What Happens When You Neglect Heat Pump Maintenance in Vancouver

February 1st, 2012

Just like any HVAC system in Vancouver, the heat pump in your home needs routine maintenance and yearly check-ups to operate as efficiently and safely as possible. You also don’t want your heat pump to wear down to the point of a major malfunction or breakdown, which can be costly to repair or may require a complete heating system replacement.

Here are some things that could go wrong and cost you a lot more in the end if you don’t keep up with the regular maintenance of your heat pump.

Damage to the Compressor

The compressor in a split-system heat pump works whether you are heating or cooling your home. In the winter, the compressor reverses the flow of the refrigerant to defrost the outdoor coils, and in the summer it supplies the refrigerant to cool the home, as well as cooling the outdoor coils. Proper airflow is vital to keeping the compressor running smoothly. Filters that are not changed regularly, dirty coils, and dirty fans can all restrict airflow, which will damage the compressor. Debris around the outside components should also be cleared to allow proper airflow.

Decreased Efficiency

When dirty or broken components restrict the airflow, this damages the compressor and decreases the heat pump’s efficiency levels.  Not only is it important to clean your heat pump regularly, but you should also have it checked by a certified heating technician once a year. This will also prevent safety hazards and other hidden issues with the heat pump.

Improper Refrigerant Levels

Most heat pumps are charged with refrigerant at the factory; however, if models that are charged when they are installed are not given the right amount of refrigerant this can also affect performance levels. Refrigerant leaks and other common problems can be prevented by scheduling an annual maintenance visit with one of our qualified technicians.

Don’t wait until the heat pump in your home stops working, call to schedule your yearly check-up.

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Things Shoppers from Vancouver Should Look for When Buying a Heating System

January 30th, 2012

It is estimated that the life span of a typical home heating system is about 20 years. There is variation in this based on the maintenance performed on the unit during its years of use, the heating system’s manufacturer and other factors. Generally, however, a system that is between about 15 and 20 years old may begin to show signs that it needs to be replaced. It may begin to run more inefficiently, or it may need more frequent repair. In some instances, it may stop functioning altogether. The decision may be made to buy a new heating system. When purchasing a new heating system, there are a few things to consider.

The Size of Space That Needs to Be Heated
Many homeowners are concerned about the price of the heating system. The price generally is correlated with the amount of space that needs to be heated. Larger, more powerful heating systems are required to heat larger spaces. Consider determining the amount of square footage that needs to be heated inside the home. If two different heating systems are in place, as is common with larger homes, the square footage of a single heating unit’s zone area will need to be calculated.

The Efficiency Rating
Another factor to consider when purchasing a new heating system for a home is the energy efficiency rating. Many heating units are designed with energy efficiency in mind today, but some of the most energy efficient models are also the most costly models. Consider calculating the cost of use with two or three different models you are considering buying. Compare the cost of use against the purchase price. Through this process, you may determine how many months or years of use are required with the most energy efficient model to recoup the difference in sales price.

It can be difficult to determine which heating system to buy for your home. Many homeowners do rely on the expert advice and guidance of their heating and cooling professional when making this decision. A heating and cooling professional can help you to determine the square footage of zone space and can review different makes and models of heating systems that you may consider purchasing for your home While it can be difficult to determine which heating system is right for your home, working with your heating and cooling professional can provide you with helpful insight to guide your decision-making process.

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Surrey Heating Replacement Guide: 5 Reasons to Replace Your Furnace

January 27th, 2012

No homeowner wants to even think about replacing a furnace, let alone do it. Furnaces are expensive appliances, costing anywhere from about $3,000 to $6,000 with installation costs. However, there are reasons to get your furnace replaced. Here are five of the most common.

1. Your furnace is old
On average, most furnaces last about 15 to 20 years, although some can last longer if they are well-maintained. When they get older, they start to have more problems, such as fuses and sensors burning out and frequent breakdowns. Switching now can save you further repair costs.

2. You have an inefficient furnace
Furnaces have made great leaps in efficiency in the past few years. Even if your furnace is only 10 years old, it may be a lot more inefficient than a newer model. A model that’s 97 percent efficient will cut your bills about 20 percent compared to one that’s only 80 percent efficient; plus, it’s more environmental friendly. To see if making a switch is worth it, you need to figure out your bills now and calculate how much the more efficient furnace will save. If you are likely to recoup the cost of a new furnace within 10 years or so, then it’s probably worth it.

3. You use heating oil
Oil and gas prices have been going in different directions for several years now. Gas prices in 2012 have hit lows not seen in a decade, while oil prices have been consistently above $100 a barrel. For those with a heating oil furnace, switching to gas — or even electric — can lead to immediate savings on heating bills. And if the price trend continues, it won’t take long to recoup the cost of the switch.

4. Your house has grown
When a house is built, the furnace that is installed is meant to fit the size of the house. When a furnace is replaced, same principle applies. However, if you have put an addition onto your home or turned a large unheated space into a heated one, you may need a larger furnace.

5. Rebates or other savings programs
You may be able to take advantage of tax credits or rebates offered by your local utility to buy a new furnace that is more efficient than your old one.

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New Westminster Plumbing Guide: What to Do if a Pipe Bursts

January 25th, 2012

If you live in a cold climate, you are more likely to have experienced the disaster of a frozen pipe bursting. There are other causes of burst pipes, so rest assured you are not alone; plenty of New Westminster homeowners have had to face a burst pipe as well.

When this happens, there are three fronts on which to attack the problem: stopping the flooding, repairing the pipes and preventing future bursts.

Before doing anything else, you need to stop the flooding in your house. Start by turning off the water supply, either to that pipe or to the whole house. It doesn’t matter which, as long as it’s shut off. Turn on cold water taps around the house to drain remaining water from the pipes. Turn off the water heater. This will at least prevent the flood damage from being too extensive.

Get a sump pump and or some absorbent material to start sopping up the water that leaked into your home, then call a plumber. The pipe and fitting will need to be replaced, and some adjacent ones may need to be as well, so the best solution here is just to call in a professional rather than try to do it yourself. The last thing you need is another burst pipe.

Finally, prevent future breaks in pipes by implementing some of these strategies:

  • Insulate your pipes
  • On cold days, keep your pipes warmer by opening up doors to the attic or basement
  • When going away in the winter, shut off the water supply and drain the plumbing system

By keeping your pipes as warm and insulated as possible, you decrease the likelihood that the water within will freeze, potentially causing a leak or break in the pipe. Burst pipes are not necessarily completely preventable, so it is important that you now know what to do if and when a pipe bursts in your New Westminster home.

Water damage, especially flooding, can cause serious trouble in your home, so everything you can do to prevent and mitigate the risk is a good step.

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Burnaby Plumbing Repair Question: Why Is My Toilet Dry and How Can I Fix It?

January 23rd, 2012

Under normal circumstances, after you flush your Burnaby home’s toilet, the tank and bowl both fill back up with water, preparing it for the next use. The water from the tank is what flushes into the bowl when you push the handle, so if it is not filling properly, then the toilet will be dry.

This problem is troublesome, but not uncommon. It has a number of possible causes and fixes.

The first place to look is the water supply to the tank. If it has been inadvertently turned off, then obviously the tank will not fill. This is akin to the troubleshooting section of your old VCR manual, where it tells you to make sure the power cord is plugged in. It may sound silly, but it never hurts to check the most obvious and easily fixed of the possible causes first.

Another possibility that is very easy to fix is that the ballcock inside the tank has jammed at the top. Inside your toilet tank is a rubberized bulb connected to an arm. This bulb floats in water and controls the intake valve on the toilet tank. So, when the water level reaches a certain depth, the ballcock floats and closes the valve. However, if the ballcock is jammed in an upward position, it would keep the valve closed even if the tank is empty.

In this case, it may just be a matter of pushing the ballcock past the jam and then making sure it moves up and down freely. That alone may fix it.

A third common cause of the dry toilet problem is a clogged intake valve beneath the toilet. These valves can become clogged and then not allow water through, especially in systems with hard water or particularly old pipes.

If this is the problem – or if it is anything besides one of the two simple fixes described above – the best solution is to call a plumber. A Burnaby professional can correctly identify the source of the problem and perform the necessary repairs. It’s likely not going to be a huge repair, but it’s best to entrust the job to a pro.

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Vancouver Plumber’s Guide: Detecting Leaks with Your Water Meter

January 20th, 2012

When you notice a leak in your Vancouver home, you fix it right away, but what happens when you don’t notice a leak for days or even weeks? The damage it causes can have a profound impact on your water bill and the good repair of your home. To avoid hidden leaks – the ones that hide in your walls or your yard, keep a close eye on your water meter.

The Hidden Leaks

Obvious leaks are…well, they’re obvious. They pour water down the walls, leave puddles in your bathroom or create ponds in your backyard. Unfortunately, the majority of leaks are much less obvious. They result from small drips between pipe joints in your walls or a hairline fracture in your water main or drain pipes. They may not even appear where you can see them.

If this happens, it’s important to have a keen eye for the signs that a water leak has occurred. Specifically, look for jumps in your water meter readings.

Watching the Water Meter

Your water meter tracks every drop of water consumed by your family. To check for water loss, record the reading at the same time every day and watch how it changes. To be sure of a leak, you can turn off all the fixtures in your home and watch for the meter to move. If the meter moves despite the fact that no one in your home is consuming any water, it is likely a leak.

You can also compare your bills from one month to the next. If your bill rises suddenly, without any clear reason, check the meter readings and the rates. If the meter reading increased suddenly and the water rate did not, there might be a leak to blame. If that’s the case, call a professional to inspect your water lines immediately – what is hidden to you might be a relatively obvious, straightforward repair to someone else.

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Richmond Heating Replacement Checklist: What You Should Consider Before Upgrading

January 18th, 2012

How do you decide if it is time to replace your old furnace or upgrade your heating system? In our line of work, we’ve come across many homeowners faced with this dilemma. We recommend that homeowners use the following checklist to decide if the benefit of buying a new heater is worth the purchasing cost.

1. Are your heating bills high? We all know that the price of gas or electricity, depending on your system, is high. However, what many homeowners don’t know is that their furnace starts becoming less efficient after 15 to 20 years in operation. This means that the furnace requires more power to operate, thereby forcing you to pay more for your heating bills. If it’s possible, we recommend comparing your heating bills from the same month over a span of three to five years. If you see a steady increase, then it’s likely your furnace is affecting your heating bills. Consider upgrading to an energy efficient model.

2. Have you repaired the furnace recently? Every homeowner knows that repair costs are expensive. Ask yourself how many times the repairman has been out to check your furnace during the past two years. Excessive repairs are a sign that a furnace is reaching its end, leaving the household without heat. Not only is a complete break down uncomfortable, it’s also downright dangerous in the winter. It’s better to prepare a budget plan that allows for purchasing a new heater than face the high costs of emergency heating repair.

3. Is the heat level the same all over your house? One of the signs of a malfunctioning furnace is that it stops heating rooms as effectively as it once did. For example, if you notice that there is a severe temperature difference between two bedrooms, then this is likely due to your furnace not being able to heat them evenly. Upgrading your heating system can fix this problem.

4. Do you think your furnace is safe? There’s more to worry about with an old furnace than just excessive repair costs. A furnace’s age determines how likely it is to potentially start a fire or even begin to leak carbon monoxide. These are serious threats that can affect the safety of your entire family. Furnaces that are older than 20 years present the greatest safety hazards. They need to be replaced by safer, more energy efficient models.

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Surrey Plumbing Repair Guide: How to Plunge a Clogged Drain

January 16th, 2012

It is almost inevitable that you will have to deal with a plugged drain somewhere in your Surrey home at some point. This drain may be in the bathtub, a sink or a toilet. But wherever it is, a plunger is usually your best bet for getting it out. If you are going to be successful, though, you need to know how to set yourself up and use the plunger properly.

To begin with, remove the strainer or pop-up plug from the opening of the drain. You want the material that is clogging the drain to be able to come back up through that hole when you apply the plunger suction. Next, make sure the sink or tub has enough water in it to cover the head of the plunger completely. A toilet generally has enough water in it already. This water helps to create a better seal for the plunger and allows you to generate better suction, both of which are essential if you are going to dislodge that plug.

You should also make sure you block off any other outlet connected to the drain you are going to plunge. To do this, stuff an old rag or sponge into the overflow opening or into the second drain of a two compartment sink. That will make it possible for the entire force of your suctioning to reach the clog because it will not be compromised by air escaping through an alternate opening.

Now you are ready to plunge. Place the plunger over the opening of the clogged drain. While keeping constant contact with the sink or tub floor, move the plunger rapidly up and down between 10 and 20 times. After the last plunge, pull the plunger off of the sink or tub floor quickly. This should break the seal you have established and help to pull the clog back up the drain towards you.

It can take a few cycles like this before you are able to dislodge the clog completely. But each time you plunge, you are doing more to break up the clog. The pressure from the plunger can eventually get rid of many difficult clogs, so do not be discouraged if it takes a few tries. If you are still having problems, call your local plumber.

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North Vancouver Plumbing Question: Why Does My Sink Backup When I Run the Washing Machine?

January 13th, 2012

Every now and then something strange happens that is simultaneously baffling and frustrating. Gray water from your washing machine backing up into your sink is one such problem and for many North Vancouver homeowners it can be an ongoing source of annoyance.

Why does this happen? To start with, know that your sink and washing machine drain lines tend to run congruent to each other. This means they combine at some point on the way to the main sewer line. So, if there is a problem after they combine, it can affect both systems.

How to Fix the Problem

First, you must pinpoint the problem. More often than not, a washing machine backup will occur in one or more sinks during or after the drain cycle of your washing machine. This may not happen every time or it may get progressively worse. It depends on why it is happening in the first place.

If the sink doesn’t back up on its own when you do the dishes or run the faucet, the clog is probably deeper in the pipes and only responds to the large volume of water being drained from your washing machine. In either case, you probably have a clog in the drainage pipe after the two combine.

Do NOT use any chemicals to clear the clog. Not only do chemicals cause damage to your pipes, which can lead to cracks and leaks later, they are not always effective at actually removing the problem – they simply minimize it in the short term.

To solve the problem, you’ll either need to plunge the sink and hopefully clear out the clog or have someone snake the line to pull the clog out of the drain pipe. If you cannot clear it on your own, it may be a good time to call a North Vancouver plumber for a more in-depth attempt to fix the problem.

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Surrey Drain & Sewer Guide: What You Can Do to Prevent Problems in Your Drains

January 11th, 2012

When you look at a drain in your Surrey home, it seems fairly simple. You pour things down and they disappear into the ether, never to be seen again. Of course, that logic goes out the window the second the drain starts to backup or overflow. There are things you can do to avoid such problems though and most of the time, they cost nothing and take only a few minutes a week.

Simple Household Drain Maintenance

The first step to avoiding a problem is not putting anything down your drain that might cause said problem in the first place. Specifically, avoid grease, food, or other objects that might build up in your drains if not properly disposed.

Food can be broken down by a garbage disposal or, even better, placed in a compost pile. Grease, however, should never enter your sink at all. Pour all old kitchen grease into a coffee pot or bucket and dispose of it carefully. It can be thrown away in some places, or it can be recycled. Whatever you do, though, don’t pour it down the drain.

Another easy tip to keeping those drains clear is to pour a natural compound down every now and then like dishwashing liquid or baking soda and vinegar. Expensive drain cleaners are not only unnecessary – they are unsafe for the person using them and can cause damage to the pipes if you are not careful. To avoid such damage, stick with hot water based compounds and vinegar. The key is to do it preventatively.

If you wait until a full blown clog occurs, baking soda and vinegar may not get the job done and you’ll need to call a Surrey plumber who has a snake or other equipment to get the clog out.

Professional Maintenance

While regular flushing of your drain with hot water and vinegar allows you to clear out the vast majority of the stuff that builds up there every week, it’s also a good idea to call a Surrey professional for annual maintenance. Such annual maintenance involves visual inspection, professional grade clearing of food and waste products and a full flush. Done properly, this will minimize the cost of future repairs and replacements and keep your plumbing running smoothly for years to come.

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