Repair or Replace? How to Know When It’s Time for a New Furnace

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A furnace is the heart of your home heating system. You want it running with full efficiency, especially as we head into the coldest months of the season. However, when a furnace starts acting up, it may not be obvious whether it’s a question of repairing or replacing it with a new furnace.

Your best bet is to have a licensed professional inspect the unit. However, it’s good to know the common issues that occur with furnaces so you will have some idea of what to do in advance.

Problems a Homeowner Can Fix

We’ll start with a few simple issues you can successfully fix on your own. If you still experience problems after taking these steps, it’s time book a repair appointment.

  • Lack of Heat
    Make sure the furnace’s power is on. Check to see that the unit and thermostat is set to “Heat” and not “Cool.” Adjust the thermostat to a few degrees above the current room temperature.
  • Clogged Filter
    Most furnaces will shut down if the filter has become especially clogged. Turn off the furnace and check the filter. An old trick is to hold it up to the light. If you see any light coming through, it’s usually okay. Otherwise, replace it, if needed.
  • Incorrect Time Settings on Your Thermostat
    If the programs on your thermostat are set incorrectly, the unit may not come on when you expect.
  • Blocked Ducts and Vents
    Ducts blocked by furniture or other items in front of vents can greatly reduce the furnace’s capacity to evenly heat your home. Units that vent outside must also remain free of debris and obstructions. Make sure they’re all open.
  • Thermostat Not Working
    Check and replace the batteries, if needed. There’s usually an icon on the screen that indicates if the batteries are low.

When to Repair a Furnace

As a rule of thumb, the unit is still worth repairing if it is in the first half of its estimated lifespan. However, this may depend on the repair cost.

In most cases, a professional can repair the following issues:

  • Furnace not turning on due to the thermostat
  • Faulty ignition or flame sensing problems
  • Broken limit switch, possibly resulting in continuous operation
  • Unit constantly cycling Off and On
  • Unit makes loud and unusual noises on a regular basis
  • Clogged drain lines (units typically shut down if the drain lines become clogged)

When to Replace a Furnace

Generally, if the unit requires regular repairs and/or is past more than half its estimated lifespan, replace it. A furnace’s lifespan is generally 15 to 20 years. You may need a new furnace if:

  • Furnace needs repair with increasing frequency
  • Increasingly higher energy bills
  • A repair bill that is more than half the unit’s original cost

Ask a technician for their opinion on any of these issues with your equipment. If the unit is just old or you are having other matters, they can identify what are the best options for you.

Whatever option you choose, don’t wait too long! You definitely don’t want to be without a working furnace when you need it most. Contact us to request a quote for furnace repair or install a new furnace in the Greater Toronto Area and Hamilton.

Running Out of Hot Water? 3 Ways to Keep It Flowing a Little Longer!

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At the end of a long and tiring day, there is nothing better than a hot shower…and nothing worse than having it turn cold on you!

Running Out of Hot Water?

Hot water woes are common in some households, especially ones with multiple family members. However, that need not be the case. Here are three ways to help ensure everyone will have hot water available when they need it.

1. Plan Your Hot Water Usage

The more people in your home, the more you have to think strategically when it comes to hot water usage. If multiple people shower within a short window of time, there is a good chance the hot water heater will not keep up with the demand. The problem of running out of hot water will only increase if your dishwasher and/or washing machine are also in use.

If everyone likes to take a shower first thing in the morning, make sure they are short ones. Also, try to run the dishwasher or washing machine in the evening or another time when the family’s hot water usage is low.

2. Have Your Water Heater Checked

Did you forget to have a certified technician give the water heater a yearly physical? No matter how well-made a unit is, some parts will eventually start to wear out. This may not cause complete failure, but can definitely compromise its efficiency and the amount of available hot water.

If you seem to be running out of hot water faster these days, your heating elements may be on their last legs. Is the water no longer as hot as it used to be? There could be an issue with your dip tube causing unheated and heated water to mix, thus lowering the temperature. Clogs resulting from mineral build-up can result in an uneven distribution of water and insufficient supply. Being proactive and having a knowledgeable professional check your unit annually can help reduce the likelihood of such issues.

3. Choose a New Water Heater

Everyone’s needs change over time and that can mean having to upgrade existing equipment to satisfy those new requirements. Your current water heater may have come to the end of its life or simply does not offer the capacity for your expanded household.

If you have an older unit, there are also models available now that use less energy and are much more efficient. There will be some cost upfront to replace a current water heater, but the eventual savings will more than cover it. In the meantime, you can also enjoy the benefits of a superior model that does a better job and won’t let you down.

Concerned your hot water heater is not doing its job? AtlasCare experts will be happy to examine your unit and make suggestions. We can also work with you to choose a new hot water heater with the capacity to meet your needs and not cost you a lot in energy bills. Call us today to learn more and take advantage of our rent-to-own water heater promotion, which offers some incredible savings!

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No Heat? What to Check Before You Call

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High on the list of the worst things that can happen in winter is having no heat. This is especially so in Canada, where our winter season is so cold, a house can become frigid in almost no time.

Let’s say the awful has indeed happened: your furnace has conked out, leaving you with no heat. Here’s what to check before calling a certified technician.

1. Is the Power On?

Let’s start with the most basic possibility for an outage: no power. Even though the power seems to be on in your home, a circuit breaker could have tripped and cut off the electricity to your furnace. If the problem continues, there may be an issue with your electrical wiring or the furnace.

If there are no issues with the electrical box, check to make sure the furnace’s power switch is set to ON. Also, make sure your gas valve is in the open position.

2. Check the Thermostat

It’s possible your furnace is not on because it doesn’t need to be. If someone has changed the thermostat setting, that can cause the unit to turn off because your home is already at the desired level of heat. Make sure it is set above the home’s current temperature.

Also, programmable thermostats often run on battery power. If the batteries are weak or dead, it will not function properly.

3. Check for Blockage

Modern high-efficiency furnaces have their fresh air intake and exhaust located outside the home, where it’s possible for snow and ice, leaves, bushes, vegetation, and windblown debris to block the pipes. These blockages will cause the furnace’s sensors to shut it down. Make sure your intake faces downward as this helps to reduce the possibility of blockages.

When you are back inside, check the condensate tubing for blockages. Condensation produced by the furnace drains off to ensure proper operation. If a blockage occurs, condensation will back up and the unit will turn off.

4. Check the Filter

Your furnace has an air filter that should be changed every 10 to 12 weeks. It prevents the intrusion of dust, hair, pet dander and other substances that would impede the unit’s efficiency. However, the furnace filter can only do so much before it gets clogged. When that happens, it can greatly reduce the amount of air going into the unit. The furnace can start to overheat and shut down as a precautionary measure.

A filthy filter can also cause soot to accumulate on the heat exchange. This can amplify the problem and will eventually even shorten the furnace’s lifespan. Fortunately, you can install an air flow gauge that will warn you when it is time to replace the filter.

5. Check the Access Door

Have you recently opened your furnace? As a safety measure, the furnace turns off whenever you open the access door. If it is still open, even a sliver, the safety switch inside will prevent operation. Fully close the door and ensure the latch is in place.

Have you run through this list and still do not have an active furnace? Give us a call and we will immediately dispatch one of our home comfort professionals to get it back online. Our 4 Hour Emergency Service Promise is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. We will also be happy to give your furnace an annual check-up to help ensure you never suffer an interruption in service.

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Helping Others Is In Our DNA – You Can Help AtlasCare Give Back

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When he opened the doors to Atlas Service Co. on Toronto’s Yorkville Avenue in 1932, Harry L. Bach had a modest vision: to provide an honest, reliable service for customers he cared about, while doing his best to care for the community around him.

Today, we still do our best at AtlasCare to give back those in our community who could use a helping hand.

Harry’s Story

Harry went into business at the dawn of the Great Depression. No-one knew how long it would last. To survive, Harry knew people would need to come together and help one another.

This was back in a time when “corporate social responsibility” was not a marketing term, and “giving back” was not a way for businesses to define their brands. Harry and his wife Grace helped others simply because that’s who they were and what they believed was right.

Along the way, Harry and Grace created a strong and trusted company, which would grow to become one of central Ontario’s largest and most respected independent indoor home comfort specialists. I was honoured to eventually purchase Atlas in 1986.

Our Commitment to Care

Much has changed in our industry in the past 85 years. Harry would probably be perplexed by the sophisticated computer systems and technologies that go into a modern furnace, boiler or air conditioner. However, he would certainly recognize those core values of honest service and care for the community.

Those values remain so embedded into our DNA that when we updated the company’s brand in 2008, it was only natural that we evolve our name just slightly – from Atlas to AtlasCare

It was such a small yet critically important change. I hear from our customers nearly every day that our team lives by that promise to provide care.

It makes me proud, and I know it would make Harry proud.

AtlasCare Gives Back

This month, we are especially proud to bring back the Care to Share program. In honour of Harry’s legacy over 85 years, we’re giving away $8,500 to charities in our community.

Care to Share is a way for our customers, employees and neighbours to tell us about the great work of charities that mean something to them. By taking no more than one minute to complete our nomination form, you could help a cause close to your heart receive a donation of $1,000, $2,500 or even $5,000.

Take a moment to nominate a charity you care about. Our nomination period is only open until November 30th, so please don’t put this off. We’d love to see their name drawn for one of our donations.

It’s one small way for us to honour Harry’s fine legacy.

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7 Ways to Get the House Ready For Winter’s Cold

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Winter is on the way. By now, you have already cleaned up the yard, prepared the outside of your home, and made arrangements to swap out your all-seasons for snow tires. However, have you thought about what you still need to do inside your home this time of year?

Here are seven ways to get the house ready for winter.

  1. Reverse Your Ceiling Fans

In the summer, your ceiling fans should rotate counterclockwise to maximize cooling. During the winter, the opposite setting will push warm air down from the ceiling, which helps to increase comfort and results in less energy expenditure.

  1. Check for Drafts

Closely inspect windows and doors for areas where heat can escape, and seal them up with caulk or weather stripping. Look closely for areas along baseboards or in corners that could use repairs. This will also help to keep out any critters looking to take advantage of the warmth your home offers.

  1. Check Your Fireplace Vent and Chimney

A roaring fire is a wonderful addition to the holiday season and a great source of warmth. However, make sure to have the chimney and vent double-checked beforehand by a qualified technician in order to prevent fires and carbon monoxide dispersal into your home.

  1. Stock Up on Essentials

We often get at least one big storm every year where the power goes out. Depending on the conditions, it can take hours (and sometimes days) before electricity comes back on, so make sure that you have everything you would require during such an emergency: water, non-perishable food, batteries, candles, flashlights, firewood, etc. Try to make sure that your cellphone battery remains as close to fully charged as possible.

  1. Check for Exposed Piping

If pipes freeze, they can burst, leading to flooding. Wrap any exposed piping in foam rubber or fiberglass insulation sleeves.

  1. Make Sure Your Home Insurance is Up to Date

Life can get very busy and it’s easy to forget that your home insurance policy may expire during the winter months. If you can’t find the documents, give your insurance agent a call to double check. Update your policy, if necessary, to ensure that you have adequate protection from flood, fire, and other potential issues common to your area.

  1. Call for a Furnace Inspection

A furnace is the heart of your home comfort system this time of year and there is nothing worse than having a breakdown during the height of winter. It is easy to do basic tasks yourself, like replacing or cleaning a furnace filter, but yearly inspections by an experienced technician are important to prevent issues that could result in an expensive bill. If the heat is off for too long, you could also end up with frozen pipes that burst and result in extensive, costly damage.

Call us today to learn more about our Precision Furnace Tune-up and Safety Check, as well as our Protection Plans, which include an inspection visit from an AtlasCare Home Comfort Specialist.

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AtlasCare Celebrating 85th Anniversary By Giving $8,500 To Charity

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If there is a charity that’s close to your heart, you can give them a chance to land $5,000.

Today, heating and air quality contractor AtlasCare launched Care to Share on its website and social media channels. The project invites employees, customers and community members to nominate as many different charities as they wish during the month of November. In a random draw, three charities will receive a cash donation of $1,000, $2,500 or $5,000. The unrestricted gift means the winning charities can allocate the funds as they see fit.

“We’ve reached an incredible milestone at AtlasCare. It has taken hard work with plenty of ups and downs, but one constant has been our commitment to providing meaningful care for our customers and community. This seemed like a logical way to celebrate our birthday,” says president Michael Grochmal.

Anyone can nominate a registered Canadian charity that serves the local market by completing a brief form on the company’s website – mybosco.com/care2share – until November 30th at 11:59pm. Three winners will be drawn by December 6, with charities receiving their cheques before the holidays.

 

5 Hidden Fire Hazards in Your Home

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Home is where most of us truly feel safe, but have you thought about just how safe your home actually is? While almost all of us think about the obvious hazards and have basic safeguards in place for them, many fires result from threats that the owners had not even considered.

Here are five hidden fire hazards in your home.

  1. Dryer Vent

Most people clean out the lint trap on the clothes dryer after every load. Unfortunately, that is not the only place that lint accumulates…and you can’t see or easily reach it.

As your clothes dry, lint that does not end up in the trap collects in the duct work and dryer vent hose. This reduces the unit’s efficiency and means more electricity to properly complete the task. However, the real concern is that lint is quite flammable and near sources of heat inside the machine. Thus, the more lint that builds up, the greater the risk.

Have a professional clean out the duct work and dryer vent hose annually. If possible, go with an aluminum hose rather than plastic, as the latter can also be a fire risk.

  1. Unattended Cooking

When people hear of kitchen fires, they probably think of cluttered and greasy food preparation areas in restaurants on the verge of being closed by the health department. In reality, even the cleanest, most well-organized kitchen in the world can be a fire hazard if left unattended during cooking.

Do not ever leave cooking alone for more than a very short period of time. Pots can overflow and spill their red-hot contents on the countertop or floor, food can burn and ignite objects nearby, and children or animals can move things close to active burners. Try to do your stovetop cooking at a time when distractions are minimal or non-existent.

  1. Retro Appliances

Many people enjoy shopping for old appliances at antique malls and garage sales. In an age when so many products are plastic and uniform in appearance, vintage things seem to have so much more character and visual appeal. Unfortunately, because they come from an earlier age, these machines do not represent the safety standards that we expect from products made nowadays.

Old appliances can easily overheat and start fires, thanks to old, frayed wiring. Have these re-wired to modern standards or use them only as unplugged conversation pieces.

  1. Hidden Electrical Cords

Speaking of frayed wires, we all know not to overload electrical outlets, but have you thought about electrical cords that are not in plain sight? Some homes use extension cords that are hidden under carpeting and constantly stepped on, leading them to fray and become dangerous. Also, some cords become looped or tangled, which eventually leads to the same problem.

It is a good idea to inspect your electrical wiring annually. Frayed wires can lead to fires start behind walls and dramatically spread before detection.

  1. Overheated Electronics

Many people like to have gaming systems and computers but don’t necessarily like the clutter that can go along with them. There is a danger to having such electronics hidden away in entertainment centres or closets: overheating and possible fire.

Arrange your electronics so that they have ample ventilation, and be sure to clean them periodically to remove dust, which can lead to clogging and overheating.

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The Importance of Air Duct Cleaning

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Did you know a single duct cleaning removes an average of six pounds of dust per home? The air inside your home is full of tiny particles like dust, pollen, and pet dander. When your furnace or air conditioner draws air, it also pulls in airborne particles.  Over time, these contaminants can build up inside the ducts, reducing air flow and re-circulating throughout your living space.

Like furnaces and air conditioners, air ducts require proper cleaning and maintenance to perform at their best. Keeping ducts free of dust and debris can also help reduce your energy bill and improve air quality in your home.

What is Air Duct Cleaning?

Air duct cleaning is the process of clearing debris from air ducts, registers, grilles, and other components of a forced air system.

Since the ducts are hidden behind walls and above ceilings, the only way to effectively clean them is with a high-powered, truck-mounted vacuum and compression system. No other method guarantees a complete clean.

We recommend more frequent duct cleaning if you have indoor pets, or are sensitive to indoor air quality. You should also have your ducts cleaned if you have recently renovated your home, as this will increase the amount of dust in your forced air system.

Importance of Air Duct Cleaning

  • Maintain Good Air Quality. The air passing through the ducts is the same air your family breathes each day. Left unchecked, ducts can harbour allergens like pollen and pet dander, which can re-enter your living space through the supply registers. Though these particles aren’t necessarily a health hazard, they can pose problems for people who have asthma, allergies, or other respiratory issues. Having your air ducts cleaned will help improve air quality and keep your air free of airborne particles.
  • Boost energy efficiency. Dust and debris restricts the flow of air to and from the components of your HVAC system. When the ducts are clogged, your furnace or air conditioner has to consume more energy to do its job. Keeping ducts clear will ensure your units can perform at peak efficiency.
  • Protect heating and cooling equipment. A dirty ventilation system can lead to clogged air conditioner coils, contaminated blower wheels, and other issues that result in costly repairs. Making duct cleaning a part of your maintenance routine will extend the life of your HVAC system.

Choosing a Duct Cleaning Company

Duct cleaning is not an easy job. Doing it right takes specialized equipment in the hands of a skilled technician. When choosing a duct cleaning company, always check to ensure they use a truck-mounted vacuum and compression system, are certified by the National Air Duct Association (NADCA), and have established a positive reputation backed by real customer reviews. Be cautious when it comes to telemarketers and door-to-door salespeople offering discount duct cleaning services.

AtlasCare entered the duct cleaning business back in 2010 because our clients were tired of dealing with inferior services from unscrupulous companies. Since then, we’ve completed over 5,000 duct cleanings to NADCA standards and to our clients’ complete satisfaction. We take time to seal the vents, cover the air conditioner coil, and shield your walls and baseboards from vacuum hose impact. And, as always, we roll out the AtlasCare red carpet to keep your floors as clean as they were when we knocked on the door.

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6 Home Upgrades with the Best Returns

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There are two main reasons people invest in home upgrades: to increase their enjoyment and quality of life, and to add resale value to the home. The home upgrades with the best returns are those that retain their value and provide a high return on investment, while also increasing your comfort and satisfaction. These 6 upgrades will help you get the most out of your budget.

New Windows

Replacing old windows will immediately boost curb appeal and save money on heating and cooling over time. Windows can account for as much as 30% of a home’s energy loss, mainly due to heat escaping through worn-out weatherproofing. Outdated windows also have less UV protection, which contributes to rising indoor temperature in the summer. New windows with proper sealing and low-E film will help reduce your heating and cooling bill.

Kitchen Upgrades

Of all the rooms in your home, the kitchen is likely to have the biggest impact on potential buyers. It also carries one of the highest remodeling bills. Regardless, kitchen upgrades generally have a high return on investment both in large and small-scale projects.

If you intend to put your house on the market in the near future, it’s worth updating to a contemporary design with quality finishes and fixtures. Budget-friendly upgrades, like new cabinet hardware and countertops, can have a big impact. However, even the most cutting-edge kitchen will look outdated in 10 to 15 years, so be aware that the investment will depreciate over time.

Interior or Exterior Paint

It’s amazing what a coat of paint can do. Giving your walls a makeover can transform the look of a room. To make the most of this investment, choose subtle paint colours with a wide appeal rather than the trendy tones of the time. Neutral colours help potential home buyers envision their existing furniture and décor in the house.

Bathroom Upgrades

Bathrooms are second only to kitchens if you want maximize your return, and the modest square footage of most bathrooms makes them far more affordable to upgrade. Simple changes, like a new faucet, sink, or toilet, can greatly improve the room’s appeal. Replacing broken or outdated tilework is essential in creating a fresh, clean look.

New Roof

The roof is one of the most visible parts of the home. A ramshackle roof can greatly decrease a home’s curb appeal, as buyers know they’ll have to shoulder the cost of a replacement. Adding a new roof will make the house more appealing on the market and protect homeowners from costs associated with leaks. Steel roofs are a particularly good investment here in Canada, since they are more weather-resistant and require less maintenance than asphalt roof tiles.

New Furnace

Space heating accounts for 63% of energy use in the average Canadian home. Trading an old unit for a new, energy-efficiency furnace can increase the value of your home and decrease monthly energy costs. A new furnace is one of the home upgrades with the best returns, and with proper maintenance, a top-performance furnace will deliver comfort for 25 years or longer.