WHY UPGRADE YOUR EXISTING SYSTEM?

You can reduce your energy costs by improving the efficiency  of your current heating system by converting to a new mid or high efficiency natural gas system. An old standard efficiency gas furnace typically operates at 60% seasonal efficiency. This means only 60% of the heat generated is used to heat your home. The other 40% goes up the chimney - that's 40 cents of every dollar wasted.

As your furnace efficiency increases, so does the money you save on your home heating bill. With our 80% mid efficiency gas furnace, your savings increase by 20% over a standard efficiency furnace. With our 95% high efficiency gas furnace, there is only 5% heat loss. That means you save up to 35% on your heating cost when you upgrade your standard efficiency gas furnace. You can save even more when you convert from oil or electric heating to clean efficient natural gas. (Efficiency ratings for furnaces or boilers compare the amount of heat available in the fuel with the amount of heat actually reaching the house. A rating of 75% for example, means that three-quarters of the available energy has been converted into usable heat. A seasonal efficiency rating tells us how well the system performs over a typical heating season.)

You can further reduce your energy costs by converting your electric hot water heater to economical, clean natural gas. Many of your neighbors have already converted to natural gas and are getting the same amount of hot water as you, but at a savings of over 50%.

Natural gas is the most energy-efficient, cleanest burning and cost effective of all the major residential energy fuels. Energy experts predict that natural gas will continue to be the most cost effective heating source throughout Canada in the future. Converting or upgrading to a mid or high efficiency gas furnace will save you money on your heating costs now and in years to come.

 

---

Carbon Monoxide

All fuel burning equipment, including your fireplace, must have a good supply of fresh air and effective venting that carries exhausts outdoors. If anything interferes with the air supply or the safe venting of exhausts, incomplete or faulty combustion could occur. If this happens, carbon monoxide could be produced.

It is important for you and your family to understand the dangers of carbon monoxide. It is an odourless, tasteless, colourless gas which is very toxic. The symptoms, in the early stages of carbon monoxide poisoning are quite similar to flu: headache, nausea, fatigue and drowsiness. CO detectors are a good second line of defense, so take the time to learn about them and ensure you are using them properly and effectively. However, they do not eliminate the need for an annual inspection, regular maintenance and safe use of your fuel burning equipment.

Chimneys

It is a requirement for the owner of a chimney, flue or flue pipe to have an inspection annually. Your family's health might depend on it. The inspection must be carried by a certified and licensed company or contractor. If you are conducting your own inspection, here's what to check for:

Check the chimney. Use a mirror to look up your chimney through the cleanout door during daylight hours. You should have an unobstructed view to the outside. There should be no visual evidence of crumbling motar, brick or stone. If your view is obstructed, you must call a chimney repair company for an inspection immediately. Note that some chimneys may be "offset" which will not allow a visual inspection with a miror. In this case you must have the inspection conducted by a chimney specialist.

Check the cleanout pit. Should you find any debris, remove it. If it contains bits of mortar, brick or stone, erosion is most likely taking place. If there is broken mortar, brick or stone in the cleanout pit and you cannot see daylight using a mirror, turn off all your appliances which are hooked into the chimney immediately and call a chimney repair company for an inspection. It is strongly recommended that you call a chimney repair company for an inspection if there is debris but no blockage.

Check the outside chimney brickwork. You should not see a white chalky substance on the bricks, stone or mortar. If you can see a white chalky stain but the cleanout pit is clear and there are no obstructions in the chimney or signs of deterioration on the chimney's exterior, call a chimney repair company for an inspection. In the meantime, you may operate your heating system safely.

 

---

What you can do before calling for a service call

• Check the main fuse for your furnace or boiler or air conditioner. Replace if required with a correct type fuse. If you have a circuit breaker, reset it.

• Check the thermostat. Make sure it is set properly.

• Check the furnace filter. Make sure it is clean. Replace or wash as required. Check the prefilters and cells if you have an electronic air cleaner. Clean and wash as required.

• Ensure the furnace or boiler power switch is on. The power switch may look like a light switch usually near the unit either on the wall or on the ceiling.

• If you have a direct vent system or a high efficiency system vented through the sidewall, ensure there is no blockage in the vent outside. Sometimes snow, leaves or other objects may be blocking the vent.

The above are helpful hints. If you are unable to do any of the above and/or are still having problems with either your heating or cooling equipment, call us.

Back to top