Posts Tagged ‘furnace’

Tips on How to Maintain a Residential Boiler

Sunday, May 9th, 2010

When it comes to managing a residential boiler, it is important to implement a maintenance schedule. With labour and parts, there is a tremendous financial cost when a homeowner only fixes a boiler when it breaks down. It is better to be proactive to maintain a properly running boiler.

A variety of problems can occur with a boiler that can hinder its use such as: trapped air in a line, trapped air in radiator, faulty zone valve or circulator, boiler has no power, low water level, pilot or electronic burner ignition malfunction, thermostat malfunction, mineral deposits in boiler and heat exchanger, and the expansion tank has too much water and not enough air. To help prevent problems with the boiler, it is important to properly maintain the boiler.

Annual Inspection and Cleaning: It is important to have the boiler inspected and cleaned annually. This should be done by a licensed and qualified professional. It will help keep the boiler running efficiently for years. It will also help reduce instances of mechanical break down. A homeowner will save money by having a boiler cleaned by a professional as dirty boilers will cause the power bill to increase. As well, a professional will be able to identify any minor problems and correct them much cheaper than if the whole system breaks down. If you live in an area with hard water, have the professional de-scale the boiler to prevent debris accumulation.

Preventative Maintenance Measures: Check the boiler room regularly to make sure it’s clean. Dust and dirt can clog up the boiler fan, which can result in overheating. It is important to sweep and wipe out dust, especially if there is dust in the pilot light area because dust can cause the light to go out. If you discover a leak, you should contact a professional as it can be dangerous. A leaking boiler can cause a fire or explosion. Make sure to sweep out dust so that it doesn’t get inside the boiler.

Monitor the Boiler System: It is essential to monitor the Toronto boilers system as part of the maintenance program. Make sure that you keep an eye on the temperature. Depending on the type of boiler, daily recording should include: boiler operating pressure and temperature, oil pressure and temperature, water level, and gas pressure. All boilers are equipped with a pressure gauge. The pressure for a small boiler system should be about 12 lbs to 15 lbs. A pressure gauge will let you know if the pressure is too high. If the pressure is too high, the release valve will turn to reduce the pressure. Too much pressure can be dangerous, so if the pressure does not go down, contact a professional. If the water level is too low, you should contact a professional.

Install a Carbon Monoxide: Carbon Monoxide is a dangerous gas that cannot be detected by smell. It is important to install a CO detector near the boiler which will alert you if there is a CO leak. They are an inexpensive way to ensure you and your family’s safety

A residential Toronto boiler helps keep the water in the home warm. Just like any important household system, it is important to keep running properly. Proper maintenance of a residential boiler will ensure your home is safe, the boiler stays running smoothly and efficiently, and that you do not suddenly have an expensive repair bill. If you are ever in doubt about the condition of your boiler or it breaks down, it is important to contact a professional plumber.

Laird and Son is a family owned business that specializes in Toronto boilers, heating and air conditioning in Toronto and the GTA. With over 60 years of experience, trust the experts at Laird and Son with all of your heating, air quality and Toronto air conditioning needs.

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Distinctions Between High Efficiency And Mid Efficiency Gas Furnace

Friday, April 9th, 2010

There are a number of different types of gas furnaces available today. If you are in the market for a new furnace, it may seem difficult selecting the appropriate furnace, but all it really takes is understanding the differences between two furnaces, the High Efficiency Gas Furnace and the Mid Efficiency also known as Standard, Gas Furnace.

Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) is the measurement used by governments and furnace manufacturers to measure a furnace’s heating efficiency. This measurement helps homeowners determine the best gas furnace for their home. For instance, a furnace that has an 80% AFUE rating means that it converts 80% of the fuel to supply the heat while the other 20% is lost out of the chimney. To help you decide which furnace is best for your home, below are the main distinctions between a High Efficiency and Mid Efficiency Gas Furnace.

High Efficiency Gas Furnace

The high efficiency furnace costs more than a mid efficiency furnace as it has a higher efficiency rating. This rating indicates that the boiler overall is much more energy efficient which means that a homeowner will save money during the cold months. The new energy efficient furnaces will have a rating of at least 90% or higher. The higher the rating, the more money you will save on your heating bill. Experts recommend a 90% furnace rating for most homes. Consult with your heating company for more detailed specifications.

In many states, 90% or greater efficiency will allow homeowners to qualify for a special energy rebate. Even if the temperatures rises and falls, the amount of money that you will save on the few cold days can still save a lot of money. If your ductwork is not properly maintained to prevent the impact of the cold, you could lose up to 35% of the heat which will increase your heating bill.

Mid Efficiency Gas Furnace

Many experts suggest that a high efficiency furnace is not required if you live in a region with a mild climate or if you will not be living in your home for more than 5 years as you will not be recouping the cost of a high efficiency furnace. Mid efficiency furnaces have a fuel utilization efficiency of about 80 – 85%. The Government now wants homeowners to have gas furnaces with a rating of at least 80%. If you live in a relatively mild climate where it really does not get that cold, the mid efficiency gas furnace may be the better choice because you will not be using that much energy.

Other than living in very mild climates, it is beneficial to get a high efficiency gas furnace. You will spend more for the purchase; however, over time you will see substantial savings as your energy bills will be greatly reduced. Before you purchase a furnace, it is essential that you compare the different types and brands of furnaces. When you compare furnaces you will learn about each type and their benefits that include the efficiency rating, as well as their size, installation directions, power, and other important features.

You should also figure out how much money you can afford to spend on a furnace and the cost of installation. Do not disregard the advantages of speaking with other homeowners who have purchased a furnace for their home. Talking to others will allow you get advice from people who have had experience using the furnace. Choosing the appropriate furnace such as from gas companies in Toronto will ensure that you get the best gas furnace for your home.

With over 60 years of experience, these professional contractors provide a wide range of services that will maximize the effectiveness in your home management. Our dedicated team has qualified experience in installing boilers Toronto, air conditioning, heating, and furnace Toronto.

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Wood Fireplace Inserts – Complete Combustion Of The Wood And Smoke

Sunday, February 21st, 2010

With the intention to reduce emissions from wood stoves and to tally with the new environmental regulations, today wood fireplace inserts are used the advanced combustion technology that was developed in both the us and Canada. To make certain more complete combustion of the wood and smokes, a secondary combustion was a part of this new technology to increase the fireplace operating efficiency also to cut down the amount of emission escaping through the firebox.

The popular wood fireplace inserts use two separated preheated path of combustion air, one of the air sources feeds straight to the wood burning and the other one is aimed above the primary fire to capture and ignite the imperfect combustion gases that would well be released up the chimney.

The advantage of using dual combustion air path:

* This dual combustion air path synchronized zone and flame patters in the wood fireplace insert

* Lower the emissions by ten fold when compared with a standard fireplace

* Free up the low levels of creosote and imperfect combustion products, and eliminate the opportunity for chimney fires.

As a way to allow much of the infrared heat to be transmitted into the room, wood fireplace inserts using advanced combustion technology included airtight, gasketed doors, and special ceramic glass windows. And to allow easy viewing of the fire, a hot air blower used as a way to sweep the window with air.

This new wood fireplace inserts have a better heat exchange property than standard fireplaces because room air is drawn with a fan through a grill under the firebox then sent via a heat exchanger and back into the room at the top of the fireplace. With the intention to send the heat to the rest of your home, the heat could be ducted to adjacent rooms where as auxiliary fan can send it through ducts.

The chances of combustion products leaking to the house are minimal as these wood fireplace inserts have such little interaction with the place air. For better safety and effectiveness, the outdoor air is supplied directly to the fireplace for combustion and the maze currently in use for preheating the air before it goes into the firebox is built to keep the combustion gases from getting away. The amount of energy efficiency might be around 50% to 70% in a normal installation and when installed in a major living area with an open view to other parts of your house might be higher. The insert can offer much of the heating needs for the entire house and also can lower monthly heating bills.

The wood fireplace inserts provided the energy freedom. This wood fireplace insert can still operate as heat source for the home even with the power failure. However the heat from the fire will radiate through the fireplace to the house by natural because the electric circulating fan will not run.

Learn more about wood fireplace inserts. Stop by Erwan Go’s site where you can find out all about pellet stove and what it can do for you.

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Fireplace Accessories Is most likely the Perfect Home Warming Gift

Wednesday, February 17th, 2010

Fireplace accessories can be the perfect house-warming gifts because they give addition into the home. Aside from improving the pleasant from the indoor fireplace you will can creative with them. You can find all kinds of distinct things you can in making a truly functional fireplace for your home. Getting the right accessories often means the difference between working with a fully functional fireplace which adds extra benefit to your home.

Fireplace Accessories will be the easiest and most affordable method to enhance your fireplace, and ultimately your whole room. Take into account that the fireplace is a built-in focal point of any room that the designers and builders give you to easily design your space.

When you experience everything you need in place from the beginning, you’re sure to get pleasure from your fireplace to the maximum and even feel confident in its safety. Fireplace Accessories need not cost a lot of money but of course as with everything, you’ll find different styles to select from. Prices will vary considerably according to the brand and style of the particular item, but if you’re a careful shopper there’s no doubt you’ll find what you need in the good price.

Unfortunately, selecting the most Fireplace Accessories requires some homework on the part of homeowners. Officials at the hearth, patio & barbecue association propose that homeowners consider how they intend on using their fireplaces before purchasing any accessories that will change the design of a fireplace. Those homeowners struggling to pick out the perfect Fireplace Accessories may turn to Cable-TV home shows or home-decorating magazines for ideas. Often a photo or video montage will guide homeowners toward an ideal fireplace accessories.

Antique fireplace accessories which will bring that old-fashioned look of your fireplaces are not new and covered most houses with their attractiveness on the earth due to its timeless design. They provide additional charm towards the surroundings and bring an elegant statement. These antique fireplace accessories may be used to elaborate areas which are entertaining and yes it creates a cozy area into a romantic and warm place for your family and friends get-together might be considerable when selecting Fireplace Accessories

You can imagine how boring and dull your fireplaces can be without these Fireplace Accessories at your fireplace.

Learn more about fireplace accessories. Stop by Erwan Go’s site where you can find out all about wood pellet stoves and what it can do for you.

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