Category: Furnace

Winter can be harsh, and your furnace plays a key role in keeping your home warm and comfortable. Knowing when your furnace needs repair can save you from unexpected breakdowns when the temperature drops. It’s always better to catch issues early, so repairs don’t turn into costly replacements.

You might notice unusual sounds or smells coming from your furnace that weren’t there before. These can be early warning signs that something isn’t right. A furnace that’s not heating evenly or is causing cold spots throughout your home can also signal a problem. Noticing these signs early can help you avoid a complete system failure.

Keeping an eye on your energy bills is also important. If they suddenly spike without a change in your usage, your furnace might be working harder than it should. It’s always good to be prepared and know what to look for so you can keep your home cozy and warm throughout the winter.

Recognizing Unusual Sounds and Smells

When your furnace is running smoothly, it should operate quietly with minimal noise. If you start hearing strange sounds like banging, rattling, or squealing, this might indicate a problem. These noises could mean something inside the furnace is loose or a part needs fixing. For example, a banging sound might come from air in the ignition sequence or a loose blower door. A squealing noise could mean a worn-out belt or motor needing lubrication.

Alongside sounds, smells can be a strong indicator that something’s wrong with your furnace. If you notice a burning smell, it might be dust burning off after the furnace hasn’t been used in a while, which is usually harmless. However, if the smell doesn’t go away, it could signal an electrical issue or burning components, which are more serious. A metallic odour could mean overheating or damaged parts.

Watch out for any gas smell as well. This could be a sign of a gas leak, which is dangerous and needs immediate attention. If you ever smell gas, it’s important to turn off your furnace right away and open the windows for ventilation. Then, reach out to a professional for help.

Understanding Inconsistent Heating and Cold Spots

Inconsistent heating in your home is another common sign your furnace may need repair. When your furnace is working correctly, every room should have an even temperature. If you start to notice certain rooms are colder than others or if the temperature fluctuates significantly, there may be an issue with your heating system.

One reason for cold spots could be a faulty thermostat. If the thermostat is not working properly, it can misread the temperature, causing the furnace to turn on and off at the wrong times. Double-checking that the thermostat settings and batteries are correct can rule out simple issues.

Blocked vents or dirty filters can also lead to inconsistent heating. When airflow is restricted due to debris or a blockage, some rooms might not get enough warm air. Regularly cleaning vents and replacing filters can help maintain consistent heat distribution.

Another possible cause of cold areas in your home could be ductwork issues, like leaks or unconnected ducts. These problems can let warm air escape before it reaches specific parts of your home. Inspecting the ducts and ensuring they are well-sealed will help improve efficiency and even out the heating in your home. Recognizing and addressing these issues early can ensure your home stays comfortably warm all winter.

Monitoring Your Energy Bills for Unusual Spikes

Keeping an eye on your energy bills is another way to tell if your furnace needs repair. If you notice a sudden increase in your monthly bills without having changed your heating habits, it might be a sign your furnace is struggling. When your furnace becomes less efficient, it works harder to warm your home, using more energy in the process.

Compare your current bills to previous months or the same period last year to identify any spikes. Increases in energy usage can indicate issues like clogged filters, working parts that are wearing out, or problems with heat distribution. Regular maintenance, such as cleaning ducts and replacing filters, can prevent some of these problems from getting worse.

Additionally, a furnace that runs longer than it used to might be a sign of inefficiency. If the furnace cycles on and off too quickly or runs continuously, something could be wrong. Paying attention to how often the furnace runs can help spot early signs of trouble. Always keep note of any performance changes to resolve issues before they become larger problems.

Identifying Persistent Pilot Light Issues

The pilot light is a small flame that starts the furnace burners, and its health is critical for normal furnace operation. If you notice that the pilot light keeps going out or changes colour, there might be an issue that requires attention. A healthy pilot light should appear blue; if it’s yellow or orange, this might mean the burning process is incomplete or there’s poor ventilation.

Persistent pilot light issues can be caused by a faulty thermocouple, which is a safety device. The thermocouple senses when the pilot light is lit and keeps the gas valve open. A malfunctioning thermocouple can cut off the gas supply, causing the light to go out repeatedly. Cleaning or replacing it may fix the problem.

Dirt and dust in the pilot opening can also affect the flame. Regular cleaning ensures there’s no blockage in the pilot tube that might disrupt the flame. Remember, any work involving gas components should be performed with caution. If unsure, it’s always best to contact a professional to handle pilot light problems safely.

Conclusion

Diagnosing furnace problems early can save you from chilly days and costly repairs. By being aware of unusual sounds, uneven heating, rising energy costs, and pilot light troubles, you can keep your furnace running smoothly. These signs help indicate when your furnace needs a little extra attention. Remember, regular maintenance is key to helping your furnace last longer and keep your home warm.

When it comes to ensuring your furnace runs efficiently and safely, don’t hesitate to reach out to Fortis Heating & Air Conditioning. Our team is ready to help with any repairs or maintenance you need. Stay warm this winter by trusting our expertise in furnace maintenance in Oshawa to keep your furnace in top shape. Contact us today to schedule your service and enjoy a comfortable, worry-free season.

Winter in the Durham Region can be chilly, so a reliable furnace is essential for keeping your home warm and cozy. However, furnaces don’t last forever. They can break down often without proper care and need replacing sooner than expected. The good news is that there are simple things you can do to help your furnace last longer.

This article will explore tips and tricks to make your furnace run smoothly and last longer. From regular maintenance to keeping an ear out for unusual noises, you can extend the life of your furnace in many ways. Let’s dive in and learn how to better care for your heating system.

Regular Maintenance is Key

Keeping your furnace in good shape starts with regular maintenance. Scheduling yearly check-ups with a professional can make a big difference. During these visits, technicians can inspect, clean, and tune up your furnace. They can spot minor issues before they turn into big, expensive problems. Regular maintenance helps your furnace run efficiently and last longer.

Besides professional check-ups, there are simple things you can do yourself. Make sure to keep the area around your furnace clean. Dust and debris can block airflow, making your furnace work harder than it needs to. Also, check the furnace’s venting system to ensure it is clear and unblocked. Blocked vents can cause your furnace to overheat and shut down.

Proper maintenance isn’t just about inspections and cleaning. Testing the thermostat regularly ensures it is working correctly and set at the right temperature. A properly functioning thermostat makes your furnace run more efficiently, reducing wear and tear. Regular maintenance takes a little time but saves you money and hassle in the long run.

Change the Air Filter Often

Another simple but vital task is changing the air filter regularly. The air filter prevents dust, dirt, and other particles from entering your furnace. A clean filter allows your furnace to work well and keeps the air in your home clean.

Check the filter every month, especially during the winter when your furnace is working hard. If the filter looks dirty, it’s time to change it. Most filters need changing every 1 to 3 months, but it depends on the type of filter and how often you use your furnace.

Changing the air filter is easy. First, turn off your furnace. Then, locate the filter, usually in the air handler or the return air duct. Slide out the old filter and replace it with a new one. Make sure the arrows on the filter match the direction of airflow. Regularly changing the air filter helps your furnace run smoothly and can extend its life.

Listen for Unusual Noises

Pay attention to the sounds your furnace makes. Unusual noises can be a sign that something is wrong. Knowing what to listen for can help you spot issues early. If you hear banging, rattling, or squealing, it might mean that parts inside your furnace are loose or worn out.

Banging or popping sounds could mean a problem with the ignition system or a build-up of dirt. Squealing noises often indicate issues with belts or motors. These problems can worsen if ignored, leading to costly repairs or even a complete furnace breakdown.

If you hear strange noises, don’t try to fix them yourself. Contact a professional to inspect your furnace. They have the tools and knowledge to identify and fix the problem safely. By addressing unusual noises quickly, you can prevent minor issues from turning into big ones and make your furnace last longer.

Seal and Insulate Your Ductwork

Your furnace’s efficiency depends on more than just the unit itself. The ductwork that carries warm air throughout your home also plays a crucial role. Leaky or poorly insulated ducts can waste much energy, making your furnace work harder. Sealing and insulating your ductwork ensures more warm air reaches your rooms, helping your furnace run more efficiently.

First, check your ducts for any obvious leaks or holes. You can fix these leaks with metal tape or mastic sealant. Avoid using regular duct tape, as it doesn’t last long. Sealing ducts can keep warm air inside and reduce the strain on your furnace.

Next, focus on insulation. Ducts that run through unheated areas like attics or basements lose heat, making your furnace work harder to keep your home warm. Adding insulation around these ducts can retain more heat, improving your furnace’s efficiency.

Conclusion

Maintaining your furnace can significantly extend its life and keep your home warm during the cold months. Simple tasks like regular maintenance, changing the air filter often, listening for unusual noises, and sealing and insulating your ductwork can make a big difference. These actions improve your furnace’s efficiency and save you money on energy bills and repair costs.

If you want to ensure your furnace lasts as long as possible, follow these easy tips. A little effort now can prevent big problems later and keep your home cozy and comfortable. Come winter, you’ll be glad to have a reliable furnace that heats your home smoothly and efficiently.

For expert help with furnace maintenance in Oshawa, contact Fortis Heating & Air Conditioning. We’re here to keep your home warm and your furnace running efficiently. Let us help you get the most out of your heating system!

Upgrading to a high-efficiency furnace offers numerous benefits for your home and wallet. As we experience cold winters in Canada, having a reliable and efficient heating system is crucial. High-efficiency furnaces use advanced technology to heat your home more effectively while consuming less energy, making them a smart investment for any homeowner.

One of the most noticeable benefits is the reduction in energy bills. High-efficiency furnaces convert more fuel into heat, wasting less energy in the process. This means you get more warmth for less money, keeping your home comfortable without breaking the bank.

But the advantages go beyond just cost savings. High-efficiency furnaces also improve your indoor comfort and air quality. These systems distribute heat more evenly throughout your home, eliminating cold spots and ensuring a consistent temperature. Additionally, they produce fewer emissions, contributing to a cleaner environment.

Let’s take a closer look at what makes high-efficiency furnaces a worthwhile investment!

Top Reasons to Upgrade to a High-Efficiency Furnace Today

1. Lower Energy Bills

Upgrading to a high-efficiency furnace can significantly lower your energy bills. These furnaces use advanced technology to convert more fuel into heat, resulting in less wasted energy. With older, less efficient models, a considerable amount of fuel does not get converted into heat, essentially going to waste. High-efficiency models, on the other hand, maximise fuel use, meaning your home stays warm without using as much energy.

These furnaces often come with variable-speed blowers and modulating gas valves. Variable-speed blowers adjust their speed to provide just the right amount of airflow, reducing energy usage during less demanding times. 

Modulating gas valves adjust to the heat requirements of your home, using only the minimum amount of fuel necessary at any given time. This means the furnace doesn’t work harder than it needs to, saving on energy costs.

You might also notice a drop in your energy bills thanks to sealed combustion technology. This feature draws air from the outdoors rather than from inside your home, creating a more efficient and safer operation. 

By switching to a high-efficiency furnace, you can see a noticeable difference in your monthly utility expenses, freeing up money for other needs or activities.

2. Improved Indoor Comfort

High-efficiency furnaces offer improved indoor comfort by maintaining a consistent temperature throughout your home. Traditional furnaces often create hot and cold spots because they cycle on and off frequently. High-efficiency models operate more smoothly, running longer but at lower capacities. This keeps your home at a steady, comfortable temperature, eliminating those annoying drafts and uneven heating.

These furnaces also tend to be quieter. The advanced technology used in high-efficiency furnaces includes sound-absorbing materials and variable-speed fans that operate at lower noise levels. So, not only do you get a more comfortable home, but you also enjoy a quieter environment without the constant hum of an old furnace kicking on and off.

Another advantage is the quicker heat delivery. High-efficiency furnaces can reach desired temperatures faster than older models. With features like a variable-speed blower, air circulates more effectively, warming your home more quickly and evenly. This means you don’t have to wait long to feel the warmth after turning on your furnace.

Overall, upgrading to a high-efficiency furnace ensures you and your family stay comfortable and cosy all winter long. Whether it’s maintaining a consistent temperature, reducing noise, or delivering quick heat, these furnaces offer substantial improvements over older, less efficient models.

3. Enhanced Air Quality

High-efficiency furnaces can also enhance the air quality in your home. These systems often come equipped with advanced filtration systems that remove more dust, pollen, and other airborne pollutants from the air. By reducing these particles, high-efficiency furnaces help create a cleaner environment inside your home, which is especially beneficial for individuals with allergies or respiratory issues.

Many high-efficiency furnaces also include features like electronic air cleaners and UV lights, which help kill bacteria, mould spores, and viruses. This makes the indoor air not just cleaner but healthier to breathe. Cleaner air can lead to fewer illnesses and minimise allergic reactions, making your home a healthier place overall.

Besides this, high-efficiency furnaces can help control humidity levels. By maintaining a balanced level of humidity, these furnaces prevent mould and mildew growth, which can be harmful to your health. This added feature ensures that your home remains a safe and comfortable place for you and your family throughout the year.

4. Environmental Benefits

Upgrading to a high-efficiency furnace also has significant environmental benefits. Because these furnaces use less fuel to produce the same amount of heat, they generate fewer greenhouse gases and reduce your home’s carbon footprint. This helps mitigate climate change and reduces your overall impact on the planet.

High-efficiency furnaces are designed to be more sustainable. They often come with features like sealed combustion chambers, which draw air from outside the home. This makes them safer and more energy-efficient, reducing pollution inside and outside the home. Better fuel efficiency means fewer emissions, which contributes to cleaner air quality in your community.

Lastly, many high-efficiency furnaces are built to last longer and require fewer repairs. This durability reduces the waste associated with manufacturing and disposing of old units. By investing in a high-efficiency furnace, you not only improve your home’s comfort and save money but also contribute to a healthier environment, making it a win-win situation.

High-Efficiency Furnaces: Why the Upgrade is Worth It

Upgrading to a high-efficiency furnace comes with a multitude of benefits that make it a wise investment. From significantly lowering your energy bills to improving indoor comfort and air quality, these advanced systems offer a host of advantages. They also play a crucial role in reducing your carbon footprint and benefiting the environment—making them a responsible choice for any homeowner.

The transition to a high-efficiency furnace can seem like a big step, but the long-term rewards make it worthwhile. You’ll enjoy a more comfortable home and save money in the process, all while contributing to a cleaner planet. Given these benefits, it’s clear that upgrading to a high-efficiency furnace is a choice that offers positive impacts both immediately and in the future.

If you’re considering upgrading your furnace, the team at Fortis Heating & Air Conditioning is here to help. We specialise in providing high-efficiency furnace installations and services in Oshawa. Contact our HVAC contractors today to learn more and take the first step towards a more comfortable and energy-efficient home.

Are you feeling the chill this winter, even indoors? Maybe it’s time to think about whether your furnace is working as well as it should. As a leading HVAC company in the Durham Region, we know that an old furnace can be like a leaky bucket but for your money! Upgrading to an energy-efficient model isn’t just good for the environment; it can be good for your wallet too.

In many homes, heating bills make up a big chunk of the monthly budget, especially during our harsh Canadian winters. Furnaces that are more than a decade old might be running up your energy bills without delivering comfortable warmth. We believe every home deserves to be snug and toasty without breaking the bank. This is why we are here to discuss the ins and outs of furnace efficiency. By understanding how a modern, efficient furnace operates, you can make informed decisions that lead to cost savings and improve the warmth of your home.

Stay with us as we delve into why upgrading your furnace is a smart choice that can lead to significant savings on your heating costs. We’ll explore the latest in furnace technology, the undeniable benefits of making the switch, and provide a simple guide on how to choose the best furnace system tailored to your needs.

Understanding the Basics of Furnace Efficiency

When it comes to heating your home, the efficiency of your furnace plays a crucial role in how comfortably and cost-effectively you live during the colder months. A furnace’s efficiency is measured by the Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) percentage, which indicates how much fuel a furnace can convert into heat. For example, an AFUE rating of 90% means that 90% of the energy in the fuel becomes heat for the home, while the rest escapes.

As HVAC specialists caring for homes in the Durham Region, we always recommend considering high-efficiency furnaces which typically have an AFUE of 90% or higher. These units make the most of the fuel they consume, meaning less waste and more warmth. Deciding to invest in a high-efficiency furnace means you’re not only contributing to a healthier planet by reducing your home’s energy waste but are also likely to see a reduction in monthly energy bills.

Key Benefits of Upgrading Your Furnace

Upgrading your furnace to a more efficient model offers a range of advantages that can significantly enhance your home living experience. Here are some of the key benefits:

1. Reduced Energy Bills: New furnaces are more efficient at converting gas or oil into heat. That efficiency means you use less fuel and spend less money on energy bills.

2. Increased Comfort: Advanced technology in newer furnaces allows for more consistent heat output, which means fewer temperature fluctuations and a more comfortable indoor environment.

3. Quieter Operation: Modern furnaces operate more quietly compared to older models, helping maintain a peaceful home atmosphere.

4. Enhanced Air Quality: Many new furnace models come with improved filtration systems that can reduce airborne irritants, such as dust and allergens, improving the air quality inside your home.

5. Lower Maintenance Costs: With new installations, the likelihood of repairs decreases. Newer models are built to last and often come with warranties that protect your investment.

By prioritizing a furnace upgrade, you’re not just enhancing your home’s efficiency; you’re also investing in a warmer, more comfortable, and healthier living space for you and your family.

How Modern Furnaces Reduce Heating Costs

Modern furnaces are engineered to provide not only comfort but also cost-effectiveness and sustainability. These advancements significantly reduce heating costs due to several key features. First, the improved technology in modern furnaces allows them to extract more heat from the fuel they consume. This efficiency is crucial, especially during the coldest months, when heating demands are higher. For instance, old models might have an AFUE rating around 65%, meaning 35% of the energy is wasted, whereas newer models boast ratings up to 98.5%, almost completely utilizing the fuel used.

Moreover, the incorporation of variable-speed blowers in modern furnaces adjusts the airflow based on the needed heat. This adaptation means that the furnace consumes less energy because it operates at lower speeds most of the time, ramping up only when necessary. This not only saves energy but also ensures a more even distribution of heat, which avoids hotspots and chilly areas within your home.

Step-by-Step Guide to Choosing the Right Furnace Upgrade

Choosing the right furnace upgrade involves a few critical steps that we help you navigate to ensure you select a system tailored to your home’s needs:

1. Assess Your Current Heating Needs: We start by evaluating your current setup and your overall satisfaction with it. This assessment considers house size, existing ductwork, and insulation quality.

2. Understand Efficiency Ratings: We explain what different efficiency ratings mean and help identify what would be most cost-effective for your home.

3. Select Appropriate Features: Depending on your needs, certain features like programmable thermostats or variable speed blowers might be recommended to optimize heating and energy use.

4. Determine the Correct Size: Installing a furnace of the correct size is crucial because an improperly sized furnace can lead to inefficient operation and increased wear. We calculate the precise load requirements of your property to make a suitable choice.

By meticulously following these steps, we ensure that your furnace not only meets your heating requirements but does so in the most efficient way possible.

In Conclusion

Upgrading to a modern furnace is an important decision that affects both your comfort and your wallet. Our priority is to help you understand the inner workings of your heating system and choose the best option that enhances heat distribution while reducing operational costs. Modern furnaces, with high AFUE ratings, innovative features like variable-speed blowers, and proper size and installation, are designed to keep your home cozy without the excessive bills.

At Fortis Heating & Air Conditioning, making sure your home is efficiently heated is what drives us. We’re here to ensure that you’re equipped with the best information and technology to make this winter your most comfortable and economical one yet. If you’re considering upgrading your furnace or want to learn more about how we can help you save on heating costs, don’t hesitate to give us a call. Let our experts in heating and air conditioning in Oshawa guide you through every step of the process, ensuring you get the most out of your investment.

Experience the warmth like never before. Contact Fortis Heating today and let us transform your home into a haven of heat efficiency and comfort.