What Does a Commercial Plumber Do?

If you have ever looked at potentially hiring a plumber, you're likely familiar with the difference between a residential and a commercial plumber.

Most people would consider a residential plumber as one that works on homes. In contrast, a commercial client would work on commercial properties. You may be wondering whether or not the differences are significant. When it comes to getting proper work done, you want to ensure that you hire a plumber with the right type of plumbing experience.

Below, you will find some of the specialties of a commercial plumber. Consider these to figure out if you should hire one for your plumbing work.

1. Building Maintenance

You will find that the plumbing needs of an entire building can be extensive. After all, the building is significant, and it has a lot of different water lines and drains. These things can overcomplicate matters and make it increasingly challenging to work on the plumbing.

Because of this, you need to get routine maintenance checks with a professional plumber experienced in commercial plumbing. An experienced commercial plumber will ensure that your building is well maintained and that the plumbing adheres to all of the building standards set forth by the local government.

A commercial plumber is typically responsible for checking up on water leaks, drain line issues, and more.

These things are essential because they help to ensure that your property isn't going to suffer from a plumbing emergency that can only make things worse. You'll find that a lack of maintenance can lead to issues with the plumbing that can negatively impact the entire building and result in costly repairs.

2. Fix Drain Problems

Have you ever thought about the many people that use the same restrooms in your building daily? The truth may surprise you.

As a result, it takes a lot of work to keep your plumbing working smoothly. Unfortunately, your drains are bound to clog at some point. As the commercial property owner, it will ultimately be up to you to keep your plumbing drains as straightforward as possible. It would help if you had an experienced and reliable commercial plumber. Hiring someone with experience and the tools required to perform the job can be crucial to keeping your commercial property running well.

It's one of the best things you can do to avoid any severe damage to your building. You want to also familiarize yourself with some of the tell-tale signs of having a stuffed drain. For instance, foul-smelling odours permeate from the drains and even leak.

Once you begin to notice a bubbling sound occurring in your drain, it's time to call on a professional for assistance.

3. Service For More Than One Floor

If you require service for more than two floors, it's time to call a commercial plumber. The number of floors is usually the most significant difference between a residential and commercial job.

In general, a plumber that handles residential work will service two floors at max. At the same time, a commercial plumber will have the experience of working with many more floors.

Many people may not realize this, but plumbers have to consider gravity and its role when it comes to plumbing in a commercial building. After all, if a building has more floors, water needs to go against gravity. Thus, it requires more water pressure to travel up the pipes.

A commercial plumber needs to be educated, skilled, and experienced in water pressure to calculate water pressure. The total estimated water pressure is considered for everything from toilets to showers and even sinks.

4. Identify Different Water Line Problems

Often, a plumber doesn't need to have much experience to identify water lines on a residential property. It can be reasonably straightforward for the average plumber to do so. In contrast, commercial properties typically don't have any audible signs. Commercial properties usually go above and beyond to hide any traces of water lines.

As a result, issues with water lines are difficult to spot and detect. By the time you notice a problem with your water line, it's likely to have done a lot of damage to the property.

One of the best ways to stop this is by supplying preventative maintenance to the property. A commercial plumber will be well-positioned to figure out a leak before it becomes a significant issue.

5. Hefty Workload Requirements

A commercial building requires a lot of attention to keep it running smoothly. Because of this, you want to hire someone that has the skills and experience to handle the unique needs of a commercial plumbing job. There is much more complexity involving the repairs and maintenance requirements of a commercial building.

One floor could have a lot of issues with draining, and some of the floors below may be dealing with the consequences of a water leak. A commercial plumber will encounter many more problems that only occur in commercial buildings. Many of the more common repairs for a commercial building include running toilets, leaks, pipe bursts, and sewer smells.

6. Experience With Water Heaters

As mentioned previously, having issues with the water temperature on a property can be an issue for commercial properties.

Any commercial plumber will need to have experience working with water heaters. They should be able to figure out if the heater is malfunctioning.

You'll find that various commercial properties will have different requirements for water heaters. For instance, an office building will likely only need one for its sinks. Whereas a hotel would require one that allows for heating for everything, including pools, showers, and sinks.

Hire a Professional Commercial Plumber Right Now!

As you can see, some issues require an experienced commercial plumber. If you are looking for maintenance or repairs from someone who can handle the unique problems commercial property owners face, you can count on us to deliver.

https://furnace-repair-calgary.ca/what-does-a-commercial-plumber-do/

How to Extend the Useful Life of Your Water Heater

How to Extend The Lifespan of Your Water Heater?

Does your water heater seem to be on its way out? Maybe the hot water isn't as warm as it used to be, or perhaps you're not getting enough of it.

Most water heater problems arise from three main issues: corrosion, sediment buildup, and mineral deposits. Corrosion takes place inside the tank when iron or steel rusts through due to electrolysis - two dissimilar metals in contact with each other. Sediment is simply the dirt from the environment in your water when it goes through the tank.

Mineral deposits build up on the insides of a water heater after years of natural minerals dissolving out of hard water, caused by calcium and magnesium.

If you notice any of these signs, there are some steps you can take to prolong the life of your tank for another couple of years.

How long does a water heater typically last?

Standard water heaters have an average lifespan of eight to twelve years. Most of today's tanks are steel lined with porcelain or glass and can deteriorate and oxidize over time. Most tanks will leak eventually. It is a slow leak in some cases, and in others, it is a more significant leak. That is why you should locate the dedicated water shutoff valve before an emergency occurs.

It isn't too typical, but some water heaters will have a useful life of fifteen or even twenty years. It is imperative to remember that even when a water heater is still working, over time, the efficiency of most water heaters will decrease as sediment continues to accumulate inside its tank.

Compared to traditional tanks, tankless water heaters can last two or three times longer, assuming the tankless unit is adequately cared for by the homeowner.

Steps to Extend the Lifespan of Your Water Heater

The following are a few things you can do to extend the life of your water heater:

Lower the temperature.

Reduce the temperature of your water heater. It will reduce the rate at which minerals build up inside and decrease corrosion as less hot water goes through the tank. Keep in mind that if you lower your hot water temperature to 120 degrees Fahrenheit, you won't burn yourself quickly if hot water is suddenly released.

Remove the sediment from time to time.

You will have to do some research on your own as there are some sediment filters you can attach right on the output side of a water heater, and there are others that need to be installed by a professional plumber. In any case, it would be best to install a sediment filter if you are an average homeowner. You may remove the sediment by draining your water heater through the drain valve.

Install corrosion inhibitors.

The easiest way to avoid corrosion is to install a corrosion inhibitor on your water heater, which will prevent electrolysis from occurring in your tank's metal parts. Drain the unit every three months or so to remove any buildups of sediment or minerals.

Add a second anode rod.

You can significantly increase your water heater's life by installing a second anode rod. An anode is a sacrificial rod made out of aluminum or magnesium. Over time, it undergoes galvanic corrosion and sacrifices itself to prevent the tank from deteriorating.

Install an expansion tank.

You can potentially double your water heater's life if you have a closed system and install an expansion tank. When water heats from 50 degrees to 120 degrees, the tank expands by around 2%. (a 50-gallon tank produces one gallon of extra volume). If you have a closed system (meaning a valve prevents water from flowing into your water main), the water will have no place to go.

Since water is not a significantly compressible material, this will result in rapid decreases and increases in water pressure. These contractions and expansions will cause stress on your plumbing system and water heater, which may cause damage as well as premature failure.

Clean or flush out the water heater tank.

Flushing out an older tank once a year can help prevent sediment buildup and maintain a higher efficiency level for a more extended period. Many newer water heater models are self-cleaning. You need to connect a garden hose to the water heater and drain the water outdoors.

Install a pressure regulating valve (PRV).

If your water pressure is very high, over 90 PSI, it can damage appliances and cause premature failure of your water heater. Install a pressure regulating valve to reduce the system's pressure and reduce the wear and tear on appliances. Installing an expansion tank is also a good idea if you install a PRV.

Install water softeners.

The water in Alberta has high mineral content (often called hard water). Hard water causes scaling -- mineral precipitation that deposits onto appliance surfaces. Hard water can significantly reduce a water heater's lifespan. Installing a water softener can often help reduce the amount of wear and tear on your plumbing system caused by hard water.

Conclusion

Water heaters have a typical lifespan of 8-12 years. If you follow the principles outlined in this article, your water heater will likely last 3-5 more years before you need to replace it.

Having your water heater replaced is expensive, so it's best to do the little things that can prolong its life. One of these little things could save you hundreds of dollars in water heating bills and countless hours of hot water.

If you have further questions about how to extend the life of your water heater or need professional assistance, contact Furnace Repair Calgary for expert advice and helpful tips.

https://furnace-repair-calgary.ca/how-to-extend-the-life-of-your-water-heater/

7 Major Benefits of Professional Drain Cleaning

Why You Should Get Drain Cleaning Service

You've noticed some signs of possible clogging in your kitchen or bathroom sink but placed the thought on the back burner. As time passes, you see that you need to plunge your toilet more often. Water drains a tad slower down the sink. While this might seem a minor inconvenience, it could soon develop into a major plumbing emergency. Knowing the benefits of professional drain cleaning will help you significantly.

Professional drain cleaning comes in handy to keep your plumbing system open and draining. Aside from saving a lot of money in the long run and your family clog-free, there are numerous other benefits to hiring a professional plumbing cleaner. Herein are the top seven reasons you should hire a professional drain cleaner.

#1. Professional Drain Cleaning Eliminates Persistent Nasty Odours

We all know what goes down the toilet. But do you ever think about what goes down your sink? Soap scum, hair, and other organic matter that drains down your bathtub. Your sink drains dirt, grime, and other materials.

A minor clog will cause these items to get stuck in the pipes. Once in place, bacteria start to consume the organic matter. The degradation of the organic matter creates a pungent-smelling odour that emanates from the drains. The off-putting smell will make it difficult to shower in peace.

Cleaning your drains eliminates such organic matter from your gutters, eliminating or at the very least decreasing the odour. With your drains cleaned, you can take your showers in a bathroom that doesn't like a fetid swamp.

#2. Eliminate The Chances of A Major Clog

Picture this; you flush your toilet, but all the toilet's content overflows and spreads over your bathroom floor. Suddenly, last night's taco Tuesday does not look like a good idea.

The worst thing to do is let a slow drain turn into a clog. With the drainage system clogged, you cannot do dishes, take a shower, wash your hands, or use the toilet. You might try your luck with plunging the toilet, but if the toilet is stubborn, it will not budge.

Over-the-counter drain cleaners are not a good idea either. They use harsh chemicals that are hazardous to you and aren't great for the environment.

Regularly cleaning your drains will negate clogging, and you never have to worry about sewage backup.

#3. Protects Walls And Floors From Damage

An overflowing toilet or sink causes flooding, which affects the walls and floors. Floors are not durable enough to take stagnant water, leading to water damage. Water can seep under your wood floor or tiles, causing structural damage to the floor. Moreover, when water seeps into the walls, it erodes the wallpapers. Mould growth becomes another issue of concern.

Replacing the floor and walls is an expensive affair. Unfortunately, if the clogging persists, the damage to your walls and floors will happen repeatedly.

Hiring a professional drain cleaner eliminates your worry about clogged plumbing systems. Importantly, it removes the risk of floor and wall damage. Keep in mind that clogs can last for years if not exposed to water.

#4. Improve Your Family's Health 

As alluded to above, the plumbing system is teeming with bacteria that cause a foul odour. Clogged or slow-draining plumbing systems are the perfect habitat for mould and bacteria to grow and thrive. Without consistently flowing water to flush it out, the bacteria will only thrive.

Bacteria and mould can negatively impact your family's health. Exposure to these organisms is known to cause infections, illnesses, and other health issues. Some moulds are deadly to humans and pets. Others cause allergies and breathing issues.

A plumbing system free of clogs refrains fungi and bacteria from growing. As such, with a free-flowing drain, you do not have to worry about exposure to bacteria and moulds.

#5. It Saves You Money over Time

Many homeowners refrain from getting a professional drain clean owing to the associated cost. After all, a plumber will not work for free. However, people do not realize that the cost of having your drains cleaned professionally pales compared to the expenses caused by a clogged drain (possible water damage and foul smells).

While a clog near your skink can be considered an inconvenience or pain, a clog further down the drain can be a disaster. In some cases, you might need earthmoving equipment to unclog the plumbing system.

Additionally, clogs can cause leaks, necessitating the replacement of the underground pipe. As you can appreciate, the overall cost occasioned by clogged drains can be considerably higher than getting professional drain cleaning.

#6. Keeps Your Pipes Clean And Healthy

The buildup of grease, grime, chemicals, and other materials in the pipes can cause corrosion and leaks. A small leak is usually an annoyance. A large leak necessitating large-scale repairs is a nightmare.

The good thing is that it takes a considerable amount of time for the chemicals to break down the pipes. Regular drain cleaning eliminates the chemical buildup, reducing the risk of your drain pipes corroding.

Professionally clean pipes can last decades without showing signs of corrosion. On the other hand, poorly maintained lines will require replacement much sooner than expected, resulting in costly repairs involving tearing into floors and walls.

#7. Speeds Up Drainage

Slow drainage is a tell-tale sign that there is an impending clog. In itself, it's a nuisance as it usually means shorter showers. Drains cannot keep up with the water flowing into the shower. In addition, you must plunge the toilet several times during the day.

Professional drain cleaning eliminates these hassles. The wastewater drains much quicker, and you don't have to worry about overflow in your toilets or sinks. No one wants to cut their shower short due to drainage issues. Take a shower on your timeline without having to deal with a slow drain.

Hiring A Professional Drainer Cleaner Makes Sense

Do not risk damaging your home and incurring the high cost of replacing stubborn clogged drains. It might seem a minor issue, but left to exacerbate and become a severe clog, it will turn into a plumbing nightmare.

Professional drain cleaning helps keep your home and family clog-free. Importantly, it saves you money in the long run. You can read more about drain cleaning on our site. Contact us for more information about plumbing and drain cleaning.

Related Articles

https://furnace-repair-calgary.ca/benefits-of-professional-drain-cleaning/

What to Know About Whole-House Humidifiers

What Are Whole-House Humidifiers?

When the seasons turn cold and the heater is working overtime to keep the home toasty warm, the air can dry out quickly and become filled with static energy. Whole-house humidifiers provides the perfect solution to insert refreshing moisture back into the air.

Symptoms of Insufficient Humidity

Static electricity can be annoying, but the real suffering comes from dry throats, nose bleeds and itchy skin. These symptoms are a reality for most well-insulated houses using heated air to keep the interiors warm enough for human activity — the humidity levels can drop considerably.

As the temperature levels continue to drop and houses get buttoned up against the frigid temperatures to come, the air in your home could become unbearably dry. But a whole-house humidifier can improve your comfort and good health.

How Can a Humidifier Help?

We have all heard the adage "it isn't the heat, it's the humidity," but do we understand what this means? The actual warmth you will feel on your skin is the combination of the heat and the humidity you think in the air. As the heaters begin drying the air, it feels colder, so we crank the heat up much higher than necessary.

But a humidifier will allow you to lower the thermostat, save energy bills, feel warmer and alleviate dryness all in one advantageous operation.

In addition to drying the throat, making it more challenging to speak, and generally making life uncomfortable, dry air can also contribute to health conditions. Dry air makes it easier to catch a cold, and flu viruses and dryness can contribute to asthma and other respiratory diseases. Children and pets are the most susceptible to health risks from dry air.

Types of Whole-House Humidifiers

Many people have seen single-room humidifiers before. These use warm steam or a cool-mist to increase the room's humidity levels. Then there is a whole variety of humidifiers that can be installed right onto your home's heating systems, providing well-circulated moisture throughout the house.

Drum Humidifiers

Drum humidifiers are among the more common humidifiers used with forced-air heating systems. The mechanics are simple enough, the rum contains a sponge that passes through the water supply, and the heated air passes through a wet sponge. As the warm air passes through the sponge, it fills with small water particles distributed as moisture around the home.

Bypass Humidifiers

Technicians introduce bypass humidifiers into the systems at the hot and cold air ducts. They use pressure differences between air ducts to push the heated air through the humidifier. These humidifiers don't have the drum and sponge design of the drum-style humidifier. Instead, they have a tube with many plastic disks, which provide sufficient surface area to exchange moisture without needing too much space.

What is a Humidistat?

All home humidifiers operate with a humidistat, which allows you to set the exact humidity level. Depending on the specific needs of your situation, you can choose a whole-home humidifier that dispenses 1.5 gallons of water throughout the home or a humidifier that dispenses 12 gallons of water throughout the house while the furnace is in operation.

The humidistat detects moisture in the air and maintains the desired humidity. You can find these in digital and analog models, but they achieve the same function. As the humidity levels in the space being monitored rise to the desired levels, the electrical contacts close, and the humidifier shuts off. As the humidity drops to below-desired levels, the electrical contacts open, and the thermostat turns back on again.

What is the Ideal Humidity for my Home?

The square footage of your home, the construction, and the quality of insulation determine the amount of humidity necessary for your home. Ask an expert to determine the ideal humidity for your home.

Generally, humidity levels should be kept within 35% to 50%, depending on the personal preferences of the home's inhabitants.

Contact the Whole-House Humidifier Experts

If you have any doubts about getting the very best whole house humidifier for your home, Furnace Repair Calgary can help you choose the best whole-home humidifier for your needs. We have a vast selection of choices, and we are confident we will find something that meets every specification.

For more information on whole-home humidifiers and choosing the right one for you, call Furnace Repair Calgary at (587) 316-1027.

https://furnace-repair-calgary.ca/what-to-know-about-whole-house-humidifiers/

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/

5 Steps to Choose a Central Air Conditioner For Your Home

How to Choose A Central AC

Purchasing a new central air conditioner is one of the most daunting tasks a homeowner might engage, especially if you're a novice in dealing with HVAC equipment.

Make the right choice, and you'll enjoy a comfortable home, a reliable home conditioning system that does not break down every so often, and potentially lower energy bills. On the other end of the spectrum, when you make a wrong choice, you can expect high energy bills, high installation and maintenance fees, costly untimely repairs, and worse still, an HVAC system that is ineffective and inefficient in cooling your home.

Do you want to learn to find the perfect option? Here are our four steps that can simplify your HVAC buying endeavour and significantly help you make the right choice for your home and current (and future) needs.

Related: What does MERV Rating mean?

Step 1: Learn About The Basics of A Central Air Conditioner

First, you should learn about the basics of AC installation to ensure a central AC will suit your needs.

A central AC system requires your home to have an air handler or a furnace. Additionally, it needs properly-sized ductwork to distribute the conditioned air. Installing a central AC in a house with pre-existing ductwork will cost anywhere from $3,500 to $6,000, depending on the unit's efficiency, size, and AC type you purchase. Your personal preference will also influence the cost of the AC.

However, if your home does not have pre-existing AC ductwork, the project will cost a lot more.

Let's delve into the steps you should take when choosing a central AC.

Step 2: What Size Air Conditioner Do You Require?

The question of sizing is a crucial question you should answer before everything else. Numerous considerations that influence your energy bills and comfort can help you determine the AC unit that will perfectly suit your home. The most prominent concern is how big your home is.

However, it would help if you considered influencing elements such as:

- How old your house is

- Ductwork size and airflow

- Construction materials in your home

- Insulation amount, efficiency, age, and type

- How many windows do you have and their sizes

- How much solar radiation does your house receive, and where the radiation strikes

With myriad considerations in mind, even homes with identical floor plans and building materials will have different cooling needs. If trees surround your property, they provide a natural shade, which a property devoid of trees does not experience. A house surrounded by trees is naturally cooler, while a house without trees is naturally warmer.

Such simple factors go a long way in determining your AC's effectiveness and, ultimately, the most suitable size for your home.

We express the power of AC in tons, which describes the AC's cooling capacity. To determine a rough estimate of the AC size you need, you should compare the AC cooling capacity with your home's square footage.

A 1-ton AC system can provide ample cooling for 600 to 800 square feet. However, the vast majority of the lower tonnage ACs start at 1.5 tons, increasing in tonnage from there. The average size of single-family homes in Alberta is about 1,520 square feet. For such a house, you need a 2-ton AC.

What Are The Consequences Of Buying And Installing the Wrong AC Unit Size?

Your choice of AC size will impact its price, energy efficiency, energy expenses, comfort, and the equipment's life.

Installing an undersized unit will not keep up with the humidity and heat. On the other hand, an oversized unit will quickly cool your home and not provide ample time to dehumidify your home. Furthermore, under-sizing and oversizing your AC unit will cause uneven air distribution, higher maintenance and repair costs, and higher energy usage.

Step 3: Which Type Of Central AC Will Suit You Best

The second step is to choose a central AC type. In Canada, there are three common types of central ACs on the market. Their differentiating qualities are their energy efficiencies and price points.

Single-Stage Condensers

These types of ACs operate at full capacity, or they're off. A single-stage AC can be a significant entry-point AC. However, if you want better efficiency, this unit will not meet your needs.

Dual-Stage Condensers

The dual-stage unit, as the name suggests, operates in two modes. They can run at a lower or higher rate depending on the prevailing weather. The use of two settings helps you run a more efficient central AC compared to the single-stage type. However, they are much cheaper than the variable speed type.

When switching to a dual-stage condenser, ensure your HVAC technician installs a unit compatible with the air handler or indoor furnace, thermostat, and evaporator coil.

Variable Speed Condensers

Variable speed ACs are designed for longer runs rather than turning on and off as the conditions change. As such, they can run all day while offering better energy efficiency than the two AC types above of ACs. However, variable speed ACs are the priciest.

To install the variable speed AC, you must have a matched system. A matched system is an AC unit where the condenser, air handler or furnace, thermostat, and evaporator coil are designed and made to function together.

Step 4: Match Energy Efficiency Rating To Your Needs

Generally, the more an AC unit is energy-efficient, the more you will pay upfront. On the other hand, the more energy-efficient an AC is, the more it will reduce your monthly energy bills. Increased efficiency also translates to a reduced carbon footprint.

As you can appreciate, energy efficiency will also influence the budget. As such, you should understand how to measure energy efficiency and balance it with budgetary needs.

How Do We Measure The Energy Efficiency Of ACs?

We use the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) to determine the energy efficiency of an air conditioner. The SEER uses several seasonal temperatures to determine how efficient your AC is, much like how we measure kilometre-per-litre in vehicles.

However, some ACs use the Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER). The EER measurement is similar to the SEER, except it uses the steady outdoor temperature when calculating the AC efficiency.

An AC with high EER and SEER ratings is more energy-efficient, which means your home will be more comfortable.

Popular ACs in Alberta range between 13 and 16 SEER. You can choose an energy efficiency level that suits your needs and personal circumstances.

Step 5: Select A Provider

Having understood considerations such as AC sizes, types, and energy efficiency, it's time to choose your provider.

An AC technician should be knowledgeable and experienced in handling HVAC systems. Importantly, they should be able to walk you through the steps we've discussed above.

Before signing on the dotted line, we recommend that you learn more about the company, their installation services, payment options, services cost, and the warranties they offer.

Additionally, your installer must have the following licenses:

- Gas license

- ESA permits

- Ozone Depletion Prevention (ODP) license

- A 313a refrigeration or 313d residential air conditioning license

Choose The Best Central Air Conditioner - Conclusion

If you're looking for experienced AC technicians in Alberta, our licensed HVAC experts are ready to help you find the right cooling system that will suit your budget. Contact us today for your free in-house consultation and estimate.

https://furnace-repair-calgary.ca/how-to-choose-a-central-air-conditioner-for-your-home/

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/