Furnace

It’s only natural to depend on your furnace more during winter. And that’s why breakdowns are fairly common during this time of the year. While your furnace is designed to remain functional for years, some parts can fail and prevent the entire unit from working correctly. At times, the entire furnace can completely stop working altogether. Learning the top causes of furnace failure can help you identify problems with your heating system and set up an appointment for heating repair with Prostar Plumbing and Heating. From the leaders in furnace repair in Calgary, AB, here are some of the main reasons why your furnace can fail. Improper Initial Installation Poorly installed furnaces are more likely to operate inefficiently and break down quickly. Some of the typical installation problems our technicians encounter are heating units with small ducts and heating systems that aren’t wired correctly. Ensure your furnace gets installed by an expert. Otherwise, you may require extensive repairs to fix the issue. Wrongly Sized Furnaces Before performing furnace installation, HVAC specialists need to size your furnace correctly. A heater that’s too small for your property will end up failing prematurely as it struggles to heat your home. In the same way, an oversized furnace will also develop problems over time. It may end up turning off quickly, leaving your home with cold spots. Clogged Filters Clogged filters are a common cause of premature furnace replacement. Dirty filters impede airflow, forcing the furnace to work harder and longer to heat your home to the desired temperature. This additional exertion can make your unit wear out faster. Ensure you replace your filters every 2-3 months to keep your heating unit functioning effortlessly and effectively. Lack of Maintenance Most furnace problems occur due to a lack of maintenance. In fact, inadequate furnace maintenance may be the main reason for furnace failure. Your heater requires routine check-ups to continue running efficiently. We recommend setting up a service appointment in the fall, before the heating season begins, so you can identify issues and address them early before they cause a breakdown. For professional furnace installation, repair, or maintenance in Calgary, AB, call ProStar Plumbing and Heating today!

If it is yet to happen to you, then you can be sure it will soon if you do not do the right thing. Your furnace starts misbehaving right in the middle of winter when you need it the most. It stops functioning entirely, and you are left with an expensive repair. That is when searching “emergency plumber near me” Becomes your next option. This frustrating situation is likely to happen to those who don’t maintain their furnace.  Apart from total breakdown, other things happen to people who don’t perform complete furnace maintenance. They include: Increased utility bills The furnace is like a car. If you don’t change the oil at the recommended time, it will not run efficiently as it should. As such, it is essential to ensure that every part of your furnace is working optimally. Grime and dirt can easily cause blockages. There are also other parts that require lubrication regularly to run flawlessly. Ignoring such things will strain your unit and thus increase your utility bill in the long run. Safety Issues Furnaces have heat exchangers. This is what separates the air you breathe from the combustion process. The exchangers go through extreme temperature changes frequently, making it easy for them to crack. And if they do, dangerous carbon monoxide can quickly fill your home. Another thing to consider is the particles and dust that you breathe in. A unit that isn’t properly maintained is likely dirty too. The debris and dust inside the unit will move with the generated heat to warm up your space leading to unclean indoor air. Variance in temperatures This happens in most cases due to “thermostat wars.” You will find that there are different temperatures in different areas of your house. One room is too warm, and the other is too cold.  This is caused by your unit’s blower not supplying enough air throughout your home because it has a coating of grime. It may also happen because of holes in ducts or a calibration problem with your thermostat allowing heated air to move out through areas it is not supposed to.  Having the unit checked by an expert can reveal such issues that are pretty inexpensive and simple to fix before they worsen. System breakdown With proper maintenance and care, furnaces can last up to 20 years.  Just like a car, ignorance causes exacerbated wear and tear on various parts of the unit, and it may break down long before its life expectancy.  If dirt accumulates on mobile parts interfering with airflow, trouble will likely follow you sooner rather than later. You can avoid all these problems with regular expert maintenance. The technicians will inspect it for any minor issues that can result in major problems or even total failure. And in most cases, an entire system breakdown usually happens on the weekend or at night, meaning you will be forced to pay more for emergency repair service. Leakage Is there liquid flowing from your unit? That is an indicator of a major problem that you must take care of. Leakages are caused mainly by various issues such as a clogged hose, loose seals, broken condenser pump, or a blocked drain. Not resolving these issues can lead to more extensive and expensive damage in the long run. Contact our experts to inspect. Bottom line Furnace systems are mainly designed to make your home comfortable during winter. However, without proper maintenance, the opposite may happen.  As the owner, there are things you can do to keep the unit working optimally for a very long time. Changing the air filter, cleaning the exterior, and checking for any leakages can make the difference. You will not have to search “emergency plumber near me” in the middle of the night. Not sure about what to do? Book Your Maintenance Now Preventative maintenance not only extends your furnace’s lifetime but also ensures safety, efficiency, and clean air inside your home. Contact Prostar Plumbing and Heating for prompt furnace service in Calgary today to book a visit from a qualified and experienced technician. FacebookTwitterEmailShare

There are a number of signs that your furnace isn’t functioning properly. Hiring a professional furnace repair is always the simplest and safest way to set your furnace. However, some of them can be fixed with some elbow grease. Check out these troubleshooting tips to keep your house warm and comfortable. If none of these tips above solve your problem, you should contact an expert as soon as possible (or type furnace repair near me on google). If you are in Calgary and are looking for an expert, contact us (Prostar Plumbing and Heating) at 403-250-7232. Six things to check & identify the reason that causes the furnace to stop working Take a look at the thermostat Before you assume your furnace isn’t working, make sure it isn’t the thermostat. If your thermostat has a low battery or is incorrectly adjusted, you may not be getting the signal that it’s time to turn on. If the thermostat appears to be properly adjusted, replace the battery to see if the problem is resolved. Examine the switches, breaker panels, and pilot light Check the circuit breaker to determine whether you tripped a circuit if it’s not the thermostat. If that’s the case, switch it back on. Check to see if the furnace works by turning it on. Call for service if the breaker trips again otherwise, you might face the system is overburdened. If that doesn’t solve the problem, make sure the furnace switch sets to the “on” position. Make sure your furnace’s pilot light turns on. Check the Gas Line Next, inspect your home’s gas line. If the gas line isn’t already set to “open,” turn the lever to do so. It is not a problem if it configures to open. Check the Vents Check to see if anything is blocking the air intake and exhaust vents. Even if the furnace is operating properly, it may appear that the house is not being heated. Always check to see if a piece of furniture is obstructing a vent. Check the Furnace Filters The furnace filters must always be clean and clear of dirt. If not, they can quickly clog, resulting in a damaged furnace. When warm air cannot pass through clogs, the heat exchanger can rapidly overheat and cause the furnace to shut down. Therefore, at least once a month, clean or replace the furnace filters and inspect them. Before you handle the filters, make sure the furnace and thermostat turn off. Check to make sure power to the furnace is on Even gas systems need electricity. Therefore, there’s a power disconnect switch beside the furnace. First, check the fuse/circuit breaker for the stove at the electrical panel to make sure it hasn’t tripped. Next, ensure that the power switch adjacent to the furnace turns on. Conclusion If your furnace is not responding to your repairs or if a part needs to replaced, calling a furnace repairman is the safest option. The safest option is to call a furnace repairman. A qualified professional will know what to do if your furnace breaks down. They’ll be able to diagnose the issue and properly repair it, as well as conduct an audit of your HVAC system and provide advice on how to keep your heating and cooling systems running for a long time. Contact the Prostar Plumbing and Heating professionals today for more information on what to do if your furnace stops working or making an appointment with a repair specialist.

It’s the main phase of the season, and if you didn’t plan routine furnace maintenance in the autumn, you might believe it’s too late and maybe thinking of putting it off until the next fall. Table of Content to easily navigate: Overview Why is furnace maintenance so important? Repair avoidance Unit life extension Reduce heating costs It’s not too late, though! Furnace maintenance is required once a year. Although it’s usually ideal to get your furnace serviced in the autumn season to avoid the first chilly days of winter, it’s better to do it late than never. Furnace maintenance isn’t a frill or an “extra” for your heating system; it’s a need. To schedule a furnace tune-up and inspection, contact a heating company in Calgary, HVAC company immediately. Why Is Furnace Maintenance So Important? What makes furnace maintenance so crucial that we recommend you undertake it even late in the season? When it comes to a heating system, safety always matters first. The majority of furnaces in the region are powered by natural gas, and any item that uses natural gas does have the potential to become harmful if not regularly inspected. Experienced specialists will inspect the gas line and the heat exchanger during furnace maintenance to see whether there is a risk of carbon monoxide leakage. If the specialist discovers anything wrong, they may arrange for necessary repairs (or even system replacement) to keep the furnace operating safely. So Yes, electric furnaces may be harmful, since they can cause electric fires due to faulty wiring. Most furnace warranties include a requirement that the unit is serviced on a regular basis by a qualified technician. If you don’t manage your furnace, the warranty will be voided, and you’ll be responsible for any repairs or replacements that would have been covered otherwise. Maintenance protects you from manufacturing flaws and keeps you and your home safe. Repair avoidance Here’s a sobering truth regarding furnace operation: lack of maintenance accounts for about 85% of furnace repairs required over its service life. You may avoid paying for 85 percent of the repairs you’ll need if you keep up with routine maintenance. That is to say, all of them. You’ll save both time and money Unit life extension What is the expected lifespan of your furnace? Most likely, you’ll say, “As long as possible!” Maintenance is the most effective approach to ensure that you get the most out of your furnace. Most furnaces won’t even last half their manufacturer’s anticipated lifespan if they aren’t maintained, and no “repair” is more expensive than having to arrange an early furnace replacement. Reduce heating costs As a furnace operates year after year, it collects wear and tears from the strain of operation as well as dust and filth. This reduces the furnace’s efficiency since it must use more energy to run than it normally would. You won’t experience a continuous rise in your utility costs if you keep your furnace in good working conditions. To talk to our furnace repairman, give us a call now. This program will look after your home’s heating and cooling systems to provide you with a number of other advantages. FacebookTwitterEmailShare

There is nothing worse than your furnace breaking down in the middle of the winter. You’ll be stuck in the freezing cold, struggling to find a professional to help you. But before you hit the panic button, there are a few things you can do to make sure that your furnace can be fixed right then and there. 8 Ways To Troubleshoot Your Furnace For Repairs 1) Check the Thermostat In many cases, people freeze themselves because they haven’t checked the thermostat of their furnace. A lot of homeowners find that because they haven’t switched their thermostat that they’re getting cold air instead of hot. You don’t want to call for furnace repair in Calgary, only for the professional to turn the dial back. You should also check if your thermostat is working as it should be. Test the temperature changes, and if you notice it isn’t working, it could be damaged, as the connection isn’t working. 2) Check the Filter If your filter is clogged up, chances are not only will your furnace not be working as it should be, but you’ll also be pushing out dirty air into your home. By changing the filter, you can get clean, hot air into your home. It’s best to get a professional to take a look at the filter and change it for you. 3) Check the Switches If the breaker of your furnace has been tripped or has blown its fuse, it is the reason that your furnace isn’t working as it should. You just have to get it replaced. 4) Clear Out the Ducts & Vents A lot of the time, the ducts and vents of the furnace are clogged up, unable to let any hot air pass through. It’s why people should get it cleaned out before the start of winter. Take a look down the ducts, and if it is blocked, get professional help. 5) Make Sure There is Power to the Furnace If you have an electric furnace, you should always make sure that power is connecting. In some cases, the circuit breaker might have been tripped. All you have to do is reset it by turning the circuit all the way off and then on again. If it doesn’t work, then you might need either furnace or electrical repairs in Calgary. 6) Make Sure the Gas is Connected to the Furnace For gas furnaces, there could have been issues with the connection to the gas line. A quick check can see if the connection has been shut off. If you think that it is not working, call your gas company and ask them if they did anything to it. 7) Check if the Gas valve on the furnace If the gas company is doing as it should be doing (supplying your home with gas), then double-check if the handle of the valve is in line with the pipe. Turn it up if it is not. However, if you smell gas, call a furnace repair company in Calgary immediately. 8) Check the Ignition Source or Pilot Light If you have a modern furnace, chances are you going to have an igniter coupled with a flame sensor rather than a pilot light. If you are having problems with your furnace delivering the heat required, it could be because of the ignition source. It is one of the most common furnace repairs in Calgary. If you have an older model, you will most likely have a pilot light in your unit. If the pilot light is out, try relighting it according to your owner’s manual. If you’re not comfortable with it, call an expert to help you. Get Proactive With Furnace Repairs in Calgary If you suspect that there are major problems with your furnace, call a professional to help you immediately. In some cases, troubleshooting will provide you with no answer to your furnace’s problems, or it does, but you don’t know how to make the repairs. However, that shouldn’t deter you from calling in an expert. You don’t want to leave your furnace in a bad state; you’ll end up searching for furnace installation in Calgary to replace it before too long. With winter coming thick and fast, you must look towards maintaining and repairing your furnace. Taking proactive measures will ensure that your furnace is running without problems throughout the coldest months of the year. Get it inspected today! Since 1996, ProStar Plumbing & Heating has been providing Calgary with reliable, hassle-free, quality plumbing solutions. When things go wrong, the community trusts us to handle it with our skills, expertise and personal attention. We can help you with a range of plumbing and heating services, including water leak detection and repairs, drain cleaning, sewer repair, furnace repair and much more. With 24/7 emergency service, no overtime charges, upfront pricing and the best team in the business, you know we’re for you. Whether you need your drain cleared or furnace installation in Calgary, contact ProStar today on 403-250-7232.

Boilers are a great way to heat a home, but many people are unfamiliar with this type of system, as furnace systems are the most popular amongst communities. But in case you’re considering a heating system upgrade or moving to a house with a boiler system, there are some interesting things about boilers that everybody should know. Today, you’re going to learn about six of them. 1. Boilers Really Do Work, but They Don’t Actually Boil! Despite their name, modern boilers don’t really boil the water running through them, and they typically only heat water as high as 190 F. The reason boilers are so-called is because they did, in fact, boil water at one time, but this was in the old days when boilers actually used steam to create heat. Although there are still some older steam boilers in operation today, most use hot rather than boiling water. 2. They Work by Pushing Heated Water Throughout the House On the simplest level, a boiler heating system is comprised of two main components: the water heater and the radiators. Water in the heater gets warmed, typically with natural gas or electricity, and is then pumped into the radiators and circulated around the house. As the water moves through the radiators, it cools and transfers its heat, thereby warming your home. 3. Boilers Don’t Equal High Humidity Many people automatically think that because a boiler uses water to heat a house, then it must make the home more humid. However, because boiler systems are closed and made of non-porous materials, water doesn’t escape from the system, meaning no additional humidity gets into the air. 4. A New Boiler Can Save You Tons of Money Just as people think that boilers boil and that they create humid environments, so too do many think that boilers are a more expensive way of heating your home. But the truth is that a newer boiler can actually be more efficient to run than a typical furnace, meaning you’ll save money on your energy bills. 5. Modern Boilers Are More Energy Efficient Speaking of efficiency, did you know that modern boilers have efficiency ratings as high as 98.5 percent? While it is true that older systems may be extremely inefficient (as low as 56 percent), modern ones are far better for your wallet and the environment. When you’re shopping for a new boiler, remember that efficiency for these systems is measured by the annual fuel utilization efficiency, which is a measure of how much fuel is used to heat versus how much is wasted (98.5 percent means only 1.5 percent of the fuel is lost). 6. Water Pressure in Your Boiler Is Important If you’re not familiar with boiler systems and are thinking about switching, one important thing to keep in mind is water pressure. In order for a boiler system to function properly and safely, the water pressure inside the system should typically be kept between 12 and 15 psi. Any lower and the water won’t have enough force to circulate through the system, but any higher and the system could incur damage or become unsafe. Boilers are great for many reasons, including the ones listed here today, but also because they provide lasting and consistent heat, and they’re quiet to operate. They also don’t require a ton of maintenance, but if you are going to be switching, moving, or upgrading, it’s a good idea to make sure that your system is inspected regularly by a professional to ensure it’s operating optimally.