category Archives - CJ Brubacher

4 Signs You Need To Repair Your Home Furnace in Waterloo

Stay warm this winter and keep your home safe with a fully maintained furnace. Check out these four signs that it’s time to contact CJ Brubacher for residential furnace repair in Waterloo. Ignoring these issues could cause your furnace to fail, so work with a local expert for efficient maintenance and repair services.

1. Your Furnace Isn’t Heating Properly

This sign can be caused by a number of issues, but all mean it’s time to request furnace repair in Waterloo. If your furnace isn’t heating properly, then a technician will check for one or more of these components:

Thermostat
Blower motor
Pilot light
Gas lines
Wiring
Air ducts

A faulty or incorrectly adjusted thermostat won’t tell your furnace to turn on. This may be the issue if you never hear your furnace turn on or attempt to turn on. It could also be caused by faulty wiring.

A damaged blower motor won’t force the air through your air ducts. This can be caused by a clog in the system, a wiring issue or damaged mechanical components.

The pilot light is either always lit or lighted with an electric starter, depending on the model and age of your furnace. Compromised pilot lights won’t light the gas released in your furnace. This may be the issue if your blower is running but the air is cold or you smell gas as your furnace runs.

Air ducts need to be clear of debris to allow warm air to travel throughout your home. If a particular room is especially cold, or you don’t notice any air coming out of a particular duct, it may be time to schedule a cleaning service.

2. You Hear Strange Noises From Your Furnace

Unusual noises may be the first sign that a component is about to break. Treat any unusual furnace sounds serious and you may avoid a sudden furnace failure. Here are some sounds that can point to furnace damage or excessive wear:

Scraping
Squealing
Grinding
Humming
Rattling

3. Your Furnace Is Old

A furnace should last at least 15 years as long as it’s properly maintained. Some furnaces last 30 years or more. Most professionals recommend replacing a furnace after about 15 to 20 years. Here are some factors that affect how old is too old for your furnace:

Maintenance record
How often it is used
Manufacturer
Whether it’s sized appropriately for your home

If your furnace is over 20 years old, it’s likely less efficient than modern alternatives. Its effective lifetime may also be drawing to an end, and a planned replacement can be more affordable and less stressful than a middle-of-the-night emergency call.

4. Your Heating Costs Are High

A damaged or older furnace is likely going to be less efficient than a modern, well-maintained one. An inefficient furnace may be costing you more in monthly bills than a replacement furnace would cost.

Schedule an annual maintenance service to learn more about your furnace. As your furnace ages, ask about the efficiency difference between new and older models. You may reach a point where a replacement unit is a cost-effective solution.

You don’t always have to fully replace a furnace to enjoy reduced energy costs. A clogged air filter or blower motor can cause your heating system to work harder than it needs to. A simple service call may be all you need to lower your bills and enjoy more years out of your furnace.

Request Furnace Repair in Waterloo With CJ Brubacher

From a blower motor cleaning to a full furnace replacement project, trust CJ Brubacher with your HVAC needs in the Elmira and Waterloo region. Contact us to schedule residential or commercial furnace repair or inspection services for peace of mind.

4 Tips On How To Conserve Heat This Winter in Waterloo

Few things are more uncomfortable during the winter than being cold in your own home … Except, maybe, the heating bill that comes with trying to prevent that very fate from befalling you. Heating is one of the most significant utility expenses that homeowners face, if not the biggest one. For many Waterloo homeowners, it accounts for 40% of their total utility bill each month. If you recently experienced sticker shock after a month of lounging around indoors in a tee-shirt and bare feet, the good news is that you can take steps to reduce your heating bill without sacrificing your comfort, beginning with learning about what affects your heating costs. From there, explore all options available to you and maybe consider putting on a pair of socks. Finally, invest in heating services in Waterloo.

1. Turn the Thermostat Down

When the thermometer shows negative temperatures outside, the last thing you probably want to do is turn your thermostat down. However, adjusting the temperature down by 10 degrees for even just a few hours a day can save you as much as 10% on your annual heating bill. You don’t have to sacrifice your standard stay-in uniform, either. Set the thermostat for between 60 and 63 when you leave for work in the morning and again when you go to bed at night. When you’re up and moving, you can keep the temperature at a comfortable 72.

2. Make Sure Doors and Windows Are Tightly Shut

According to commercial and residential heating surveys, of the nearly $2,000 to $3,000 Canadians spend on their seasonal heating bills, roughly 10% to 20% could be going right out the window — quite literally. Drafts and air leaks around windows account for significant energy loss in both commercial and residential buildings. Trying to heat your home with an outdated heating system doesn’t help either. If you want to reduce your bill by as much as $400 each winter, stop the leaks. Tape up around your windows if you cannot afford new, energy-efficient ones. Place towels along the bottoms of doors to prevent cold air from seeping in, and make sure your windows are locked up tight.

For more permanent solutions, consider replacing old, single-pane windows with new double panes. Replace old seals, caulk up any gaps between casings and walls, and make sure all exterior doors fit snugly in their casings.

3. Bundle Up

Okay, so as much as you love rocking bare feet and short sleeves all winter long, doing so makes little sense for your wallet. One of the easiest ways to reduce your heating bill is to dress appropriately. Wear pants made of a substantial material, a warm sweater and wool socks while indoors. At night, cuddle up under a blanket. Double up on the comforters on your bed to offset the adjustment in your thermostat. By doing these simple things, you can drastically reduce your heating bill while maintaining your comfort levels indoors.

4. Let the Sun Heat Things Up

Almost as simple as dressing appropriately, one of the easiest ways to reduce your residential or commercial heating bill is to throw open the shades. You may see less of the sun during the winter months in Waterloo, but that doesn’t mean it never shines. Take advantage of the days when the sun’s rays are strong by opening your curtains, blinds or shades first thing in the morning. Likewise, shut them at night to provide an extra layer of protection to keep the heat in and the cold out.

These are just a few simple ways you can reduce your heating bill on your own and without making any significant changes to your home or lifestyle. However, if you want to see a real change in your annual bill, invest in commercial or residential heating services in Waterloo. Our team at CJ Brubacher Ltd can assess your heating system and either maintain or update it so that it works at maximum efficiency. To learn more about how our services can help you, request a free estimate today.

Add Lighting to Your Living Room In Elmira

Refresh your living room design with reliable electrical services in Elmira. Your living room is a popular gathering spot for your family and friends. If you don’t have enough lighting, then a few additions can make all the difference for your next weekend or evening gathering. Check out these three ideas for living room lighting upgrades.

Stay Cool With a Ceiling Fan

A ceiling fan is a great addition to any living room. This popular upgrade keeps air flowing throughout the room. It’s a must-have for warm summer days, but can be comfortable any time of year.

Size a ceiling fan appropriately for your room. A fan that’s too small won’t give enough airflow in your living room. A large fan, however, may look unusual and may provide too much air.

Some large living rooms are best kept cool with multiple ceiling fans. Consider whether you should add two or more fans by discussing your options with a licensed electrician in Elmira.

Fans can be installed where existing lights are or as a new installation project in another area of your ceiling. Be sure you work with a professional electrician to be sure your fans are properly installed. Ceiling fans require a fan-rated electrical box. Without this box, a fan isn’t safely secured to your ceiling.

Consider a ceiling fan with built-in lights for even more convenience. Improve the airflow of your living room while lighting it up with a ceiling-mounted light and fan combination. Some fans with lights need to be flush mounted to maintain enough headroom to walk around. This depends on the height of your ceiling and your chosen ceiling fan design.

Personalize Your Lighting With Wall Sconces

Wall sconces offer the practical light of a lamp with wall-mounted convenience. These handy lights come in a stunning range of sizes, shapes and colours, so you can use them to personalize your living room design.

Installing wall sconces where there aren’t currently any lights requires an experienced electrician. It requires an electrician to run wiring to the sconce, a light switch and the breaker box. These residential electrical services can be dangerous if you’re not working with a qualified professional.

Ask a professional for recommendations on wall sconce design ideas and placement strategies. Properly placed sconces add convenient light as you stay up late or read a book in the early morning. Improperly placed wall sconces, however, are visually unappealing and don’t provide convenient light.

Some wall sconces require durable lightboxes. Don’t attempt to swap out sconces yourself, particularly if you’re upgrading to a larger, heavier design. Discuss your plans with a local electrician to be sure you have the proper support and wiring configuration.

Add a Touch of Style With Accent Lights

Create an iconic living room experience with accent lights. These dynamic lighting features help create a focal point in your room. Some accent lights are designed to light up works of art, while others create a vibrant wall of light as an accent feature.

Just like wall sconces, accent lights typically require new wiring and electrical expertise. Improper accent lighting installation isn’t just dangerous, but can actually detract from the decorative features of your living room.

A professional can help you explore your accent light options. Ask for recommendations on size, style and light colour to match your living room design.

Schedule Residential Electrical Services With CJ Brubacher

Explore your options with leading residential and commercial electrical services from CJ Brubacher. From a single ceiling fan to an entire living room makeover, our team offers reliable electrical repairs and updates in Elmira and the surrounding area. Request an estimate to see how you can refresh your living room for an affordable rate.

Kitchener Heating Services: 5 Common Furnace Problems

There’s probably nothing worse than having your furnace break down during the winter. You might be thinking: “Is it chilly in my home, or is it just me?” Your furnace may even be running, but it’s not as efficient as it once was. If you’re looking for furnace repair in Kitchener, CJ Brubacher Ltd. can get your commercial building or home back to comfortable temperatures. If you’ve already checked your thermostat to make sure it’s working right and set correctly, here are some other common problems that can affect your furnace.

1. Dirty Filters

If you haven’t changed the air filter in a few weeks, your heater won’t be getting enough airflow, which makes it work harder. Your heater may constantly cycle on and off, but your home won’t feel warm. Replace the filters to avoid shortening the lifespan of your furnace. You’ll save money on your utility bills, too. Plus, the air quality in your home will be better when you have fresh filters. Going forward, every time you pay your electric bill, check the filters to see if they should be replaced. You should probably replace them monthly, but it depends on how much you run your system.

2. Making Grinding or Scraping Sounds

If your furnace is making sounds, it could just be a belt that needs to be replaced, or it could be that the ball bearings are worn out. Either way, turn off your system immediately to prevent more damage. Save yourself the hassle of trying to repair your system and call CJ Brubacher for residential furnace repair.

3. Access Panel Left Open

Your furnace has an access panel for its internal guts. This is a safety feature. Your heater won’t operate if the panel is left open. If you tried to look in the furnace to check on something, you need to make sure you closed the panel afterward. It’s an easy fix that you can check before having to call in the professionals. If that doesn’t fix the problem, you may need to call us for repairs.

4. Furnace Doesn’t Blow Air

Does the furnace seem to be working, but not moving air? When the furnace doesn’t blow air, the fan belt is likely broken. Some homeowners can replace the belt, but it’s often easier to let a professional handle the job. We’ll take care of the details as quickly as we can to get your home back to normal.

5. Furnace Is Not Receiving Power

If the thermostat looks good but the heater isn’t operating, it could be an electrical issue. You should check to make sure that the furnace is plugged in. If it is plugged in but not working, check the breaker. If the breaker is switched off, flip it back to the on position. If the breaker is between on and off, switch it to off, then flip it to on. When the heater comes back on, watch to see if the breaker stays in the on position. It might be that the tripped breaker was an anomaly. If it trips again, it might be a problem with the wiring or with the breaker. Fortunately, the technicians with CJ Brubacher have electrical and HVAC licenses, so we can check your system and make repairs, regardless of what the problem is.

Of course, these aren’t the only problems your heater can have. For example, there could be a problem with the pilot light, or the burners could be dirty. For commercial furnace repair or home HVAC system maintenance, contact CJ Brubacher, Ltd. We have emergency services 24/7, so you can keep your home comfortable. Use our online system to schedule services.

Kitchener HVAC Services: Why Is Your Air Conditoner Leaking Water?

It is normal for air conditioners to produce water as they operate. An AC unit works by cooling hot air to an appropriate temperature before blowing it around the house. When hot, humid air cools, it is no longer able to carry as much water vapour, which changes into droplets via a process called condensation.

The air conditioner is equipped with a system that carries the excess water out of the house. If your AC is leaking, it means there is a problem in the system that may require air conditioning services in Kitchener to correct. Here are some common reasons why air conditioners start leaking.

1. Low Refrigerant

Refrigerant is a liquid chemical contained in the evaporator coil of the air conditioner. When hot air passes over the evaporator coil, the refrigerant absorbs the heat, cooling the air. If the refrigerant level is low, you may find that the air conditioner isn’t blowing cool air. The evaporator coil can also freeze due to the decrease of pressure inside the system. If this happens, the AC can start leaking as the ice melts. It may be possible for the damage to be repaired if the problem is caught in time. Otherwise, the air conditioner may have to be replaced.

2. Dirty Air Filter

Water that condenses inside your air conditioner is supposed to be caught by a drain pan. This connects to a condensate drain line that allows the water to flow outside. The drain pan may overflow if the evaporator coil freezes. In addition to low refrigerant, another potential cause of evaporator coil freeze is a dirty air filter that does not allow the air to reach the evaporator coil. Blocking the flow of air prevents the refrigerant from absorbing heat from the air.

A dirty air filter can cause other problems within an HVAC system as well. It can cause parts to wear out more quickly by forcing the system to work harder than it was designed to do. HVAC filters are either disposable or reusable. In either case, each one should come with instructions describing how often it needs to be replaced or cleaned. Many require attention every three months, but some can go longer than that.

3. Clogged Drain Line

The condensate line is supposed to carry the water that collects in the drain pan outside the home where it cannot do any harm. However, if something clogs up the drain line, the water has no place to go except to back up and get into your house. The condensate drain line is susceptible to mould growth and the collection of dust or dirt.

If the problem is a clogged drain line, you may not need to call residential air conditioning services right away. It may be possible to use a wet-dry vacuum cleaner to remove whatever debris is clogging up the drain line. If that doesn’t work, you definitely need to call air conditioning services in Kitchener, and even if it does, you may still want to consult the professionals about what caused the clog in the first place and what should be done to prevent the same problem from recurring later.

4. Rusted Drain Pan

Over time, metal components are susceptible to oxidation and corrosion from exposure to water. Holes can form in a rusted drain pan, preventing it from doing its job effectively. The older your air conditioner is, the more likely it is that the drain pan has rusted or otherwise become damaged. Replacing the drain pan may be adequate to resolve the problem.

Air Conditioning Services in Kitchener From CJ Brubacher

We understand how uncomfortable summers in Ontario can be when it is hot and humid. We are available 24/7 to answer repair calls about your residential or commercial air conditioning as soon as the problem arises. Find out more about how we have been providing quality workmanship to customers in and around Kitchener since 1923 and what we can do for your air conditioner.

The Benefits Of Choosing CJ Brubacher For Commercial Plumbing In Elmira

Keep your business growing and operating safely with commercial plumbing services by CJ Brubacher. Whether you’re dealing with a clogged toilet or a routine maintenance service throughout your entire facility, you deserve quality services that fit your busy schedule. See how your local experts in Elmira can help you maintain your commercial building or perform emergency repairs.

Professional Tools in Professional Hands

A professional plumber with the right tools can solve a maintenance issue in less time and with less stress. Don’t invest your own time attempting to maintain your commercial building or spend money on inexperienced plumbing services.

Locally experienced plumbers use specialized tools to easily connect lines, disconnect lines and prepare new construction projects. From basin wrenches to copper pipe cutters, these tools ensure every part of the project is done efficiently.

Of course, it takes more than the right tools to make sure the job is done correctly. A licensed plumber has up-to-date knowledge of local plumbing codes. This is crucial for new construction projects, but can also be helpful during planned services or emergency repairs. Instead of a quick, temporary fix, be sure you receive plumbing services that last.

Commercial plumbing projects are different from residential ones. While CJ Brubacher offers both commercial and residential services, don’t assume every professional plumber in your area has the resources to handle a commercial project. This is particularly important if you operate a large apartment complex, office building or industrial facility.

Maintenance and Repairs With Less Downtime

A clogged toilet or leaking water line can quickly cause your entire operation to grind to a halt. From a local restaurant to a large industrial facility, plumbing systems are integral to daily operations for many businesses.

Choose professional plumbing services in Elmira to avoid costly downtime. Even a few extra hours of no running water can be a serious issue for many businesses. Choose a plumber with 24/7 support and the confidence you need for maintenance or repair tasks with less downtime.

Less downtime doesn’t just mean performing a quick, temporary repair. Downtime occurs while you wait for the repair and during any future repair issues. This means you need to work with a team that’s not only fast but can also promise that the same issue won’t appear again in hours, weeks or months. A long-term solution keeps your fixtures operating efficiently as your business grows.

Licensed and Insured Team

As a business owner, you could have a major headache in the making if you work with a plumber who isn’t licensed or insured. A licensed plumber is required for most plumbing work, so working with an unlicensed individual can stall the permit process or require a professional to handle the entire project from the beginning.

The plumbing team you work with should also be insured. Without insurance, you could be liable for any injuries that happen because of the plumbing work or while the plumbers are working in your facility. The proper insurance coverage handles these issues, which may help you avoid paying for accidents or getting your own commercial insurance involved.

Don’t be afraid to reach out and ask your chosen plumbing company if they have the right insurance and licensing to take on your commercial project. These two features are crucial to avoiding risk as you allow a professional to come and repair or maintain your commercial facility.

Schedule Plumbing Services in Elmira With CJ Brubacher

From a major commercial project to minor residential plumbing services, trust CJ Brubacher with your next project. Schedule a service today to see why we’re a leading plumbing team in the Elmira area for both commercial and residential solutions. A single call can help you recover from an emergency or schedule a long-term maintenance plan.

The Best Commercial Heating System For Your Kitchener Warehouse

Keeping a warehouse heated correctly can be difficult. It’s not only workers who need to be kept comfortable. You may have products that require special temperatures. You have multiple options to heat your warehouse, so you should understand the benefits and disadvantages of each to know what type of commercial heating system will work best for your needs.

Commercial Heating Options

Choosing the right heating option avoids poor heat distribution through your facility and energy waste because your system is overworked. It also helps avoid uncomfortable employees.

Radiant Heating

Radiant heating is a newer type of system that is usually suspended from the ceiling or on panels on the walls. It can also be installed in floors. Instead of blowing hot air, the radiant heaters deliver heat much like a desk lamp. It runs quietly and is more dust-free than heaters that blow air. It’s very energy efficient, but it can be expensive to retrofit a building with radiant heaters. It’s more popular for new construction. It’s also dependent on a boiler, which can add to the installation costs. You may also hear this type of system referred to as infrared heating.

Heat Pumps

Heat pumps use a refrigerant to pump heat through your space. One of the benefits of heat pumps is that it uses the natural environment and doesn’t rely on fossil fuels. They’re very environmentally friendly. The downside is that the installation can be significant, but heat pumps can last up to 50 years. They also have less maintenance than other types of units. Heat pumps can be duct or ductless, which can be beneficial if you don’t have space for ductwork. Although heat pumps generally rely on electricity, which reduces your carbon footprint, your heat pump can be paired with gas for a colder climate.

Factors to Consider When Installing a New Heating System

Warehouses are often large buildings with high ceilings. You don’t want to waste energy by heating every square inch of the building, which is often unused space. There are methods that can re-circulate the warm air that rises to the occupied floor level. You’ll also want to consider the square footage of the building and the insulation present. If you have loading docks in use through the day, that is another thing to look at. You’ll want to think about the space on your floor. If you have limited floor space, you may want a heating source that can be mounted on the ceiling.

Don’t forget to think long-term about the maintenance and longevity of the unit. Paying more for a system that has a longer life span can actually save your business money. Look at utility costs and sustainability, because the world is moving towards a greener planet. Should you ever want to sell the warehouse, you want to appeal to buyers.

CJ Brubacher Ltd. provides heating services in Kitchener from residential or commercial AC installation, repairs and maintenance. We can help you get the best heating option for your warehouse that does what you need it to do. Contact us to schedule service or for a consultation about your heating system replacement. We’re available 24/7 for emergency services also.

Category: category