Posts Tagged ‘Heating’

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2 Pipe and 4 Pipe HVAC Systems: Which Is Best For Your Toronto High Rise Condo?

Monday, February 18th, 2013

Are you comparing 2 pipe and 4 pipe HVAC system for the high rise condo in your Toronto home? We’ve provided this blog post to help you understand the difference between the two systems so that you can begin to compare the advantages of each. Call us any time if you have further questions or would like to set up a consultation for a new HVAC installation.

2 Pipe Systems

In two-pipe hydronic heating and cooling systems have one supply and return pipe for hot and cold water. When on heating mode, it heats each unit in the condo, but when cooling, the cold water is used. These systems are easy to maintain and relatively straightforward to install. They are an efficient way to heat and cool the condos in your building.

4 Pipe Systems

In four-pipe systems, there are return and supply pipes for each component: heating and cooling. Each system is independent of the other in 4 pipe heating and cooling systems. A 4 pipe system is also called a water source heat pump, and it is a popular choice for high-rise building condos because of the size of the building.

Two-pipe systems tend to be less expensive to install than a four-pipe systems, but it is a good idea to speak with an HVAC contractor you can trust to help you figure out which one is right for your needs. At Advantage Airtech, we are happy to help you decide which type of system fits your needs, and we are here to provide friendly advice and quality services any time. Call today if you would like to know more about commercial hydronic heating and cooling systems.

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Newcastle, ON Furnace Tip: How to Tell If You Need To Replace Your Furnace

Monday, February 11th, 2013

While sometimes you may just need furnace repairs, it could also be time for you to replace the furnace in your Newcastle, ON home. At Advantage Airtech, we wanted to help our customers know the difference with a short list of some of the signs of furnace replacement.

Cracked Heat Exchanger

If your furnace has a cracked heat exchanger it could be a potentially dangerous situation. Your heat exchanger’s job is to heat the air in your home and also to exhaust the combustion fumes that result from burning gas. If your heat exchanger has a crack those gases, which include carbon monoxide, could be leaking into your home.

Identifying a cracked heat exchanger is very difficult. If your furnace is making a rattling sound it could indicate that your heat exchanger is cracked. Also, if the flames on your burner are yellow or if they are wiggling it could also mean that you have this problem. If your heat exchanger is cracked, it almost certainly means you need furnace replacement. Call us immediately if you think you are having this problem.

Age of Your Furnace

If you’ve started to need furnace repairs more often, it might make more financial sense to just replace your furnace. There are huge benefits to replacing your old furnace with a new one. Not only will you likely start to enjoy more comfortable heat but you’ll also potentially reduce the amount of energy that you use to heat your home.

If you need furnace repairs in Newcastle, ON or if you need to replace you furnace, call Advantage Airtech.

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Uxbridge Heating Guide: Hydronic Heating vs. Forced Air Heating

Monday, February 4th, 2013

At Advantage Airtech Heating & Air Conditioning, we know that there is not any one heating system that is inherently superior to any other. All home heating systems have pros and cons specific to themselves. When it comes to choosing a new heating system for your Uxbridge home, though there is certainly an option that is best for you, your home and your personal heating habits. Let Advantage Airtech Heating & Air Conditioning help you find the heating system most appropriate for you situation. Here are some highlights and drawbacks of two popular home heating methods: hydronic and forced air heating systems.

Forced air heating systems are extremely popular, and for good reason. With a proper installation, maintenance and repair services a forced air heating system using a furnace can be extremely efficient and effective, providing your home with even, comfortable heating. Many forced air systems suffer some heating inefficiency, though, and the cause of this inefficiency is often traced back to the air ducts. A forced air system depends on ductwork to distribute conditioned air throughout your home. If these air ducts are torn, damaged, improperly installed or otherwise compromised then you may wind paying more than you should due to energy loss.

A hydronic heating system does not suffer this sort of energy loss. Hydronic systems circulated heated liquid via a piping system throughout your home. This type of system depends on radiant heat, in which objects are directly heated by the pipes containing the heating fluid. This heat is then transferred radiantly to people and objects in the room. Whether your hydronic heating system operates this way or with baseboards and radiators, though, the installation of this type of system can be problematic. It is best completed during the construction of a home or building. While it can certainly be incorporated into existing homes it can be intrusive and is best scheduled during remodeling.

For more information about hydronic, forced air or any other heating system just call Advantage Airtech. We are always happy to share our expertise with consumers in the Uxbridge area. Let us know what we can do for you to make your home a more comfortable place to live.

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Pickering Commercial HVAC Tip: Common High Rise Condo HVAC Repairs

Monday, January 28th, 2013

Do you need a high rise condo HVAC repair? If you are looking for a Pickering commercial HVAC contractor you can trust, call Advantage Airtech. We can go over all your options for repairs, and our technicians will give you an honest assessment of your system. We care about customer satisfaction, so you can be sure that we’ll give you comprehensive service. Here are a few signs or red flags that let you know you may need a repair.

Keep in mind that there are times when a replacement is more cost-effective than a repair if you are continuously calling for repair services. Also, repairs may involve several components, but make sure your technician explains what is happening with your HVAC system.

Here are some of the more common high rise condo HVAC repair needs.

Issues with Building Controls

If you own a high rise condo, most likely the building will be run by a central control system. Sometimes, there can be a small electrical problem or other issue causing a larger problem. Faulty wiring, inaccurate thermostat readings, and other problems can be red flags that the systems control board needs to be checked out. If you are having any temperature control problems or other potential electrical issues, call a repair technician right away.

Refrigerant Leaks

Even with a maintenance plan and regular tune-ups, your commercial HVAC system can develop refrigerant leaks over time. If your HVAC system has a refrigerant leak, the line should be cleaned out and replaced. The refrigerant will also need to be charged correctly and the old refrigerant disposed of properly. If your HVAC system isn’t producing enough hot or cool air, the refrigerant could be low, and if technician has to charge the refrigerant during every service, there could be a leak.

Call the Pickering heating and air conditioning company you can trust. Call Advantage Airtech for all your local commercial HVAC needs!

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Which Heating System is Best for High Rise Condos? A Toronto Heating Question

Monday, January 21st, 2013

If you have a high rise condo in Toronto, one of the most important factors in your business’s success is a good heating and air conditioning system. You want the tenants in your high rise condo to always be comfortable. At Advantage Airtech, we provide comprehensive HVAC services for commercial buildings and high rise condos. We thought it would be helpful if we put together a quick list of a couple of the most popular types of HVAC systems. If you need any kind of commercial HVAC services or repairs for the system in your high rise condo, call Advantage Airtech today!

HVAC Systems for Buildings with 5-7+ Floors

If your high rise condo has 5 to 7 or more floors, then you will likely use a centralized HVAC system. This means that there is a single mechanical room in the building that houses that heating and air conditioning systems. These systems tend to be very complex to install, repair and maintain because they have to deliver customizable heating and cooling control to each zone in the building.

  • Water source heat pump – This is one of the more popular systems for buildings of this size. It is also called a two-pipe system because it uses two pipes to circulate condenser water to heat pumps located in each of the zones. This systems features a lower up-front cost and a great deal of flexibility.
  • Four-pipe vertical stack – This is a fan coil system that uses two pairs of water lines, one pair for hot water and the other pair for cold. Residents tend to experience a great deal of comfort with this system because they can switch between heating and cooling very easily.

HVAC Systems for Buildings with 6 or Less Floors

For smaller buildings a decentralized system is often used. Each unit is outfitted with the equivalent of a window unit that can both heat and cool their space. You often see these types of systems in small hotels or motels. One great advantage of this system is that the owner can obtain exact power usage from each of the tenants. But a drawback is that these systems have a shorter lifespan and can result in more calls for repair service.

If you need any kind of help with the HVAC system in your high rise condominium in Toronto, call the experts at Advantage Airtech.

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Toronto Heating Tip: Benefits of In-Floor Heating

Monday, January 14th, 2013

If you are constructing a new home or remodeling your house, now is the perfect opportunity to install an in-floor radiant heating system. Imagine stepping out of bed on a cold winter morning and landing on a warm, comfortable surface. This is just one of the many benefits you can enjoy in your Toronto home thanks to a high quality radiant floor heating system installation by Advantage Airtech Heating & Air Conditioning. Contact us today to discuss all of the advantages that radiant heating can bring to your new or newly remodeled home. We have the answers to all your questions.

Aside from keeping your toes warm in the morning, in-floor radiant heating systems are very efficient, meaning that the installation of one can help you reduce your energy costs. While gas furnaces using a forced air delivery system can be very effective, the ductwork that they rely on to distribute heat throughout your home can allow for a large amount of energy loss. Radiant heating systems do not depend on forced air to heat your home. Rather, they heat objects directly. This is the same type of heat that you feel when you sit near a hot stove. No air is circulated throughout your home, and no energy goes to waste.

If you suffer from allergies or respiratory issues, radiant heating may do more for your comfort than just keep you warm. Another issue that forced air distribution systems give rise to is the circulation and stirring up of allergens in your home. Once these allergens are airborne they can enter an air duct system and be spread throughout the entire house.

Hydronic radiant floor systems are the most popular and affordable of your in floor radiant heating options. They are also compatible with a great selection of fuel sources, making them very convenient in many different situations. Talk to your Toronto heating professional service technician today to decide how you will power your radiant heating system.

For more information about the installation of an in-floor radiant heating system in Toronto, contact the professional team at Advantage Airtech Heating & Air Conditioning. We will be glad to share our expertise with you. Get the advice and information you need to decide if in-floor heating is the right choice for you.

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Tips for Heating Efficiency: A Uxbridge Heating Guide

Monday, January 7th, 2013

Keeping warm on even the coldest nights of the year is a top priority for most homeowners. Unfortunately, the rising costs of energy can make keeping your home comfortable a costly endeavor during the winter months. Improving the efficiency with which you heat your home is integral to saving money and being able to keep your home comfortable. Take these home heating efficiency tips into consideration when heating your Uxbridge home. Those of us at Advantage Airtech want you to be able to heat your home with confidence. Get the most out of the energy you pay for by boosting efficiency.

  • Seal up your windows and doorframes. A little weather stripping and shrink wrap can go a long way in helping to increase energy efficiency during the heating season. The best part is that it is also one of the cheapest ways to do so. Even a beading of caulk in stationary windows can help. Keep the heat inside and watch the bills drop.
  • Do not shut off your ceiling fans once the cooling season is over. This may sound counterintuitive to many, but your ceiling fans are actually reversible. Flip the switch on the fixture to make the change to the winter setting. This will push heated air back down into the living area. Doing so allows for more even heating throughout your home and more comfortable conditions.
  • During the winter months try to skip the restaurants. Eating dinner at home with your family is not only a great way to spend time together and save money on food costs. It also can help you keep warm in a more productive manner. Spend some time with the kids cooking dinner, enjoy the warmth of a busy kitchen, and do not let the cold air in to open the door for the delivery man.
  • Take the time to learn to use your thermostat more effectively. A programmable thermostat is not much help if you do not program it. Read the instruction manual, familiarize yourself with the device, and get the most out of your thermostat.
  • Finally, and this one may seem obvious, but bundle up. You are at home, you have your entire wardrobe to choose from and no one to impress. Throw on the sweater you usually leave in the closet and drop the thermostat down a few degrees.

Follow these easy efficiency tips and you should see the results in your budget. If you have any further questions about how you can get the most out of your home heating system in Uxbridge, call Advantage Airtech. We are happy to help you improve energy efficiency in your home.

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High Rise Heating Maintenance in Toronto

Monday, December 17th, 2012

If you live in a high rise building it can be difficult to heat your living space efficiently. When you own a house you are free, as the homeowner, to make any changes to that house you would like to. This is not the case with a high rise condominium complex. While you may own the condo you are not able to decide by yourself to make any changes to the exterior of the building. If you live in a high rise in the Toronto area, contact Advantage Airtech for more information about how you can heat your living space more efficiently. Often the best way to get the most out of the heating system in your high rise unit is by scheduling regular, professional maintenance.

Routine maintenance is an integral part of keeping your heating system operating as efficiently and effectively as possible. It is especially beneficial to schedule your high rise heating maintenance service before the cold weather really sets in. Doing so help to ensure that your heater will be ready for action when you really need it. After sitting unused throughout the cooling season there is no other way to be sure that your heater will operate properly come the coldest months of the year.

Scheduling professional heating maintenance is also the best way to ensure uninterrupted heating service in your high rise unit. During the maintenance procedures your professional technician can usually discover any minor, developing problems with your heater before they can do serious damage to your system. The longer a problem is left undiscovered and unresolved the more likely it becomes that major heating repair service will be necessary. Early detection is the best way to get any repairs completed with only minor disruption to your heating service and comfort.

To schedule expert heating maintenance service in Toronto, contact Advantage Airtech Heating & Air Conditioning. We can help you keep your high rise unit comfortable on the coldest nights of the year. Call us today.

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Pickering Heating Guide: Is This Simple Repair Slowly Destroying Your Furnace?

Monday, December 3rd, 2012

There’s a common saying that goes, “It’s the little things that matter.” This could never be truer than with the furnace in your Pickering home. We all love the furnace that we have in our home but it is easy to forget about it. At Advantage Airtech, we respond to countless calls for heating service in the Pickering area. More often than not, there’s one small part of the furnace that many people forget about. It’s this small component, however, that causes the majority of heating problems in many homes. We thought that it would be helpful to our customers if we outlined some of the problems associated with this component and why it’s important to keep an eye on it.

The Air Filter

When you think of an air filter for your furnace, some people might think about air quality control. While those types of filters are a great way to improve the quality of air in your home, your furnace’s filter isn’t intended for that purpose. The filter in your furnace is there to keep large particles like dust and dirt from building up inside the unit. It filters the air returning from your home and the fresh outside air that both go into the furnace to get heated and circulated.

Common Problems

When the air filter gets clogged it can cause a number of major problems. Here are some of the most common problems.

  • Low air flow – This one should be obvious. As the filter gets clogged, it restricts air going through your furnace. This will, in turn, restrict the air that is going to your home.
  • Insufficient heat – Without proper air flow, your furnace won’t be able to provide the desired heat to your home. This can result in not enough heating in your home.
  • No heat – In some cases, the filter can get so clogged that it won’t allow any heat or air to leave the furnace.
  • Overheating – The heat exchanger inside your furnace is the piece of metal that the burners actually heat. The fan in your furnace blows air over the heat exchanger to heat it. But if there isn’t enough air flowing over the heat exchanger it can overheat and shut off.
  • Heat exchanger cracks – When the heat exchanger gets overheated a lot it can actually crack.
  • Reduced efficiency – As the air filter gets more clogged, it makes your furnace work harder to push air through your home. This greatly reduces the efficiency of the systems.

If you’re having any of these issues, it’s probably a good idea to check the air filter on your furnace. However, you never know what kind of damage has already been done to your system from a neglected air filter. It’s probably a good idea to have your furnace inspected by a professional to make sure that everything is okay.

Call the heating experts at Advantage Airtech. We have years of experience offering reliable heating services in Pickering. We’ve worked with every type and brand of furnace. Contact us today!

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3 Signs That Your Uxbridge Home’s Gas Fireplace Needs Repair

Monday, November 26th, 2012

Gas fireplaces are a great way to heat your home in Uxbridge. But like all things, they eventually need repair. Sometimes it’s pretty obvious that your gas fireplace isn’t working right. If you’re not getting enough heat or if your gas fireplace is making strange sounds it can be an indication that something is wrong. But there are some other, less conspicuous problems that you might not be aware of. We thought it would be helpful for our customers in Uxbridge if we put together some of these issues.

Problem Lighting Pilot Light

Occasionally, the pilot light for your gas fireplace may go out. This isn’t normally a huge issue. But if you start to have problems relighting it, it might indicate that something is wrong. This is usually because the gas supply has run out. But if you have a natural gas line from the street, this would be impossible. In this case, it could be the thermocouple which would need to be replaced by a professional Uxbridge heating technician.

Gas Smell

This can sometimes be the result of a pilot light that has gone out. But if your pilot light is lit and you still smell gas, it’s time to call your utility company immediately. You should also quickly shut off the gas line to your fireplace and also shut off any stoves or furnaces that could create a spark. Obviously, you should also turn off the gas fireplace as well.

Soot

Vented gas fireplaces are supposed to produce soot. But they are designed to properly vent harmful combustion fumes like carbon monoxide. However, unvented gas fireplaces, as their name implies, don’t do that. Unvented gas fireplaces, while they still produce combustion fumes, burn cleanly enough that they don’t need to vent. But if your unvented gas fireplace starts to produce soot, this can be a problem. This could mean that the logs in your fireplace aren’t assembled correctly. It could mean that the damper isn’t drafted or that the flue is blocked. You should definitely consult with a professional heating technician if this is an issue with your gas fireplace.

If you have any questions about your gas fireplace in your home in Uxbridge, contact the experts at Advantage Airtech. We would be more than happy to help you out. Give us a call today!

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