Selecting the Right Boiler for Your Home

It’s vital to ensure that you can depend on your boiler throughout the winter. If you’re thinking about  selecting the right boiler  for your home, there are many factors you’ll want to consider. You need to consider things such as the venting, efficiency, and size requirements of your current boiler.
As temperatures drop, a reliable heating system becomes essential. If any parts of your current system are starting to show their age or have had issues, replace those components. You should pay particularly close attention to your home’s boiler. What Is A Boiler? Boilers are a heating source in most steam and water-based systems. By utilizing fuel sources like propane, oil, natural gas, wood, and electricity, boilers produce steam or hot water that provides homes with heat. The boiler distributes the heat through various sources, including radiant floors, baseboard convectors, fan-forced coils, and radiators.
If you’re in the market for a new boiler, you’ll find a wide array of options to choose from. You can consider high-efficiency boilers that can reduce heating costs. Although a new boiler can be a significant investment, it could pay for itself as time goes on, especially if your current boiler is over a decade old.
Many old models are more significant than they need to be and cannot heat homes efficiently. An extensive heating system leads to higher energy costs and more maintenance. If you’re not sure that your boiler is the appropriate size for your household, you’ll want to calculate the heat loss in your home. The heat loss will help you determine if it’s time to invest in a new boiler. Calculating Capacity  We measure boiler capacity by British Thermal Units (BTUs). BTUs represent how much energy it takes to raise the temperature of a pound of water by a single degree Fahrenheit. The BTU requirements of structures can vary based on many factors. It includes how well the property is insulated, the climate in the area, and how many doors and windows the property has.
Generally speaking, properties in hotter climates require a BTU of approximately 20 BTU per square foot. In a moderate climate, you’ll need a BTU of 35, while a BTU of 50 will be necessary for cold areas. If your home is 2,000 square feet and you have cold winters (such as Calgary, AB), you should look for a boiler capable of producing 100,000 BTUs or more. Evaluating Efficiency  One of the most important factors to consider when selecting a new boiler is the model’s annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) rating. AFUE describes how proficient the boiler is at transforming the fuel source into energy for generating heat. While it makes sense to look for a boiler with a high-efficiency rating, there are other factors you’ll have to take into consideration as well. You’ll want to consider the operating conditions the unit requires.
A boiler with an AFUE rating above 84% is considered a high-efficiency unit. The U.S. Environmentally Protection Agency has stringent guidelines that appliances must meet to receive Energy Star certifications. You may want to look for a unit with this certification. The majority of gas furnaces on the market day have AFUE ratings that fall between 89 and 98 percent. You can expect ratings anywhere from 80 to 90 percent for oil furnaces.
Some units can improve their efficiency with features, such as outdoor reset modulation. This feature adjusts based on the temperature outside. Since they don’t create any waste gas, it’s not unusual for electric boilers to come close to 100 percent efficiency. They can be a solid choice if you live in an area with reasonable electricity rates. Finding the Right Venting System  When selecting a boiler, it’s also essential to ensure that the venting system of the unit is compatible https://furnace-repair-calgary.ca with your house. Direct and power-vent boilers send exhaust out through a vent in the home’s roof or sidewall using fans. Power-vent boilers require air from the interior of your home. It means that a technician must install them in open spaces.
A boiler that’s chimney-vented will naturally send exhaust through the home’s chimney. Condensing units produce condensation with a high acidity, which means they have specialized requirements for venting. Selecting the Right Boiler – Conclusion Although a new boiler can be a significant investment, it could pay for itself as time goes on, especially if your current boiler is over a decade old. If you’re not sure that your boiler is capable of keeping up, then it may be time to find a new one.
You’ll want to calculate the heat loss in your home and determine if it’s time to invest in a new boiler. Generally speaking, you should look for a unit with an AFUE rating of at least 84 percent. Finally, you’ll also want to verify that your venting system is compatible with the boiler you’re considering purchasing.
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8 Common Causes of An Air Conditioner Breakdown

Why Does An Air Conditioner Malfunction?

Summer is just around the corner, and with it comes warmer weather and longer days. As a result, your air conditioner will have to work much harder and run longer to maintain the perfect temperature within your home. And unfortunately, air conditioners tend to malfunction or break down during this period due to various factors. In this article, we will look at some of the common causes of an air conditioner breakdown and the best repair solutions for them.

Dirty HVAC Filter

A dirty filter is perhaps the most prevalent reason for HVAC system failures. Typically, HVAC filters last for about 30 days. However, given that the AC system runs longer cycles during the hot season, the filter may need to be checked more frequently and returned much earlier than the recommended 30 days.

If your AC system isn't working correctly, in most cases, all that is usually needed is replacing the dirty filter with a clean one to restore optimal performance.

Thermostat Malfunction

The thermostat is responsible for regulating your HVAC system. To ensure that your thermostat is working correctly, start by checking the batteries and ensure that the thermostat is switched on and set to 'cool' mode.

If your AC unit still doesn't work correctly after completing all these steps, you can reach out to our team at Furnace Repair Calgary, and we will help further troubleshoot the issue over the phone.

Issues with the Evaporator Coil

The evaporator coil is responsible for removing heat and humidity from the air that passes through the air filters, thus cooling the air that enters your home. The evaporator coil is located indoors, either inside the air handler or attached to the furnace of your HVAC system. An evaporator coil covered in dirt won't properly absorb the heat and moisture, which means that your indoor atmosphere will be less than conducive.

If you suspect that your evaporator coil is dirty, have a technician come and check it.

Dirty AC Condenser Coils

Given that the condenser coils are outside your home, dirt and seasonal debris always find them. If the condenser coils become too dirty, it will lead to high utility bills.

Clean off the AC condenser coil using a water hose. If there is too much build-up of dirt, you need to call out an HVAC service technician who will clean it professionally.

Refrigerant Leaks

Refrigerant leaks are another common reason for AC breakdowns. A refrigerant leak leads to increased temperature and humidity levels, which cause your home to become uncomfortable. Fortunately, refrigerant leaks are easily detectable with a leak test.

If your AC unit isn't cooling off your home as it should and you suspect that you have a refrigerant leak, you need to contact our office for a service call. Our technician will diagnose your system to determine whether a refrigerant leak has indeed occurred. If a refrigerant line requires repairs, contact Furnace Repair Calgary. The cost of repairs primarily depends on the leak's location and the amount of lost refrigerant.

Clogged Drainage Line

Like the HVAC filter, the drainage line can become clogged due to dirt, dust, and lint build-up. Water will fill the drain pan and leak out when the drain becomes clogged. A drain clog can potentially damage your AC system and furnace. In addition, the leaking water can damage other objects around your system.

Depending on how the drain is connected or runs, you can unclog it. But if it is hard to reach or you don't know how to go about it, consider reaching out to our office. We will also perform a check-up of your system to identify any other potential issues.

Faulty Capacitor

The capacitor powers the motors that drive fan and compressor motors. The start capacitor sends the initial jolt that starts up the motor. The run capacitor keeps the motor running by sending a series of jolts. If the capacitor goes wrong or is weak, your AC unit won't work correctly or may not work at all.

Your best option is to call out a residential HVAC technician who will be able to determine whether the capacitor is wrong and if your cooling system needs a replacement.

Pitted or Burnt Out Contactor

The contactor supplies voltage to your fan and compressor motor. If the contactor is pitted or burnt, the fan and compressor motor won't get the proper voltage to power up. Thus, your system won't run correctly or at all.

If a pitted or burnt-out contactor is the root cause of your AC issue, a technician from Furnace Repair Calgary will diagnose the problem and offer an AC repair solution to get the system back up and running.

Maintenance Manages Common Causes Of An Air Conditioner Breakdown

Regular HVAC maintenance is crucial to ensure your HVAC system's efficiency and service life. It also helps to prevent unexpected and premature AC breakdowns.

Our team of expert HVAC technicians provides quality, effective, and comprehensive AC solutions to all your AC problems. Call us today at (403) 775-6800 to schedule your service.

https://furnace-repair-calgary.ca/common-causes-of-an-air-conditioner-breakdown/

How To Troubleshoot AC Issues: Tips and Tricks

How to Troubleshoot Your Air Conditioner

Today, almost every household depends on the AC system to keep their home cool and comfortable through the hot summer season. The AC, like everything else, is prone to problems and can break down when least expected. So, a little knowledge of how to troubleshoot AC issues is essential.

A minor issue with the AC, say fans not turning on or a water leak, can be a cause for concern, a reason it should be diagnosed and fixed immediately to prevent a breakdown.

Although experts recommend having your AC unit serviced at least once every year (just before summer) to keep it functioning correctly, there are times when issues will pop up nonetheless. Your AC might have been working correctly one moment, then suddenly start malfunctioning the next.

What you do next can be the difference between the AC breaking down and saving it. Has your AC system been misbehaving lately but can't put the finger on the central problem? Here are a few tips on troubleshooting and fixing the issue quickly.

Check the Thermostat

A malfunctioning or inaccurate setting on the thermostat can be the reason the AC system isn't cooling your home as it should. For this reason, the first step should be to check the thermostat before proceeding to the AC unit itself. Checking the thermostat is especially crucial for AC systems with smart thermostats, as these tend to fail at times.

The unit won't start altogether if the thermostat fails to auto-start the AC. Check to confirm if the thermostat is working, and if possible, reboot it. You might also want to replace the thermostat's batteries (if you haven't done so in a long time).

Check The Circuit Breakers

If the AC still can't turn ON, the chances are the circuit breaker tripped. A tripped circuit breaker can happen if there's an unexpected load or power surge in your area, causing the breaker to trip. Try resetting the breaker to see if it solves the problem. Should the breaker continue tripping, there's a problem with the electrical system or circuitry and a reason to involve or call a certified electrician.

Check the Air Filter

If the AC turns on but cannot cool the house adequately, you should check for a clogged air filter or a frozen unit. A blocked air filter makes it almost impossible for cool air to pass through, resulting in higher-than-normal energy bills. If you can't remember the last time you had the filters checked or replaced, it's time to do so. Check the filters to confirm their state, and switch to clean or new ones if they seem opaque and dirty.

Inspect the Outdoor Unit

Most AC systems have outdoor and indoor units. If unchecked for some time, dirt, grime, or even leaves will cover the unit. Take a trip outside to see if this is the case. If dirt or leaves cover the AC system, it needs proper cleaning. While you might be comfortable cleaning the unit yourself, it's probably best to call an expert. HVAC technicians have the technical know-how and materials/equipment required for the job and are less likely to damage the system.

Inspect The Air Vents

Blocked air vents can cause the AC unit to start malfunctioning, leak, freeze, or even shut down unexpectedly. Dust and grime can collect in these vents producing a thick 'mattress' that blocks are from circulating correctly. Check every room and outlet to see if the ducts are open and note any blocked ones. Sometimes all it takes to unblock air vents are to vacuum them or use pressurized air.

Be sure to move any objects that might be blocking the air vents, such as pet beds, curtains, clothing, or even furniture. Although you might not notice at first, blocked air vents can cause uneven cooling and even strain the AC in the long run. Blocked air will be most notable with increasing energy bills.

How To Troubleshoot AC Issues - Call the Experts

If you've followed every step on this list but the AC unit still won't work, it's time to call the pros. Call your preferred AC technicians for professional troubleshooting and have any problems fixed. Although the technician might be able to get it working again, they will advise you accordingly on how to care for the same and start saving for a new one.

https://furnace-repair-calgary.ca/how-to-troubleshoot-ac-issues/