or replacement from residential plumbing services could be necessary.

2. You Have a Leaky Shower Head

Dripping from your shower is a clear sign of a faulty mixer valve. When you turn off the water at the handle, the mechanism closes and stops the flow. If the piece is loose, it cannot close all the way, and liquid will escape. Anything that gets through will leak from the shower fixture.

Slight dripping may not seem like a big deal until you receive your next water bill. A slow, steady leak can cause a significant increase in usage. It only takes a few days of dripping for a statement to get out of hand. Many water and sewage companies will excuse one large bill for longtime customers. Yet, most will recommend saving that one pass for a more costly sewage line emergency. If left untreated, one small drip could leave you with a major unexpected expense.

3. You Have Trouble Turning the Handle

You interact with the mixer valve every day when you turn the shower’s handle. When you crank up the heat, the valve will slowly reduce the amount of cold water input. This action allows the hot water to overtake the cold gradually, preventing accidental burns. If you cannot turn the handle, it indicates a problem. Corroded metal can cause threadbare connections. When not correctly installed, valves may be loose and not connect with the handle. If your handle turns too quickly or appears stuck, you may need to repair your shower.

Mixer valves may be small, but they play a big role in your bathtime comfort. If you notice low pressure, leaks or handle trouble, a faulty mixer valve could be the root of the issue. At CJ Brubacher Ltd., we specialize in residential and commercial plumbing services. Our technicians are available 24/7, so contact us today to get to the root of your pipe problems.

Kitchener Heating Services: 6 Furnace Safety Tips

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

1. Avoid Improper Installation

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

2. Install Carbon Monoxide Detectors

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

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

3. Clear a Space Around the Furnace

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

4. Don’t Hang Laundry Next to the Furnace

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

5. Have Your Furnace Maintained

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

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

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

Call CJ Brubacher for Heating Services in Kitchener

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

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

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

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

Is It Normal To Smell Burning?

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

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

What Smells Are Not Normal?

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

1. Rotten Eggs

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

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

2. Mustiness

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

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

3. Electrical, Metallic, or Plastic

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

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

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

Kitchener Heating Services: Are Space Heaters Dangerous?

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

Space Heaters Should Be a Temporary Fix

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

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

Electric

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

Fuel-Burning

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

Space Heaters Pose Real Dangers in the Home

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

Fires

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

Poisoning

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

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

Injuries

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

Space Heaters Can’t Replace Proper Heating

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

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

Kitchener Furnace Repair: What Is That Noise?

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

Think About When You Hear the Noises Most

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

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

When the Furnace Turns On

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

Burners Can Accumulate Dust and Carbon

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

When the Furnace Turns Off

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

The Furnace Might Have a Dirty Filter

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

The Ductwork Could Be Dirty

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

Think About When You Didn’t Hear the Noises

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

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

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

Elmira Heating Services: Why is the Furnace Leaking Water?

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

1. Issue With the Furnace Humidifier

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

2. Flue Pipe of Incorrect Size

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

3. Clog of the Furnace Condensation or Internal Drain System

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

4. Break of the Condensate Pump or Condensation Line

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

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

Why You Should Call CJ Brubacher for Furnace Repair in Elmira

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

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