Kitchener HVAC Repair: Fall Air Conditioner Maintenance Tips

3 Fall Maintenance Tips for Your Air Conditioner

Your air conditioner is responsible for keeping your home at a comfortable temperature during scorching summer heat waves. When the air turns cooler during the fall, you probably don’t run your air conditioner as much. Although you aren’t relying on it to keep your home comfortable during the season, there is no excuse to neglect your unit. Using these three maintenance tips can keep your air conditioning system functioning at peak performance so that it is ready for the next summer.

1. Keep the Unit and Surrounding Area Clean

Fall comes just before the winter, so now is the time to take preventative measures to keep your air conditioning unit safe from snow and ice. Take time each fall to thoroughly clean your unit. Wipe down any dust and dirt that accumulated over the summer. Keeping the area clean prevents snow from piling up during the winter so that your unit does not get overloaded. Make sure you clean the system several times throughout the fall, especially after big storms, to keep it operating at peak performance. Cleaning the system also gives you the opportunity to identify any malfunctioning parts that need expert repair.

2. Replace the Air Filter

Most experts recommend that you replace your air filter every 90 days, so you should perform this maintenance task more often than just every fall. However, it is a crucial fall maintenance task because this is the season when the pollutants in the air change slightly. There aren’t as many allergens in the air as there are in the summer and winter, and installing a new air filter is the best way to protect your home from these new contaminants. A high-quality air filter keeps these pollutants from entering your home so that they today outside instead of affecting your indoor air quality.

3. Clean the Outdoor Condenser

The outdoor condenser of your air conditioning system is probably one of the elements you interact with least frequently. If the condenser is choked out with a lot of vegetation or gets dirty from the elements, your unit won’t run efficiently. You can easily prevent problems from occurring by periodically removing the vegetation that grows around the condenser. By allowing air to circulate easily around the condenser, you can keep your system running smoothly.

Call for Help When the Unit Malfunctions

If you aren’t running your air conditioning system frequently, you may not pay close attention to how it functions. However, calling a professional for help as soon as you notice an issue is the best way to save money on expensive repairs. When your air conditioner malfunctions, repair expenses can quickly spiral out of control. You may even need a new unit if you wait too long to resolve issues.

Performing regular maintenance on your unit can help you keep it running smoothly. It also helps you identify minor problems before they become major issues. If you don’t have much experience with air conditioners and don’t know what to look for in terms of problems, call the experts at CJ Brubacher to help. We have years of experience in the HVAC industry and are ready to keep your unit running smoothly for decades.

Schedule an Appointment for Air Conditioning Maintenance Today

Keeping your home or business building cool during heat waves is important. When you need air conditioning services in Kitchener, CJ Brubacher is here to help. In addition to residential air conditioning services, we also offer commercial air conditioning services to ensure you stay cool and comfortable whether you are at home or work. Contact us today to set up an appointment to maintain your air conditioning unit during the fall so that it is ready to serve you next summer.

Waterloo HVAC Services: Save Money On Air Conditioning Costs This Summer

If you run your air conditioning nonstop during the summer, you may also be running up your electrical bill. Energy prices don’t seem to be coming down anytime soon, so homeowners need to try creative solutions to give their wallets some relief. There are many different ways you can make your home more efficient and lower your energy costs. CJ Brubacher offers air conditioning services in Waterloo that are designed to make life more convenient. Here are some expert air conditioning tips to help you save your cash this summer.

Cover Your Windows

An easy way you can help prevent heat gain is to cover your windows. Energy loss from your home is more common from doors and windows, so using barriers, like window coverings, can help residential air conditioning be more efficient. One option is to install outdoor awnings above your windows. Awnings can reflect the heat away from your windows and your home. Indoors, use window coverings, such as shades, blinds or curtains to keep the heat from coming inside. Keep shades, blinds and curtains shut during the day to keep your home cooler.

Install Ceiling Fans

Another economical way you can make your air conditioning feel cooler and run more efficiently is to install ceiling fans throughout your home. Get ceiling fans for bedrooms and large living spaces, such as the living room or kitchen. Ceiling fans can help circulate the air inside of your home and make it feel cooler. You can try setting your thermostat to a higher temperature and switching on your ceiling fans to save some energy costs. Make sure you switch your ceiling fans to run counterclockwise in the summer.

Schedule HVAC Service

Before the summer season officially begins, homeowners and commercial air conditioning customers should also schedule a yearly maintenance check on their HVAC system. Hire the pro technicians at CJ Brubacher to do seasonal maintenance on your HVAC and detect any potential problems. Our team can inspect your unit, clear off debris, replace filters and clean the mechanical components, such as the coils and drain pans. This can help extend the life of your HVAC system and prevent emergency situations where your unit breaks down in the middle of the summer.

Make Your Basement a Living Space

Your basement can also give you some relief from the high temperatures in the summer. Because the basement is the lowest level and underground, it naturally feels cooler in this space. If you don’t already use the basement as a living space, consider spending more time there. Another option is to close off your basement HVAC vents to get the air to circulate more on the first and second floors.

Seal Air Leaks

Homeowners can also have an HVAC pro go through their property and seal any gaps or leaks that may be adding to the heat gain in the summer. Our technicians can carefully inspect and seal all doors, windows and other spaces of your home where leaks may be present.

Affordable Air Conditioning Services in Waterloo

Your HVAC unit is only one part of your home’s ability to keep everyone cool in the summer. CJ Brubacher works with homeowners to help them improve their HVAC unit’s performance and their home’s energy efficiency. Our team has been working with homeowners in this area since 1923, with a commitment to customers and emergency services available every day of the week, 24 hours a day.

If you want to schedule air conditioning services and learn what other ways could help you save more money on your utility bill this summer, contact us today. We look forward to helping you and your family stay cool.

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.

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.

Why Did Your Air Conditioner Stop Working in the Middle of the Summer?

You rely on your air conditioner to help your home maintain a comfortable temperature even during a scorching summer, so when your unit stops working properly, you want to get it fixed immediately. It is always best to trust a professional for air conditioning services in Kitchener because you could make the problem worse if you try to resolve it yourself. If your air conditioning system is not cooling your home properly, there are three steps you should take immediately.

Check Your Thermostat

Your thermostat is the tool you use to control your air conditioning unit. In many cases, problems with your system are actually issues with your thermostat and can be resolved if you replace it. It’s always a good idea to check your thermostat if you are experiencing problems with your air conditioner. If the buttons on the thermostat are not working or the display temperature does not match the actual temperature of the house, it is a good indicator that the thermostat is bad. Changing your thermostat may resolve the issue.

Change Your Filter

Dust, dirt, pollen, pet hair and other pollutants build up on your air conditioning ducts and can cause your system to run less efficiently. Having a clean air conditioning filter is important for keeping these particles from spreading throughout your home. It is important to change your filter on a regular basis to cut down on the number of pollutants in your home and maintain decent air quality. You should change your filter every 90 days for the best results, depending on the size and recommendation of the manufacturer. If you have noticed a decrease in your air conditioner’s efficiency, it may be time to change your air filter.

In most cases, changing your air filter is a simple task. You should remove the existing filter and check it thoroughly for build-up. If you can see a lot of dust and dirt particles on the filter, you need to swap it with a new one. It’s best to always have an extra filter on hand so that you can change it quickly if your HVAC unit is not working as well as it should be. If you notice that your system is running less frequently and keeping your home at a cooler temperature, changing the air filter may have resolved the problem.

Contact CJ Brubacher for Help

If changing your thermostat and filter don’t resolve the problems with your air conditioning system, it’s time to call in the professionals. CJ Brubacher has a team of skilled HVAC technicians who can help you get your air conditioner running smoothly again. We have the tools and skills necessary to resolve a wide range of issues with your air conditioner. Instead of trying to solve the problem yourself and risking making it worse, call us immediately to schedule an appointment for HVAC maintenance or repair.

We promise to make sure you are completely satisfied with our work. Before we look at your unit, our technicians will ask questions to ensure we have a thorough understanding of the scope of the problem. We will then examine your air conditioner to see what the problem is. After repairing or replacing any malfunctioning components, we will wipe down your unit to make it more efficient and ensure you are satisfied with our service before we leave.

Schedule an Appointment Today

If you want to stay comfortable in your home during a scorching summer in Kitchener, you need to handle problems with your air conditioning unit as soon as they appear. The expert technicians at CJ Brubacher are ready to help keep your system in top shape. Contact us today to schedule an appointment for residential air conditioning or commercial air conditioning services.

Kitchener Air Conditioning Services: 3 Reasons the A/C Smells Musty

When you turn on your air conditioner or adjust it down to a cooler setting, do you detect an odour that seems damp or stale? If so, you should know that this is not normal. Ideally, an air conditioner should not produce any smells at all.

While the musty smell is not dangerous per se, it could be a sign of mould somewhere in your HVAC system. Breathing in mould spores can cause health issues affecting the upper respiratory tract. If you have allergies or asthma, you could have a severe reaction. The smell is a warning that you should have professional air conditioning services in Kitchener to identify and correct the problem. If you are wondering why this is happening, here are some possible causes.

1. Full Drain Pan

Part of the way that an air conditioner lowers the temperature of your building is by removing moisture from the air, making it less humid. The A/C accomplishes this by drawing the warm air over the evaporator coils, which are freezing cold. The change in temperature causes the water vapour in the air to cool and condense. The drain pan is located underneath the evaporator coils to catch the drops of water that condense from the evaporator coils in residential air conditioning.

The drain pan is one of the most important parts of the air conditioner. Because it sees so much use, it can develop problems such as corrosion or cracking. A drain pan that is no longer functioning efficiently may grow mould, which accounts for the musty smell when you turn on the air conditioner or reset it.

2. Blocked Condensate Line

One of the reasons that your drain pan may be full is that your condensate line is blocked. Once the water vapour is condensed and collected in the drain pan, it has to go someplace else to make room for more. The condensate line allows water to run from the drain pan to a location outside the home, whether to the landscaping or a wastewater line. The condensate line isn’t very wide in diameter, which means it doesn’t take much to block it. Sludge can build up in the condensate line, and mold and mildew can grow there as well, all of which can lead to blockages.

3. Excess Moisture in Vents or Air Ducts

If the drain pan is full, perhaps because of a blocked condensate line, the water in the drain pan may back up into the ductwork. Excess water in the ductwork can cause mold and mildew to grow. High humidity levels can also cause mould and mildew growth within the ductwork. Left unchecked, it can spread throughout the ductwork. This can be a problem because, when the air conditioner is operating, the circulating air can pick up the mould spores and spread them throughout the house. This accounts for the musty smell that you perceive when you turn on the air conditioner, and it also increases the likelihood of suffering upper respiratory complaints from breathing in the spores.

4. Wrong Size of the A/C Unit

Many factors determine the size of the air conditioning unit you need. In addition to the square footage of your building, the local climate, height of your ceiling, type of insulation, and the number of occupants all make a difference. When it comes to air conditioners, bigger is not necessarily better. Excess moisture can result when the air doesn’t become completely dehumidified because it is cycling through the building too quickly because your air conditioner is too large.

CJ Brubacher has been in business for nearly 100 years. During that time, we have gained the necessary expertise to provide the best HVAC services to our clients. Find out more about our residential and commercial air conditioning services.

Ensure Your AC Is Running Efficiently in Waterloo With These Tips

4 Tips to Ensure Your A/C Is Ready for Summer

The best way to avoid the heat in the summer is to step into the air conditioning. Unfortunately, too many people fail to check their A/C units before the hot weather. You do not want to be stuck sweltering in the heat of the summer without a working A/C. Air conditioning services in Waterloo can help assess your system, but there are a few things you can do as well.

You can kick your system on before you need it to ensure it is running smoothly. Additionally, you can clean the unit off from the winter muck. There are four more things you can do, but they are best left to professionals if you do not feel comfortable.

1. Check the Filter

Air conditioning filters are not lifetime warranty parts. A filter will get dirty and need replacement. Most manufacturers and service technicians recommend replacing filters once every three months. However, you should replace them more often if you have allergies or other conditions.

A dirty filter is one of the leading causes of a faulty air conditioning unit. A clogged filter can affect blowing pressure and so much more. If you just realize that you do not remember the last time you replaced the filter, go get yourself a replacement. Filters are among the most straightforward components to replace. You can usually find the location of the access panel in the owner’s manual.

2. Check the Blower

Residential air conditioning unit installations are usually on the outside of the home. Some professionals install units on the roof, but many are along the perimeter of the house. Every unit has a blower, which contains a fan and motor. The blower does make some noise, but the noise should not excel a specific level.

If your blower is loud or producing strange noises, there might be something wrong. Because of the components, the problem could be a belt or other mechanical part. You should be able to see the fan through a vent on top of the unit. If the fan seems inconsistent, contact a professional to assess the internal components.

3. Check the Evaporator Coils

Evaporator coils are crucial parts of your A/C unit. The coils absorb the heat from inside your home, replacing the hot air with cold or cool air. However, for the coils to work correctly, they need to be clean. Dirty coils can cost you up to 30% more on your utility bills. Additionally, poorly maintained coils can affect system performance.

You can prevent dirty evaporator coils by remembering to replace your air filter once every three months. Additionally, you should have your unit maintained by a professional at least once per year. Having the unit inspected at the beginning and end of the season is even better.

4. Check the Thermostat

Many people get themselves anxious over nothing. Sometimes, the problem with your system is not the air conditioning unit, but the thermostat in the house. Thermostats are sensitive devices, and because they live on a wall, it is possible for damage to occur. Before you blame your A/C unit for a problem, check your household thermostat.

If the thermostat is okay, check your unit’s temperature. Set a thermometer on the register supplying your home with cool air. Let it sit there for five minutes. Record the temperature reading. Move the thermometer to the return vent. There should be a 15° discrepancy between the two readings.

Whether you are worried about a residential or commercial air conditioning unit, you need to make sure everything is operational come summer. Contact the experts with CJ Brubacher Ltd. and schedule an inspection.

Tag: air conditioning services