6 Ways to Start Your Spring Cleaning While There’s Still Snow Out

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After a long and cold winter, spring has finally sprung – or, so we hope! With sun and warmer weather around the corner, the last thing you’ll want to do on a nice spring day is spend it indoors cleaning. That’s why now is the perfect time to get an early start on your spring cleaning. As you build a list of chores to conquer throughout your home, it’s important not to forget about your home comfort products. During the winter months, snow, ice and colder temperatures can have a serious effect on your HVAC system. When it’s cold, your furnace works extra hard to evenly distribute heat throughout your home. Oppositely, chances are your air conditioning unit has been sitting unused throughout the course of winter. It’s important to check-in and have these units serviced prior to the warmer weather to ensure that you’re not without A/C on a hot summer day!

Change Your Furnace Filter

During the winter months, no appliance in your home works harder than your furnace. Most people typically get their furnace filter changed before winter to help trap dirt, dust and harmful pollutants. This is just as important of a task come spring. Switching your air filers is perhaps the most impactful HVAC furnace maintenance task you can undertake. Not only does it help with air quality – protecting your family, but it can also reduce energy usage by as much as 15%. There are many benefits to scheduling regular preventative maintenance of your furnace, including prolonging the lifecycle of your heating and air conditioning equipment.

Air Duct Cleaning

After a long and tough winter, chances are your ducts are not in prime condition. Your homes air ducts have one job to do; but it’s very important – circulate warm and cold air throughout your space. During the winter months, your ducts can accumulate mold and mildew spores, cobwebs and grime; all of which are harmful to your family. Before spring hits, achieve cleaner air in your home with duct cleaning and air quality services.

Clean Your Outdoor Air Conditioning Unit

Although at a much slower rate, weeds and grass still grow during the winter months. With the weather improving and spring showers looming, these growths will continue to grow at a much faster pace. Any unwanted plant growth encroaching on your air conditioner can restrict air flow, risking the effectiveness of your unit. Take time this spring to clear weeds, grass and growth away from your air conditioner – keeping growth at least 2’ away from your AC unit. It’s recommended that you cover your outdoor AC unit with a tarp or cover during the winter months – either way your condenser could still use a spring clean. As the snow melts, it’s easy to see that winter leaves a considerable mess of dirt and grime. Take a peek in your unit to clear it of all debris including, leaves, twigs, stones and dirt!

Replace Batteries in your Carbon Monoxide & Smoke Detector

Throughout the year, it’s important to test the batteries in your carbon monoxide and smoke detectors – this can help avoid irreversible damage to your home or family. Spring is the perfect time to replace the batteries in your home detectors. In fact, dust that’s caught within your smoke or CO detectors can prevent them from working properly. A properly working smoke detector can increase odds of survival during a home fire by 60%. As well, having a properly working CO detector can protect your family from potentially fatal situations – as carbon monoxide is colourless, odourless and tasteless.

Declutter Your Home

The most popular spring-cleaning chore is decluttering some of the mess that’s accumulated over the winter. Not only does removing clutter free up extra space, but it helps with your HVAC maintenance too. The more clutter in your home, the more dust and allergens can accumulate on – especially items not used on a regular basis. Although sitting dust won’t circulate through your home, the moment it is disturbed, it moves through your home and worsens your indoor air quality.

Don’t Wait, Get Your Air Conditioner Serviced

As the weather warms, sudden breakdowns are not only inconvenient but can mean higher repair costs. To guard against unexpected costs, it’s important to get your air conditioning unit serviced regularly.

Could 2019 Be Toronto’s Hottest Summer Ever?

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Over the last four years, we have experienced the warmest years in a row on record. 2016 was Toronto’s hottest summer yet, with the next couple of years coming close as well. While it’s possible that 2019’s summer could follow the last couple years, there is reason to believe that 2019 could be our hottest summer ever.

What’s Happening Worldwide

How do we know that this year is likely to continue the heat incline? The short answer is a combination of El Niño and climate change.

Not sure what El Niño is? As explained in this recent article, El Niño is a natural climate pattern where sea water in the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean is warmer than average. El Niño is a major contributor to the severe precipitation and weather patterns that have impacted the Southern United States this year.

It must be noted that El Niño is a natural climate pattern that has occurred for thousands of years – lasting anywhere from 4-16 months at a time. With that said, extreme weather is on the horizon as El Niños are expected to grow stronger.

Between increasing impact of El Niño and the streak of increasing temperatures over the last four years, Samantha Stevenson, a climate scientist from the University of California, believes that 2019 could be the hottest year yet.

Impact on Toronto’s 2019 Summer Forecast

We know what to expect on a global scale. But how does this apply to Toronto?

Let’s look back to the summer of 2018 . We experienced heat waves, especially on Canada Day weekend, which was some of the most summer extreme weather that Toronto has seen in years. Temperatures remained in the 30s and felt like mid-40s with the humidity. Environment Canada called this weekend the “most significant heat event” while noting that the last time June temperatures were around the mid-30s, was 50 years ago.

While Toronto didn’t experience heat-related deaths like Montreal, we did experience widespread flooding – something that we may see more of as temperatures increase.

There’s no telling what will happen a few months from now, but global patterns and recent trends indicate it’s best to prepare for the most extreme conditions.

GET YOUR AIR CONDITIONER TUNED UP

How to Prepare for Extreme Heat

So, what are the next steps to prepare for a hot summer like 2018? Here are a few ways to ensure you are covered when anticipated heat waves hit:

  • Make sure your air conditioner is tuned-up and ready to go before the busy season hits. Don’t wait until it breaks! As the weather warms, requests for service/installation increases – which means longer wait times.
  • Write down the number for emergency air conditioner service just in case.
  • Purchase a fan or two to have a backup to hold you over in case your air conditioner needs repair.
  • Find out where you can go to cool down if your cooling system is unexpectedly out-of-commission (the power goes out or your air conditioner breaks down.)
  • If your air conditioner is nearing the end of its life, look into upgrading to an energy-efficient model like the Lennox XC21 which will save you on cooling costs. That way, you can crank up the A/C and feel comfortable without worrying about the cost.

If you’re unsure if you should tune-up or replace your air conditioner just yet, consider that it’s often better to take action in cooler months. You can never be too prepared, especially when the weather can be unpredictable.

Follow these tips and you should be covered (and be able to actually enjoy the hot Toronto summers!)

3 Smart Reasons to Replace Your Air Conditioner in the Winter

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Replacing an air conditioner during the summer months is common. Sometimes, unforeseen problems arise and there’s no way around it. However, if you anticipate that your air conditioning system is in need of replacement, winter is the best time to do it!

We’ll discuss why below.

1. It’s the Low Season

HVAC companies are usually swamped in the summertime. Replacing your air conditioner in the winter means that your HVAC professional’s schedule is more flexible.

You should be able to pick and choose a time that works for you more easily, and there should be no delay in ordering the appliance promptly.

Plus, who wants to replace an air conditioner in the heat of summer? Replacing it in the dead of winter means that you’ll avoid any unwanted discomfort when temperatures – and demand – soar.

2. You Can Take Your Time

Replacing your air conditioning unit in the winter means that you’ll have more time to consider your options. You won’t have an immediate need to cool your home and you can tackle the process at a more gradual pace.

Take advantage of this time to do some research about the different types of air conditioning systems and which is best for your home and comfort needs, carefully consider contractors, and request estimates.

3. You’ll Save Money and Energy

Air conditioners aren’t in-demand over the course of the winter compared the peak of summer. This can result in significant savings for many reasons, including:

  • When HVAC companies make room for next season’s models, many will start offering great deals beginning in the fall all through the winter – the perfect opportunity to upgrade to an energy efficient air conditioner or to improve the comfort in your home.
  • Spending time doing the research means you’ll choose the unit that’s right for you and won’t have to worry about replacing it anytime soon.
  • You’ll be ready for the heat long before you even have to worry about it.

An air conditioning system is an expensive investment. Ask about our financing options for air conditioner installation when you contact us with your inquiry.

Schedule Your Air Conditioner Installation

Of course, keep in mind that there may be circumstances in which it’s best to schedule an air conditioning repair or replacement during the peak season.

The average lifespan of an air conditioner ranges anywhere from 10 to 15 years. There are many reasons your air conditioner might not be working as well as it used to and many factors that play into replacing the appliance. Age, frequent breakdowns, soaring electricity bills, excess noise, lack of comfort or huge temperature swings as well as leaking refrigerant are all common problems that typically require replacement.

Whether it’s summer, winter, spring or fall, we’re here to help with your air conditioning needs. Contact us to speak to our experienced team of HVAC professionals.

Ontario Energy Rebates: Furnace & Air Conditioner Rebates You Can Get in 2019

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Update: the provincial government has announced that the Save on Energy Heating and Cooling program is cancelled effective April 1st, 2019. We will leave the information in this post for reference and update this post as new rebates become available.

Ontario homeowners upgrading their heating systems or air conditioners in 2019 may be eligible for rebates under Ontario’s Save on Energy Heating and Cooling program. Improve your home’s energy-saving potential and save up to $850 by upgrading to a new high-efficiency furnace and ENERGY-STAR® certified central air conditioner.

With the Save on Energy program, homeowners can apply to:

  • Save up to $250 on a new furnace
  • Save up to $600 on an air conditioner
  • Save up to $4,000 on an air-source heat pump
  • Get a rebate of $50 on a smart thermostat
  • Get a rebate of $30 on a circulator pump

 

How it Works

Update: the provincial government has announced that the Save on Energy Heating and Cooling program is cancelled effective April 1st, 2019. We will leave the information in this post for reference and update this post as new rebates become available.

To be eligible for the heating & cooling program rebates, Ontario residents need to use a participating contractor to purchase and install the eligible equipment. If you live outside of our service area, you can find a local contractor by using the Save on Energy’s contractor locator.

After installation, your contractor will then submit your rebate application for you. Once you have confirmed your details and submitted your proof of purchase, receive your rebate cheque within 8 to 12 weeks.

High-Efficiency Furnace Rebates

With our cold and often long Ontario winters, you need a reliable heating system that keeps you warm and comfortable yet doesn’t drain your bank account.

With changes to your heating system can save up to 25% in heating costs in one year—plus get the comfort you can count on with a new high-efficiency ENERGY STAR® qualified natural gas furnace.

That’s piece-of-mind and more money in your pocket!

ENERGY-STAR® Certified Central Air Conditioner Rebates

Stay cool and comfortable during the hottest of summers with a new central air conditioner (CAC), while you save up to $600 with Ontario’s Save on Energy rebate. Get dependable performance and reduce your energy consumption with a new central air conditioner.

Check out our Spring BOGO: Buy a Lennox® Furnace, Get a Lennox® Air Conditioner FREE—available for a limited time!

Air-Source Heat Pump Rebates

Get a rebate of up to $4,000 for an air-source heat pump (ASHP) for homes where electricity is the main heating source. Unlike like many furnaces, heat pumps run instead on electricity. Heat pumps can provide air conditioning in the summer and work well in conjunction with your existing heating system in the winter.

Smart Thermostat Rebates

If you haven’t already jumped on the smart thermostat bandwagon, now is a good time to make that move and get your $50 rebate! Designer and user-friendly smart thermostats like the iComfort® S30 and the ecobee4 are designed to save you money by programing your ideal home heating and cooling temperatures.

Plus, whenever we install a thermostat, we take the extra time to help you understand and learn how to use it.

ECM Circulator Pumps

Using a circulator pump with electronically commutated motor (ECM) technology to circulate water in heating, air conditioning and hot water systems is highly efficient and can save you even more money. An energy-efficient pump seriously improves the energy profile of any home.

 

Note: the Save on Energy Heating and Cooling program is cancelled effective April 1st, 2019. We will leave the information in this post for reference and update this post as new rebates become available.

 

Image: KMR Photography