Why Surge Protectors Are Important in Any Waterloo Home

Why Surge Protectors Are Important in Any Waterloo Home

Compared to just a few decades ago, today’s homes look like high-tech command centers. Chances are your kitchen, family room, and home office each contain more electronic gadgets than entire houses did when you were growing up.

All that equipment represents a sizable investment, so protecting your electronics is paramount. That’s where adding surge protectors in every room or to your whole house comes in. Read on to learn about the importance of these devices, and how the electrical services in Waterloo that CJ Brubacher LTD. provide are there to ensure your electronics and your home are safe from harm.

Understanding Surge Protectors

Electronics require a consistent amount of energy to operate correctly. Spikes in energy caused by anything from lightning strikes to faulty wiring to equipment malfunctions are dangerous for most devices. The ensuing damage to internal batteries or circuit boards may render electronics unusable.

Many people confuse power strips and surge protectors, but the two are not interchangeable. Some power strips simply act as additional outlets or extensions and don’t provide any protection from electricity spikes. Don’t assume that the power strips you’re using combat surges unless they specifically refer to suppression or protection when you take a close look at them.

How Surge Protectors Preserve Your Tech

By plugging your items into a surge protector rather than directly into a wall socket, you ensure that excess electricity is diverted away from your device before damage results. That’s why it’s important to route all power cords belonging to expensive tech devices through a protector.

Be aware, however, that using a surge protector isn’t a “set it and forget it” cure-all. They are subject to wear out over time, so periodically check the indicator light on all of your protectors to be sure they’re still working properly.

How Surge Protection Saves You Money

Using surge protectors is a clear case of spending a little to potentially save a lot. Compared to the cost of replacing fried televisions and computers, the amount of money you’ll shell out for a few quality protectors is negligible. Think of it as purchasing an insurance policy for your important devices.

Why Every Home Needs Protection

It’s not just your devices that can incur serious problems due to energy spikes. Sadly, overheated electronic equipment may catch fire, causing danger and damage to more than just the affected items. That’s why using surge protectors is an important safety measure for every homeowner. As troubling as burning out your entertainment system due to electricity spikes would be, losing your home and imperilling your loved ones would be devastating.

For many homeowners, investing in a whole-house surge protector is a wise investment. Although it requires professional installation and is more expensive than picking up a few socket-based protectors, the enhanced security against spikes is well worth it. Call an expert from CJ Brubacher to evaluate your home and your needs, as some houses may need more than one protector to cover every area.

Contact CJ Brubacher, Ltd for the Right Protection

Because protecting your electronics, your home, and your family is paramount, always hire top professionals in residential electrical services like CJ Brubacher to ensure you’re working with the best. With our A+ Better Business Bureau rating and almost 100 years of experience, you can count on CJ Brubacher Ltd. to handle all of your electrical, plumbing, and HVAC needs.

Give us a call or fill out our online contact form today. The sooner you connect with our expert team, the sooner you’ll have the peace of mind that comes from knowing your home is protected from dangerous electrical surges.

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. 

Preparing Your HVAC System for Severe Weather

Kitchener Furnace Repair: 4 Ways to Prepare Your HVAC System for Severe Weather

With severe weather events on the rise, it is easy to be caught off-guard or surprised by the damage a storm can cause. Keep in mind that old adage: an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. In order to avoid a large bill for furnace repair in Kitchener, follow these simple yet effective suggestions for proactively protecting your HVAC system. 

1. Keep Your Furnace Footprint Free of Other Objects

We cannot prevent or predict the weather, but we can protect our assets in the event of a disaster. Imagine a perimeter of at least five feet surrounding the top, sides, and ground around your HVAC system. Clear away any tree branches, yard implements, or furniture that could be blown against the furnace during high winds and cause damage. The greater the distance between your furnace and other objects, the less likely your HVAC system will suffer a puncture or be crushed by something heavy in the chaos of a storm. 

2. Cut the Power

Another way to avoid paying unexpected bills for a residential furnace repair is to simply shut off the power to your furnace when you know a storm is coming. This will be temporarily uncomfortable for those inside the house, but it could save you a lot of money over time.

During a storm, electricity surges are common and can damage the circuitry of the HVAC system. If there is no power, however, there is no surge, and your furnace will continue operating smoothly after the storm has passed. Failure to do this may result in days or weeks without proper heating and cooling. In the aftermath of a storm, repair companies are often so backlogged that residents have to wait a very long time for their systems to be up and running again. 

3. Anchor Your Furnace Securely

Commercial furnace repair companies highly recommend that each furnace be fastened down to a concrete slab or securely fixed to an exterior wall. During high winds, even a heavy furnace can be lifted off the ground and jostled. This causes instability within the fan blades and wiring that make the furnace function. An unsecured furnace is not only a risk to your HVAC system but also may damage other property or people if it comes loose during a storm. 

4. Use a Surge Protector

While these are more commonly used to prevent electronics from shorting out, they are absolutely a wise choice for your furnace as well. A surge protector is able to sense unusual voltage increases and will shut off the machine if it believes the voltage is too high. This is especially crucial to have done ahead of time if you are not at home during the storm to turn off the power supply yourself. Power surges are not always predictable, so installing a surge protector takes away this element of surprise that could cost you money and inconvenience.

Prompt and Professional Furnace Repair in Kitchener 

There are a number of services we offer if you have the misfortune of needing your furnace repaired. The first thing we will do is visit your property and assess the damage. If you are experiencing an emergency, call our 24/7 crisis line and we can usually respond quickly. If residential furnace repair is what you need, we will send our technicians to your home to determine whether repair, replacement, maintenance, or tune-up is the best solution. If you need commercial furnace repair, let us guide you with advice on energy efficiency and the potential for capacity upgrades. Visit our website to schedule a service or request an estimate today. 

Benefits of a Ceiling Fan This Summer

Kitchener Electrical Services: Benefits of a Ceiling Fan This Summer

If you’re looking for a smarter way to cool your home this summer, consider mounting ceiling fans in the rooms in which you spend the most time. They’ll boost your comfort while doing less damage to your pocketbook and to the environment.

Here we’ll talk about just a few of the benefits of adding fans to your home. Then when you’re ready to play it cool by installing ceiling fans, contact an expert in electrical services in Kitchener like CJ Brubacher to review your options.

Lower Your Energy Bills

It’s a good thing that vacation time comes in the summer since you’ll need some major relaxation after seeing your first electric bill of the season! Each time you crank up the air conditioning, it sends your monthly charges soaring higher than the temperature. Fortunately, installing ceiling fans is a low-cost way to reduce your electricity bills.

Because overhead fans boost air circulation, they do a great job of moving conditioned air around your living spaces. With ceiling fans, your bedrooms, dining room, and family areas feel more comfortable even when you run your AC less.

By improving airflow with ceiling fans, your air conditioner doesn’t have to work as hard to cool down your rooms. You’ll save money by raising your thermostats a few degrees so your unit turns on less often, yet you’ll feel no noticeable warming. Top-quality ceiling fans draw little more energy than it takes to run a light bulb, so adding them to your home won’t cut into the savings you gain by operating your air conditioner less.

Stay Cooler

In addition to improving cold air circulation, ceiling fans make you feel cooler even when you’re not running the AC at all. This sensation isn’t just wishful thinking but rather the impact of wind chill, which is the cooling effect created by wind blowing over a surface.

In a room with a ceiling fan, perspiration and body heat are blown away from your skin by the spinning blades, making you feel colder than the air around you. You can even open a window and enjoy some fresh air, knowing that the hot outdoor air will feel cooler to everyone in the room when you’re running a fan overhead.

Help the Environment

Although modern air conditioners are more energy-efficient and emit fewer pollutants, they still have a negative impact on the environment any time they’re operating. Adding ceiling fans reduces your reliance on your AC units, allowing you to run them less frequently without sacrificing comfort.

Because of the wind chill effect, a ceiling fan shifts the focus from cooling a room to cooling the people in it. There’s no need to run your AC in an empty room so it’s comfortable when you want to spend time in it; instead, you can be kind to the environment by switching your thermostat and your ceiling fan on only when you’re ready to settle in.

CJ Brubacher Is Here To Help

Now that you know some of the benefits of installing ceiling fans in your home, it’s time to start feeling cooler and saving money and Mother Nature in the process. Work with an experienced residential electrical services team like the folks at CJ Brubacher Ltd. to select the best ceiling fan models and placement for maximum impact.

Call us at CJ Brubacher for any of your electrical, HVAC, or plumbing needs. We’ve been helping families and business owners in Kitchener, Elmira, and Waterloo for nearly 100 years, and our A+ Better Business Bureau rating reflects our commitment to customer satisfaction. Schedule an appointment today and enjoy a cooler home this summer!

Benefits of Replacing the Bathtub in Your Elmira Home

Benefits of Replacing the Bathtub in Your Elmira Home

High-quality Bathtubs when installed properly and regularly maintained still have a limited lifespan just like other household items. The bathtub seems to be one item homeowners overlook due to the challenging process of removing and replacing it. 

Of course, damage can occur before the end of a tub’s lifespan. If you notice cracks or leaks, it’s time to upgrade. It may also be that your tub hasn’t changed, but your needs have. There’s also nothing wrong with just wanting something different.  If you are in need of replacing your bathtub CJ Brubacher offers expert plumbing services in Elmira to ensure the job is done right the first time around.

There are three options to consider when it comes to bathtub renovations: replacing, refinishing or reglazing. While many people choose to refinish or reglaze to save money, replacing may offer more benefits in the long run. If you’re on the fence, here are the top reasons homeowners choose to replace their bathtubs.

Aesthetics

Your bathtub is the centrepiece of your bathroom, meaning it has a significant effect on the decor. You can create an elegant, whimsical or modern aesthetic just by your choice of the tub.

If you want the freedom to place your bathtub anywhere, you should choose a freestanding model. Since these aren’t built into the wall, you can install them at the room’s center or even at an angle. Clawfoot bathtubs are a popular choice for their unique look and diverse designs.

Your choice of material can also make an impact on the overall aesthetic. While porcelain is traditional, you have a wide range of options:

  • Steel
  • Brass
  • Stone

Steel is an excellent complement to modern or contemporary styles, while brass offers more warmth. Stone bathtubs are luxurious and may add value to your property. Just keep in mind that they’re extremely heavy, so you should only use them on the ground floor to prevent damage to ceilings.

Comfort

While appearances are important when choosing a bathtub, aesthetics shouldn’t trump comfort. After all, you use your tub daily. The good news is that modern innovations offer greater comfort than ever. Many people love relaxing in a bubble bath, but did you know you can get more out of your tub? If you really want to indulge, you can get a whirlpool bathtub.

These models feature jets that circulate water or air. These offer massages that soothe sore muscles and help you relax. The downside is that whirlpool bathtubs are often in the higher price range and may be expensive to fix.

If you still want a profoundly relaxing bathing experience without the hefty cost, you can get a soaking tub. These are deeper than traditional models, allowing you to submerge your entire body comfortably.

Convenience

Whether you have mobility issues or just prefer not to clamber over a bathtub lip, walk-in tubs offer immense convenience. Unlike traditional models, these have a door, allowing you to simply step inside. Since the door has a watertight seal, you don’t have to worry about leaks.

If you’re looking for highly hygienic material that’s easy to clean, go for acrylic. It’s more mildew-resistant than other options and can withstand harsher chemicals. In contrast, stone tubs need non- or low-abrasive cleaning materials to avoid scratching the seal.

Enamel is also fairly easy to keep clean. You can even find metal tubs with enamel coating, allowing you to get the best of both worlds.

Whenever you replace a bathtub, you should contract residential plumbing services to ensure the job’s done right. At CJ Brubacher Ltd., we’re happy to replace a tub or complete any plumbing-related renovations or repairs. Our team is highly experienced and dedicated to delivering top-quality service. We’re the place to call if you want the peace of mind that comes with expert care. To get an estimate for your next project, call us or reach out online

3 Reasons the Kitchen Sink Is Clogged

Waterloo Plumbing Services: 3 Reasons the Kitchen Sink Is Clogged

Kitchen sink clogs always seem to happen at the most inconvenient times, like when you’ve got a counter full of dirty plates or your dishwasher is on the fritz. That’s why it pays to have one of the most trusted plumbing services in Waterloo, CJ Brubacher Ltd., in your contact list.

Even with a great plumber at the ready, it’s smart to stay one step ahead of these inconvenient blockages. Read on to learn about three of the most common types of clogs and how to prevent them.

Soap Scum Buildup

It’s counterintuitive to think that cleaning products cause pipe problems, but most commercial cleansers are made with fats and that’s the issue. When soapy fats mix with minerals commonly found in municipal water, they bind together and create a filmy substance that clings to pipes instead of rinsing away.

If your water is hard, it contains more of these buildup-causing minerals. Installing a water softener often alleviates the problem, but if you routinely use fatty dish soaps the issue may persist. Routinely pouring boiling water or water mixed with baking soda or ammonia down your drains helps remove scum before it develops into a full-blown clog.

Food Scrap Blockages

When you have a garbage disposal, you’re accustomed to scraping food residue from plates and pans into your sink. Unfortunately, if you don’t flush your drains properly, that food may never make it into the disposal and instead become stuck inside the curved P-trap piping beneath your sink. Although water might not back up into your basin immediately, if unpleasant odours are coming from your drain, you’ve got a blockage in the making.

To avoid such clogs, dispose of solid foods in your trash or put them on the compost pile. Avoid flushing fibrous produce like celery or pumpkin, which are notorious for wrapping around garbage disposal blades. Fine waste like coffee grounds and onion skins are also bad for your disposal, as it’s easy for the blades to miss them. Remember that anything that doesn’t pass through your disposal builds up and traps other foods, resulting in clogs. That’s why proper food disposal is key to reducing blockages.

Grease, Oil, and Fat Obstructions

As with soap scum, anything greasy or fatty going down your drains is problematic. Liquid fats congregate in the nooks and crannies of pipes, where they bind with the above-mentioned minerals or congeal and harden on their own. Masses of fat glom onto any number of other items that pass through your drains, and before you know it you’ve got a clog on your hands.

Never put cooking oils down the drain. Instead, pour cooled grease into empty cans or containers, set them into the fridge to solidify, and then toss them in the trash. Another option is to mix oils with flour, sand, or cat litter before throwing them away. Even mopping grease with paper towels is better than letting it go down your drain and clog your pipes.

CJ Brubacher Is Here To Help

Knowing what causes clogs and how to prevent them will help you keep your pipes in great shape, but the best care in the world won’t stave off every blockage. When your sink is backed up, it’s time to bring in an expert in residential plumbing services like CJ Brubacher Ltd.

Call the experts at CJ Brubacher when your drains are plugged, or anytime you need the very best in plumbing, heating, and air conditioning care in the Waterloo area. With an A+ rating by the Better Business Bureau and around-the-clock service, we’re the right choice when it comes to unclogging your pipes!

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.