Month: January 2023

When it comes to maintaining the comfort and safety of your home or business, your HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) system is crucial. However, choosing the right HVAC contractor can be daunting, as many inexperienced or unscrupulous individuals pose as professionals in the industry. 

It is essential to be aware of the red flags that may indicate a contractor is not the best choice to avoid falling victim to these individuals. This article will discuss the top red flags to watch for when hiring an HVAC contractor. 

1. Not Insured

Even HVAC contractors with licenses might need more insurance to fix your house. If so, the homeowner might be liable for the HVAC company’s expensive mistakes. You are responsible for his medical bills and any associated legal costs if your HVAC contractor suffers an injury while working on your property and is not insured.

Additionally, if you use an uninsured HVAC company, you’ll be liable for any damage to your house resulting from the installation, upgrade, or inspection. The same holds for any damage your HVAC work causes to your neighbours’ residences. 

You cannot call an uninsured HVAC business after an installation and demand that they correct the problems, even if they should, so you will need to engage a different supplier for repairs.

2. Bad Reviews

If a company values its employees and consumers, it will respond to negative reviews in one of two ways. If a valid complaint is received, the business will extend an apology and redo the work as payment to the homeowner. 

For example, suppose a homeowner notices little difference after a component upgrade. In that case, the company can direct the homeowner to see the difference in monthly energy bills or water heater. In the case of a difficult-to-please homeowner, the company will apologize and explain what the homeowner can do.

A subpar HVAC company will only completely disregard unfavourable reviews if they are responded to. For these businesses, HVAC is not a service but a numbers game. Instead of long-term clientele, they prefer quick cash from one-time customers.

3. Poor Communication

Tradespeople might be among the only people in our hyper-digital society who are only sometimes connected to the internet. You don’t want emails to distract you when installing a complex heater. 

Good HVAC contractors will have a team member in charge of communication and scheduling, ensuring that someone is always available to send a professional to your house. However, it may be a red flag to look at alternative options if a company has long response times without justification or gives vague explanations of bids, prices, or services.

4. Bids Are Low-Quoted

Compare prices are you doing? Competitive bids are one thing, but dramatically off-the-wall cost forecasts are a dead giveaway. 

Remember that everything that appears too fantastic to be true certainly is. A business may only be able to make a meagre offer if it has very little overhead, for as, by forgoing investments in high-quality machinery, committed personnel, or knowledgeable HVAC specialists.

Conclusion

For many homeowners, HVAC maintenance and installation can be a significant investment. It is essential to research before hiring a contractor and ensure the job will be done correctly and safely. Doing your due diligence when selecting an HVAC contractor can help ensure you get quality and avoid costly repairs down the road.

If you need an HVAC maintenance service in Oshawa with a reliable company, Fortis Heating & Air Conditioning is here for you! Our technicians are highly experienced and trained in HVAC services and can ensure that your home’s system runs as efficiently as possible. Get in touch with us now!

There is a cold in the air when it snows, especially for people whose furnaces haven’t been repaired in more than a year. These homeowners worry about their furnaces breaking down all the time. 

Living in such a frigid climate is not the best course of action. Get regular furnace maintenance in Oshawa to keep your family warm and comfortable over the winter. There are more advantages than you realize, so read on to learn more. 

Why Is Maintenance Required for My Furnace?

Furnace maintenance is an important part of keeping your home warm and efficient. 

Regular maintenance can help keep your furnace running smoothly and efficiently, saving you money on energy bills and preventing costly repairs. 

How Often Should You Get Furnace Maintenance?

The answer depends on several factors, such as the age of your furnace, how often you use it, and the type of furnace you have. 

Generally speaking, you should get your furnace serviced at least once a year. This will help to ensure that it is running properly and that any potential problems are caught early before they become major issues.

It is important to note that if you have a newer, high-efficiency furnace, you may be able to extend the time between maintenance visits, as these systems are designed to be more reliable and require less maintenance. 

However, it is still recommended to have your system serviced at least once a year, as this will give your specialist on furnace repair in Oshawa the opportunity to check for any potential problems and make any necessary repairs or adjustments.

What Happens If You Skip Furnace Maintenance? 

Let’s discuss what happens if you don’t maintain your furnace to address this query. If the equipment isn’t cleaned regularly, it could accumulate dirt and dust. You will need to contact them for repairs because these particles harm the parts as they function. 

The filters assemble debris over time and clog. Air quality has declined due to its failure to remove pollutants from the indoor environment.

The possibility that your heater is allowing carbon monoxide into your home is likely the largest concern. Because it has no taste or smell and can have major health effects, including confusion and vomiting, this gas can be very difficult to identify. 

A specialist will inspect your furnace during maintenance to look for any cracks that might be the source of this problem.

The last reason in favor of routine maintenance is that it increases the lifespan of your furnace. 

A new furnace might set you back several thousand dollars. If you don’t have the system inspected yearly, it will degrade considerably more quickly. 

If maintenance is neglected, you risk having a freezing house in the dead of winter, which is the last thing you want.

How Frequently Should You Plan Maintenance?

Most specialists concur that your furnace needs maintenance at least once yearly. Some people wait until it’s too late to perform maintenance; if you don’t see the dentist every six months, that minor cavity could become a bigger problem. 

The same applies to furnace maintenance; it increases your unit’s usable life. Proactive maintenance protects you from additional detrimental effects even though it costs money.

Although the cost of maintenance may deter some homeowners, you should keep in mind that it pays for itself when you deal with fewer HVAC problems and longer shelf life.

The energy efficiency will be improved, resulting in lower utility costs for you. The conditions of your HVAC system’s warranty may be broken even though they are still in force if the system isn’t maintained once a year.

Conclusion 

Getting your furnace serviced annually is important to ensure it runs efficiently, safely, and effectively. An annual furnace inspection and tune-up can help you identify potential problems before they become major, saving you money in the long run. Regular maintenance can also extend your furnace’s life and improve its efficiency. If you haven’t had your furnace serviced in a while, it is a good idea to do so as soon as possible.

Fortis Heating & Air Conditioning is a locally owned and operated HVAC company in the Durham Region! We service local families from Oshawa to Cobourg. Whether you need an inspection, furnace maintenance, repair, installation, or someone to provide sound HVAC recommendations, we’re here to help! Contact us today!

Your HVAC system is one of the essential parts of your home, and it’s important to keep it running smoothly. Just like a car, your HVAC system needs regular maintenance to avoid expensive repairs later on. But how do you know when it’s time for maintenance? Here are five signs you need to schedule an HVAC system maintenance at once. 

1. High Energy Bill

If your energy bill is rising, it means your HVAC system is not working as efficiently as it used to. Over time, dust and dirt can build up on the coils and other parts of the system, making it work harder to maintain the desired temperature. An HVAC technician can clean the coils and other parts of your system, restoring its efficiency and helping you save money on your energy bill.

2. Poor Air Quality

Your HVAC system is responsible for circulating the air in your home, and the air quality can suffer if it’s not functioning properly. Dust and dirt can accumulate on the filters, reducing the quality of the air in your home. If you have allergies or respiratory problems, make sure that your HVAC system is clean and running efficiently. Regularly changing the air filters captures the dirt and dust before they build up. Also, try vacuuming often to reduce the dust in your home.

3. Inconsistent Temperature

As the temperature outside begins dropping, you may reach for the thermostat to crank up the heat. But what if you notice that the temperature in your home is inconsistent? If you find that the temperature in your home is fluctuating, it could be a sign that your HVAC system is not working properly. Whether the thermostat needs to be calibrated or the ductwork isn’t thoroughly sealed, these possibilities can cause fluctuating temperatures. 

4. Unusual Noises

Most people know that their HVAC system circulates the air in their homes, but many don’t realize that it can also help filter out harmful airborne contaminants. Banging, grinding, or squealing noises can be a sign that there is a problem with the moving parts in your system. These include a loose belt or a fan motor. If you hear any of these strange noises, make sure to contact a professional to have your system checked out.

5. Unpleasant Odours

We all know that mould, mildew, and bacteria can be a nuisance in our homes. But did you know these unwelcome guests can also find their way into our air ducts and vents? If these contaminants are not removed, they can not only cause unpleasant odours but can also cause air quality issues. It may be a sign of a gas leak, which can be dangerous. In any case, a maintenance check can help identify any issues and help prevent any future problems.

In Summary

Maintaining your HVAC system is essential for the system’s smooth operation and the assurance you get the most from your investment. If you notice any of the five signs mentioned in this article, it is time for you to take action and get your HVAC system serviced. Regular maintenance is vital to ensure your system is running optimally, so stay on top of it.

Enhance the air quality of your home by hiring Fortis Heating & Air Conditioning today. We provide HVAC maintenance service in Oshawa. Contact us to request a free quote.

If you’ve ever wondered why your furnace is so loud, you’re not alone. Furnaces can be quite noisy, and it’s often one of the first things homeowners notice when they move into a new home. 

There are a few different reasons why furnaces can be loud, and understanding the cause of the noise can help you determine whether or not it’s something you need to be concerned about.

In this blog, we’ll discuss six potential causes of a loud furnace and what you can do to fix them.

1. The Unit Is Old

Over time, parts can begin to wear out and make noise as they operate. If your furnace is getting up there in age, it does not necessarily cause alarm, but it’s something to keep in mind. If the noise is accompanied by other problems, such as a decline in performance, then it’s time to start thinking about replacing the furnace.

2. Dirty or Clogged Air Filters 

When air filters become clogged with dirt and dust, they restrict air flow. This can cause the furnace to work harder to circulate air, which can make it noisy. To fix this, simply replace your air filters with clean ones. Depending on the type of furnace you have, you may need to do this every few months

3. Loose Parts 

Over time, parts can become loose and vibrate when the furnace is running. This can create a rattling noise. To fix this, you’ll need to inspect your furnace and tighten any loose parts. This is something you may be able to do yourself, but you may need to call a professional if you’re not comfortable working with your furnace. 

4. Worn-Out Parts 

As furnaces age, parts can wear out and break. This can cause all sorts of problems, including a loud furnace. If you think your furnace is loud because of worn-out parts, it’s best to call a professional. They can inspect your furnace and replace any worn-out parts. 

5. Faulty Blower Motor

The blower motor is responsible for circulating air through the furnace and into your home. If the motor is going bad, it can make a lot of noise. If you think this might be the problem, it’s best to call a professional to take a look.

6. Some Furnaces Are Simply Louder than Others

Some models are designed to be more efficient, and this often comes at the expense of noise. If you’re concerned about the noise level of your furnace, it’s a good idea to talk to your heating and cooling contractor about your options. They can help you choose a model that will be more efficient and less noisy.

Conclusion

If you’re noticing that your furnace is making more noise than usual, it’s important to take action. By understanding the cause of the noise, you can determine whether or not it’s something that you need to be concerned about. 

If the noise is due to a dirty furnace, you can have it cleaned by a professional. If the noise is due to an old furnace, you may need to start thinking about replacing the unit. And if the noise is simply due to the model of furnace you have, you can talk to your contractor about choosing a quieter model.

When it comes to furnace maintenance in Oshawa, no one does it better than Fortis Heating & Air Conditioning. We can convert your existing HVAC system to a more efficient one so that you and everyone in your home can remain cozy. Contact us now to get a quote!