Author: Pro West Heating

Causes Of Indoor AC Unit Water Leaks

An air conditioner is supposed to provide you with the comfort and cooling you need in summer. However, your air conditioner might degrade in performance with time, which could call for regular AC maintenance and repair.

Seeing water dripping down your air conditioner can be a very unsettling and unpleasant sight. This is even more disturbing if your indoor AC unit is constantly dripping water and turning your room into a messy puddle. It can become your worst nightmare if you don’t pay attention to your AC’s condition on time. The situation may worsen over time, and you might have to replace your AC or spend quite a lot of money on its repair.

Therefore, to avoid that messy puddle indoors due to your leaking AC unit, you must know why your air conditioner is leaking water. Moreover, your HVAC contractor can help you and give it the immediate attention it needs. This blog post will help you highlight some major causes of air conditioner water leaks.

Clogged Drain Line

This one is the most common reason for an AC to leak water. Your unit collects moisture during the dehumidification process. During this process, it also contains dirt, and over time, if the condensate drain line is not cleaned enough, it can accumulate dirt and debris and cause a blockage.

This blockage prevents the water from draining, and it will start to collect in your unit, causing it to spill out of the drain pan. Water cannot easily drain from the overflow pan when its train line is clogged.

Therefore, you must make sure that your condensed drain line is cleaned regularly and periodically to avoid any kind of clogging. Focus on HVAC maintenance and repair to ensure your AC is still working in good condition and prevent such problems.

Clogged Air Filter

The air filter in your AC is responsible for filtering the air before it transfers it indoors. This filter can become dusty while working for an extended period, hampering the airflow. Moreover, the coils freeze when the air inside the evaporator becomes too cold, leading to ice build up; when this ice melts, the water drips due to the indoor unit.

Therefore, you must periodically replace or maintain your AC filter to avoid such problems. Keep checking your filters to ensure leak prevention, especially when the device is in heavy use.

Condensation Build-up

The air conditioner dehumidifying process includes a condensation process. It contains the air before it is delivered to your room. However, excessive condensation inside the AC can cause leaking water from the air ducts or vents. This water drips on your home’s insulation and causes further damage.

Moreover, it can also lead to mold growth in the air ducts and deteriorate your indoor air quality. Condensation build-up can happen for multiple reasons, such as when the air ducts are not properly insulated. Dirty air filters, blocked ducts, and a blocked drain pump can also leak water as the air is not able to circulate freely throughout your AC system.

Moreover, high humidity in the summer increases the chances of condensation build-up in your AC. Therefore, regular tuning and maintenance of your AC system are necessary to ensure that your ACs’ filters are in perfect condition and there is no condensation build-up.

Other Reasons For An Indoor AC Leak

Some of the other common reasons your AC may leak water, especially through the indoor unit are:

  • Frozen evaporator coils
  • Incorrect AC installation
  • Malfunctioning pump
  • Failed condensate pump

Why Does An AC Collect Water?

The purpose of an AC is to maintain the temperature and control the homes’ humidity level. When the warm air is taken from your home, it is blown over to the evaporator coils, which causes it to condense, thus making it less humid. Therefore, the resulting moisture drips into the drain pan, but if it is clogged or there is excessive moisture accumulation in your air conditioner, the water will not drain, but rather it will start to steep from the indoor unit.

Final Thoughts

Regular maintenance of your air conditioner can help prevent such issues and avoid water from coming inside your room. Moreover, you can also care for your AC on your own by cleaning its filters and checking its condensation coils. However, it is wise to call a professional HVAC company for regular check ups and to repair anything needed.

About Pro West Heating & Air Conditioning

Pro West understands that investing in an AC is a major investment that you can’t afford again and again. For this reason, we would like to emphasize the importance of regular maintenance. Contact us for such services.

Reasons Why Your Air Conditioner Is Noisy

The summer heat may be descending upon Canada, and you might be thinking of turning on your air conditioners. The use of air conditioners has become more common than ever due to the latest energy-efficient technology that makes it possible for you to enjoy your summers in an air conditioned home while not worrying about higher energy bills.

However, any problem with your air conditioner can be a big headache for you. Until a few years back, air conditioners were pretty noisy, however, thanks to the latest technology, they are quieter than ever now. Noisy air conditioners are disturbing, especially when you are trying to sleep after a long tiring day.

High-efficiency air conditioning units come with advanced sound damping technology that keeps the noise level below 55 decibels. However, sometimes your air conditioner may produce an exceptionally loud noise that you should take notice of.

There are different types of sounds and noises which your air conditioner can make. This blog post mentions all the sounds and reasons why your air conditioner might be causing noise and what you can do about it.

Banging Noises

Banging noises are a common indicator of a problem with the compressor. The compressor is designed to provide refrigerant to various parts of your AC system and remove excess heat from your home. However, with time, certain parts can become loose inside the compressor, which might cause a banging noise.

This banging noise is actually caused by those detached components that might be hitting against the exterior framing of the compressor. A professional HVAC contractor with years of experience might be able to resolve this compressor issue. However, most of the time, it might not be easy to disassemble your AC compressor, and you may need to invest in a new air conditioner. But you can always call your HVAC contractor and ask them if they can solve your issue.

Clanking Noises

This one is another sign of a loose or out-of-balance part of an AC. It might indicate a problem with the compressor, or there might be a loose part inside the indoor unit of the AC. Clanking noises could also mean that there is a problem with the indoor blower or outdoor fan, or maybe its blades are out of balance. Such issues must be solved by a professional HVAC contractor before they turn into a bigger problem.

Hissing Sounds

Hissing sounds might not be as common as other types of banging or clanking noises, but they might be a signal of an air duct leak in your house. It might be due to a malfunctioning expansion valve or an air filter that is not compatible with your system.

Whistling Noise

If you are hearing a whistling sound in the middle of the night don’t worry, your house is not haunted, it is just your HVAC system that needs help. Such noises are caused due to a refrigerant leak which damages your air conditioner and can also affect your family’s health. It might also be due to high internal pressures on your compressor. So don’t panic, just call your HVAC contractor to come and repair your AC.

Whirring Noise

A whirring noise is a sound like a helicopter which might be because of a mechanical problem with your AC’s indoor unit or outdoor unit. It might be the result of bad bearings in the indoor unit or a faulty fan in the outdoor unit. Moreover, when the blades of the fan start to become loose, they cause such noises. What you can do is ask your HVAC contractor to replace your blades to reduce the noise instead of replacing the whole unit.

Final Words

Investigating the weird noises coming out of your air conditioner is necessary to avoid any problem turning into a bigger one. Your professional HVAC contractor will fix any issue there might be with your AC that you are unable to detect. You just need to make sure that you have found a professional HVAC contractor who knows how to do their job.

About Pro West Heating & Air Conditioning

Let PRO WEST Heating & Air Conditioning repair or replace your furnace, air conditioning unit, or other HVAC Appliances in Vancouver and the surrounding areas. Contact for more information.

Get A Heat Pump Rebate By Switching To Electric In BC

A heat pump is an energy-efficient alternative to all the other types of home heating systems such as electric baseboards and natural gas furnaces. Moreover, a heat pump can provide both cooling and heating to help you keep your home comfortable year-round.

But a heat pump uses fossil fuel heating sources such as propane and natural gas to heat your home. These fossil fuel heating sources have a negative impact on our environment, hence it is time that you switch to a cleaner and more environmentally friendly heating system. Now you can get a heat pump rebate by switching to electricity in BC, keep on reading to find out all the necessary information you need to know regarding the heat pump rebate.

You Can Get $11,000 For Going Electric

In BC, now you can get up to $11,000 by switching from a fossil fuel heating source to an electric heat pump. As the world moves towards cleaner and greener ways of heating and cooling, this move is another stepping stone in making this world a better place to live in.

The majority of heat pumps are currently heated by propane and natural gas, both of which are efficient ways of heating heat pumps. The only drawback is that they largely affect the environment, therefore you should switch to electric and get up to an $11,000 rebate.

You can also get additional rebates from the federal government’s Canada Greener Homes Grant for up to $5,000. This is a separate rebate program with its own application process and eligibility criteria, that requires a home evaluation and registration before making any upgrades.

Note: The Canada Greener Homes Grant program is currently facing delays in processing applications for home evaluation, so you may face delays in heat pump installation if you choose to apply for this grant.

Rebate Options

Here are the rebate options available for different types of heat pumps:

Ductless Multi-Split Heat Pump

For customers who replace their fossil fuel heating systems such as oil, propane and natural gas with electric heating systems:

  • CleanBC Rebate: Up to $3,000
  • Pro-West Heating & Air Conditioning Top-Up: $3,000
  • Canada Greener Homes Grant: Up To $4,000
  • Final Total: Up To $10,000

There are some municipalities that offer additional top-ups depending upon the area you live in.

Ductless Mini-Split Heat Pump

For customers who replace fossil fuel heating systems such as oil, propane and natural gas with electric heating systems:

  • CleanBC Rebate: Up to $3,000
  • Pro West Heating & Air Conditioning Top-Up: $3,000
  • Final Total: Up To $6,000

There are some municipalities that offer additional top-ups depending upon the area you live in.

Central Ducted Heat Pump

For customers who replace fossil fuel heating systems such as oil, propane and natural gas with electric heating systems:

  • CleanBC Rebate: Up to $3,000
  • Pro West Heating & Air Conditioning Top-Up: $3,000
  • Canada Greener Homes Grant: Up To $5,000
  • Final Total: Up To $11,000

There are some municipalities that offer additional top-ups depending upon the area you live in.

Eligibility Criteria For A Heat Pump Rebate

  • You must have a residential account with Pro West Heating & Air Conditioning.
  • Your house must be currently heated with oil, propane and natural gas.
  • The heat pump must be the primary heating system of your home, all the old and backup systems powered with fossil fuels must be fully removed.
  • You must apply for the heat pump rebate within 6 months.
  • You must meet our general eligibility requirements, which include living in an eligible property type.

Heat Pump Eligibility

  • Your heat pump must be registered on the rebate-eligibility heat pump list.
  • It must be properly sized to function as the main heating system of your home. A primary heating system must have the capacity to heat a minimum of 50% of the home at 21ºC for the entire heating season.

How To Apply

  • Firstly review the eligibility criteria above to make sure you are eligible.
  • Then we recommend you to get three quotes from different heat pump contractors.
  • Once you have finalized your contractor, install your heat pump and make sure to keep copies of all the installation invoices.
  • When the heat pump is installed, complete our online application. Pro West Heating & Air Conditioning, CleanBC and applicable municipal rebates are all handled together; there’s no separate application for the fuel-switching top-ups. The top-ups will be added to your rebate amount.

We at Pro West Heating & Air Conditioning have a team of trained HVAC contractors that can help you with your heating and cooling system repair, installation and maintenance. Along with HVAC services, we offer rebates as well, for more information about rebates contact us today.

Make Your HVAC System Eco-Friendly!

Environmental conservation is a global concern. Over the past few years, the degradation of the ozone and ever-rising air pollution have caught everyone’s attention. The results of these occurrences are apparent in the changing world’s climate. The increase in global temperatures every year worldwide has speeded up the melting of glaciers and caused many irregularities in the agricultural sector.

Evidently, the matter of global warming is not something to be controlled at the provincial level alone. Every individual must play a role in combating this issue. You wouldn’t want to leave behind a distorted and overheated Earth for your children, now would you?

As the most dedicated HVAC contractors in BC, we believe it is our duty to acknowledge our social responsibility and educate you regarding this matter. Let us face reality. Canadian winters are unimaginable without a good heating source and vice versa for summer. In this regard, heat pumps are a better and energy-efficient alternative to the typical heating and cooling solutions.

However, heat pumps that utilize fossil fuel for energy production continue to hurt the environment severely. In this regard, the Government of British Columbia, in collaboration with Hydro BC and the federal government, has taken several steps to make BC a better place to live.

Now, it is our turn to work on individual and organizational levels. As an organization, we provide you with this informative blog to help you go green. As an individual, it is your responsibility to be a good samaritan and put the tips ‌into action.

How To Have A Greener HVAC

When it comes to going green, homeowners often have two options:

  • For some, using more energy-efficient devices that preserve energy is the ideal way.
  • While for others, a reduction in their carbon footprint on the environment is the best way to show their love for the environment.

Either way, what matters is how you will accomplish your green goals. To motivate you further, here is a fun fact:

Research shows that in Canadian households and businesses, HVAC accounts for the most prominent energy usage share.

This fact should be a starting point for you. Since your HVAC consumes a major chunk of your energy, taking the following steps to make it greener will be a significant endeavor:

Switch Fuels

The first way you can make your HVAC system greener is to follow the government’s lead. As emphasized earlier, the government of BC is unwaveringly working towards making BC a better place to live. In this regard, it is offering homeowners incredible rebates to encourage them to use electrical energy rather than fossil fuel for their heating and cooling needs.

Well, this initiative makes your work relatively easy. Simply switch to electricity and hit two birds with one stone: go green and enjoy the rebate.

Install ACs With A Higher SEER Rating

But if you want to go a step further to show your concern for the environment, consider installing an AC with a higher SEER rating. You must have judged from the price differences that not all ACs have the same level of efficiency. When purchasing an air conditioner, you must pay attention to its SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio).

The higher the SEER rating, the more energy-efficient and greener the AC will be.

The best way to accomplish this goal would be to contact a reliable HVAC contractor like Pro-West and discuss your AC installation needs and options. These professionals will suggest and implement the best solutions possible.

Pay Attention To Air Leaks And Insulation

Improper home insulation and damaged HVAC ductwork are the biggest reasons behind air leaks and, ultimately, an HVAC’s energy inefficiency. If warm air seeps into your house in the summer or cool air is lost due to inadequate insulation, you will ultimately be forced to keep your HVAC on high.

This inefficiency will lead to unnecessarily high energy consumption, which is eventually bad for the environment. A similar scenario regarding air leaks is also evident in the winter.

Thus, you must inspect your home and HVAC ductwork for potential leaks and fix them to conserve energy.

Tune-Up And Upgrade

The more you take care of your HVAC, the longer it will last and the more efficient it will become. Hence, regular maintenance is the best way to make your HVAC more energy-efficient and ultimately greener.

Similarly, older HVACs consume significantly more energy than newer ones. The difference might be a result of the use of better technology in their manufacturing. Thus, if your HVAC is eight years or older, consider upgrading to a more energy-efficient and technically advanced HVAC.

About Pro West Heating And Air

Driven by a commitment to customer satisfaction and the utmost attention to quality, we provide unmatched HVAC installation, repair, maintenance, and other related services in Vancouver. Learn more about PRO WEST and our elite services. Contact us now!

Mission Impossible – A Dead Rat In Your Ductwork!

Do you know what the most dreadful experience is for any homeowner? Finding a dead rat, mouse, or any other rodent rotting in one of the corners of their cherished house. Surely, this scene is not something pleasant to witness. The foul smell that spreads throughout the house when the carcass begins to decay followed by the horror of tracking the source and getting rid of the body is no less than one of Tom Cruise’s famous ‘Mission Impossibles’.

However, the situation becomes a hundred times worse when you realize that the animal is resting in peace in your HVAC ductwork.

In such a situation, you as a homeowner need to ask yourself three important questions:

  • Where is the dead body?
  • How do you get rid of it?
  • What should you do to prevent a similar encounter in the future?

As reputed HVAC contractors in BC, we are here to lend you a reliable helping hand. One thing is clear from the above discussion. As disgusting, annoying, and horrendous (plus any other word that comes to mind) as the task sounds, there is no other way but to find the corpse and get rid of it. Well, the good news is, you will not have to work half as hard as Ethan Hunt if you have us by your side.

Accordingly, we recommend that you immediately request an inspection from a proficient HVAC contractor if you suspect a rodent invasion in your ductwork. But if you are brave enough to take matters into your own hands, then this blog presents to you the steps you should take when there is an animal lying lifeless in your HVAC ductwork.

Steps To Accomplish The ‘Mission Impossible’

It is time to play the role of Ethan Hunt. As a starting point, reconsider the three questions we mentioned earlier. You will realize that the discussion that follows is systematically divided according to these questions:

1. Track The Clues

Honestly speaking, a foul smell may not always indicate a dead animal in your ductwork. Thus, the first step you must take is to find the cause of the smell. You need to follow the scent and find out whether it is really a dead animal. And if it is, where exactly it is. You shouldn’t just rush and open your HVAC ductwork. First, rule out all the other possible areas such as kitchen cabinets, behind the fridge, etc.

During this process, the scent will be your biggest clue. If the smell intensifies when you approach your ductwork, know that the latter is the hot spot.

2. Gather Your Tools

Once you are sure that the smell source is most likely in the ductwork, remove the vent cover and spot the dead body with the help of a torch. At this point, it is imperative to understand that experimentation in the case of something as expensive as an HVAC system is not a very wise decision.

Therefore, if you can easily spot the animal, proceed to gather the necessary tools to get rid of it. But if you can’t see it, leave the matter to a professional.

Some essential items you might require in the former case include:

  • Gloves
  • Towels
  • Garbage bags
  • Disinfectants
  • Something to drag the animal if is far from reach

3. Get Rid Of The Corpse

This step is perhaps the most awful one. Now that you have located the carcass, you need to get it out of the ductwork. For this, you need to wear rubber gloves and use a towel to pick it up and place it in the garbage bag. If the animal is not within your reach, use something long such as a bent hanger to bring it closer.

Afterward, follow the right animal disposal policies in your area of residence to discard the animal. Then, use a disinfectant to thoroughly clean the area where the carcass was discovered to completely get rid of the remaining foul smell.

4. Seek Out The Invasion Route

The previous step marks the end of the main and the hardest part of the mission. However, it is not yet time to rest. You need to find out how the animal managed to creep into your ductwork unnoticed. Find the loopholes and get them fixed as soon as possible to avoid going through the same horror again.

5. Request An Inspection from The Most Reliable HVAC Contractors In BC

Ethan Hunt would have a hard time accomplishing any mission without Luther Stickell. In your case, your supporting character would be a reliable and professional HVAC contractor. We recommend that you request periodic HVAC inspections to prevent the above and other HVAC problems. If a loophole is discovered in time, it can be fixed before a rodent finds it.

Pro West Heating & Air boasts the widest range of HVAC and related services in BC. From simple HVAC repairs to heat pump maintenance, everything is at our fingertips. Contact us now to learn more.

6 Fireplace Safety Tips

Your fireplace provides you and your family with much-needed warmth and is probably the best place to gather around during these uncertain weather swings. However, before making your family plans, make sure that the place is well-maintained and up to the mark to function properly.

If you have not yet gotten your chimney or fireplace inspected for this year we recommend that you call a gas fireplace expert and get it inspected, repaired, and cleaned wherever needed. In the meanwhile, the following blog will explain a few fire prevention tips you can follow to stay safe.

1. Chimney Inspection And Cleaning

NRC (national research council Canada) has guided users to get their chimneys inspected and cleaned at least once a year. It has also mentioned the importance of cleaning chimneys in several pieces of research.

A proper and well-conducted chimney inspection can eradicate all possible soot, glazing, and creosote that can be in your fireplace chimney. An inspection will also evaluate the integrity of your chimney and fireplace to make sure it is up to par before use.

2. Smoke Detector Check

Next, make sure to check your smoke detector and ensure that it is working properly. It is better to keep batteries that are suitable for your smoke detector. Hearing a loud chirp sound from your smoke detectors indicates that it needs new batteries. Finding that you are out of them, can be quite a bummer, especially during the festive season.

3. Carbon Dioxide Detector Check

Carbon dioxide is an odorless yet dangerous gas to breathe in. It is a by-product of burning. High concentrations of carbon dioxide in the air can be fatal. Therefore, it is important to take precautions to avoid and prevent carbon dioxide poisoning. A CO2 detector can alert you when levels have gone above the normal range. Make sure that your carbon dioxide detector is working properly and can do the job for a long time.

4. Don’t Place Wrapped Packages Near A Fire

Owing to the chances of combustibility, it is important that you keep your neatly wrapped gifts or boxes away from the fireplace when the fire is ignited. It is advisable to keep all combustible materials at least three feet away from your lightened fireplace and other fire sources like candles, stoves, and portable heaters.

5. Don’t Burn Wrapping Paper

Wrapping paper, packaging materials, and other colorful papers have additives in them. These additional components make burning these materials harmful. The chemicals in these materials produce high temperatures when burned which can trigger a chimney fire above your fireplace. So, it is advisable to never burn wrapping paper in your fireplace.

6. Get Help From Pro West Heating & Air Conditioning

Pro-West Heating & Air Conditioning is your go-to partner when considering installing or buying heating systems this winter. Our team of experts can also help you in performing regular maintenance sessions for your heating systems. This not only makes them safer to use but also improves their energy efficiency. We are Professional & Reliable HVAC Contractors In Vancouver And The Lower Mainland. Contact us for more information on our services.

Warning Indications Of A Failing Furnace

Undeniably, humanity is blessed to have four different seasons. Imagine having summer throughout the year with no sign of ever seeing the green leaves change to a mixed hue of orange, yellow, and red. Contrarily, having to endure a bone-freezing cold breeze with no hope of ever seeing the surrounding trees and plants slowly bloom is also unappealing.

However, each season brings with it its own challenges. After all, variety has its own price. As fall waves a final goodbye and hands us over to the approaching winter, the concerns of remaining cosy and warm surge. Heating services become the talk of the town as every other person starts worrying over their HVAC system’s proper functionality in the approaching winter.

In this regard, it is quite natural for people to look into furnace repair or replacement services or the well-being of their heat pumps. No one wants to abruptly wake up in the middle of the night in shivers with clattering teeth.

The Canadian winter season can be quite harsh when it wants to be. Long-lasting snowstorms or frequent cold fronts are unbearable if one has a malfunctioning furnace.

For this reason, today’s blog aims to enlighten our readers regarding the signs that might suggest a furnace failure. If you are able to detect the problem in its early stages, you might be able to avoid a costlier crisis later.

Signs Indicating A Furnace Failure

Even though we provide emergency furnace repair and replacement services in Vancouver and the Lower Mainland, we prefer to save our clients the extra costs by helping them catch the issue in its initial stages. After all, a stitch in time saves nine.

Look out for the following signals and take the appropriate measures before the problem gets out of hand:

1. End Of Lifespan

Nothing is immortal and mechanical items are no exception to this principle.

Usually, a furnace has a service life of about fifteen to twenty years. If your furnace has crossed this age and is providing poor heating, replacement is inevitable. In such a situation, it is better to get a new furnace rather than endure frequent costly repairs.

2. Abnormally High Bills

If this year’s heating bills greatly surpass that of the previous year, it might suggest you need to pay attention to your furnace. A furnace loses its efficiency over long usage. Hence, they suck up more fuel but become less productive. In such a situation, simply get your furnace refurbished.

3. Frequent Repairs

If your furnace’s lifespan is not over but the cost of repairs is steadily increasing, then there is something terribly wrong with your furnace. Normally, it means the furnace has been damaged beyond repair and needs replacement. However, it would be wise to first consult a reputable HVAC contractor for advice regarding the matter.

4. Odd Sounds And Smells

One of the biggest signs of any mechanical device going bad is strange sounds and smells. The same goes with furnaces. If you often hear weird sounds or if the family complains of unpleasant smells, it might be time to have an expert look into your furnace’s health. These are often the most initial signs of an upcoming bigger problem.

5. Faltering Temperature Control

When a furnace fails to provide the same level of warmth it provided a few years ago, it might indicate an issue with the thermostat. In such a case, you don’t need to replace the whole furnace but just have to upgrade your thermostat. If the need to replace your thermostat arises, we suggest that you value quality over price.

A good thermostat can save you from frequent repairs and replacements, and can even increase the life of your furnace.

6. Emission Of Soot Or Water Collecting Around The Furnace

A gas or electric furnace should not be releasing soot. If it does, then it is either malfunctioning or was improperly installed. Regardless of the root cause, such a sign should not be ignored. If left unattended, the problem may lead to the furnace being damaged beyond repair.

On the other hand, water collecting around the furnace may not necessarily signal a faulty furnace. Instead, it may be the after-effect of poor plumbing. Nevertheless, have a professional HVAC contractor examine the furnace to ensure that the appropriate steps are taken.

About Pro West Heating

When precision meets perfection, the results are worth remembering. Pro West Heating hopes to attain exactly that by providing high-quality HVAC services as per every client’s unique needs. Contact us for more information.

5 Signs Your Furnace Needs Repair

In Coquitlam, heating is a seasonal necessity, and a damaged furnace can cause quite a few problems in the winter months. Maintenance is just as important to ensure the lifespan of the system is sustained. Below are 5 signs that you should get your furnace repaired by the professionals at Pro West Heating & Air Conditioning before it becomes a necessity.

  1. Poor Heating

    Is your heater struggling to keep up with your thermostat, even on mildly cold days? Insufficient heating and cold spots in the home are all signs that your furnace may need maintenance. A dirty system or clogged piping and ductwork can prevent the heat from reaching the desired temperature, causing it to run more often, raising utility bills and wasting gas without any of the comfort of a system that is running sufficiently. The first time you turn on your system for the year, it may take a while for the system to get up to the temperature you need, but if the problem is consistent or the heating begins to struggle despite having it on for a few weeks, it’s time for furnace repair Coquitlam.

  2. Short-Cycling

    This is easy to recognize once you know what to look for. Short-cycling happens when the furnace turns off and on at faster than normal intervals. The furnace will often struggle and fail to reach the desired temperature but will keep turning on to attempt to match the thermostat. Not only is this the symptom of a deeper problem with your furnace, requiring repair, but it is a waste of gas and can wear out various system components quickly if left unresolved.Short-cycling should be addressed as soon as possible to prevent it from damaging the lifespan of your furnace and causing further damage to the system.

  1. Yellow Pilot Light

    Is your pilot light orange, yellow, or green? It’s time to get it checked out by a professional.The pilot light for your furnace should always be blue, and the presence of another color could be a sign of other substances, like built-up rust, that interfere with the furnace’s operation. This could be a safety hazard if left unresolved.If you notice your pilot light is a different color other than blue, you should turn the heating off and call the technicians at Pro West immediately to ensure the safety of the heating system.

  2. Unusual Noises

    Loud banging noises, screeching, or buzzing sounds are all cause for concern, especially if they are out of the ordinary for your system. If you notice these noises, it’s not something to brush off.These sounds are indicative of problems with the furnace and can alert you to potential hazards, like faulty electrical connections, a worn-out fan belt, or a problem with the burners.If you notice these sounds, turn off your heater immediately and call the experts at Pro West. These issues should be addressed and repaired as soon as possible before running the heat again.

  3. High Utility Bills

    Every year, it seems like utility bills get higher and higher, but we’re not talking about the utility company’s rate. Even if you’ve been conscious about your energy consumption, your heating may be telling you a different story.If you notice the usage on your bill is going up, leading to expensive bills, chances are that the furnace requires maintenance or repair as it is unable to run efficiently.Beyond wasting gas and costing you more money for less heat, a heating system that has not been maintained properly will need to be replaced sooner as individual parts wear out.

Can Old Furnaces Be Repaired?

Yes, old furnaces can generally be repaired, but it might not be the best choice as the system will be worn and parts will become more difficult to come by with every year. Generally, repairs are most effective in furnaces that are under 10-15 years old, revitalizing the machinery and maintaining its lifespan.

Should I Replace My 25-Year-Old Furnace?

If your furnace is over 15 years old, it may be best to replace the system depending on how efficiently it is running. 25-year-old furnaces are generally difficult to repair as parts are difficult to come by, and the machine will not be as efficient in providing heat to the home. As parts inside the furnace wear out, they become more susceptible to breaking or malfunctioning, which can become potentially hazardous problems in routine usage. Repairs in furnaces this old typically take more time and money to maintain than they do to replace the system entirely. We typically recommend replacing the furnace after 15-20 years to invest in your home’s heating efficiency and safety.

How Much Does It Cost to Remove and Replace a Furnace?

For a full furnace removal and installation, it can cost anywhere from $4,000 to $11,000 depending on the type of furnace and the current boiler room set up. (1) “it pays to replace your HVAC system as soon as it stops functioning” Forbes.com This cost includes the cost of the new furnace, average labor, any necessary ductwork or piping, disposal of the old furnace, and installation of the new furnace. To get a full quote for your furnace removal and replacement, give our heating experts a call at Pro West Heating & Air Conditioning.

Can I Install a Furnace Myself?

No, we do recommend installing a furnace without the proper training and understanding of HVAC systems. Installing a furnace yourself is difficult, dangerous, and the slightest oversight can lead to significant safety hazards. Any furnace installation or furnace repair in Coquitlam should be done by a licensed and insured contractor.

Furnace Repair Coquitlam

We are the best providers of furnace repair Coquitlam has seen, with fast, fair and reliable heating & air conditioning services. Our team strives to provide the highest quality service blended with the best results. Whether you need furnace repair, maintenance, or installation, our team can help you take care of it, working with you on a timeline that suits your schedule. Give us a call to get a quote or request a service date today. References: Forbes, How Much Does a New HVAC System Cost?, https://www.forbes.com/advisor/home-improvement/new-hvac-system-cost/

How To Improve Your Indoor Air Quality This Winter

Winter is a great time to remain cozy in your room and spend most of your time snugly in a blanket, watching Netflix and munching on your favorite snacks. With this, you turn on your heater and shut all doors and windows to keep yourself warm. However, improper ventilation and poor indoor air quality can badly affect your health. Properly maintaining your heating system is necessary for such scenarios. An improperly maintained heating system can provide you the required heat, but will greatly affect the air quality of your house.

All this warming up indoors is good, but it can take a toll on your indoor air quality. You might be spending more hours inside, so imagine how much impact it will have on your health. Winter can further exacerbate problems for people who are sensitive to indoor allergens or have respiratory problems. Therefore, keeping your indoor air quality at a healthy level becomes necessary.

Statistics also show that we spend 90% of our time indoors. So, you must take steps to make sure that you are spending your time in a healthy place. This blog post highlights some ways by which you can improve your indoor air quality.

Get Your Furnace Checked

Most of the air you receive during the winter comes from your furnace. If your furnace is not in proper working condition and its filters are not clean, it will definitely impact your indoor air quality.

Therefore, it is necessary to get your furnace checked by a professional HVAC contractor who can assist you with the problems and make your furnace ready for use. This will alleviate most of your problems. A properly maintained HVAC system prevents dust and debris from entering the environment, hence, you will not breathe them in.

Invest In Air Purifiers

Many people are sensitive to dust and pollen. Their allergies are often triggered in such winter conditions when the weather becomes dry, and humidity levels in the air are low. Indoor allergens can worsen the issue.

In addition to this, if you have pets, the percentage of allergens in the air is even higher. Therefore, it is necessary to look for other ways and invest in a quality air purifier.

Air purifiers are smart devices. Most of them are ionic purifiers that can help capture some of the irritants that may trigger your symptoms. These purifiers help to cut down some of the allergens but not completely. So, it can give you some relief from your allergies.

Invest In Humidifiers

Irritation in skin, nose, lips, throats, and ears is common in the winter season. This is because of the dryness in the air, which is usually a result of constant heating. Dry air can cause skin and eye irritations. Therefore, you must invest in a quality humidifier to reduce such effects.

Humidifiers help to maintain an ideal level of humidity in the air minimizing the symptoms of allergies. They also help in maintaining your immune system which also improves your sleep cycle.

When your indoor air quality is comfortable, you won’t cough or spend sleepless nights. So, if you want to improve your indoor air quality, install a humidifier in your home. Ideally, humidity levels should remain around 40% to 50% all year long.

Keep Your Room Well Ventilated

Ventilation is just as important in winter as keeping your room warm. If you are turning on your heaters, make sure to check for proper ventilation as well. Pollutants like CO2 and VOC are harmful to your health.

Ventilation is also a solution for dangerous pollutants like VOCs and CO2. Effective ventilation helps to get rid of such pollutants by replacing old stale air with fresh air. Poor ventilation can result in health issues and cognitive impairments. Therefore, make sure to maintain an effective ventilation system for better indoor air quality.

About Pro West Heating & Air Conditioning

If you want to repair your HVAC or other similar appliances, Pro West Heating & Air Conditioning is the perfect choice for you. At Pro West, we offer expert services in repairing, installing, and maintaining air conditioning, heating, hydronic, and humidifier systems to our residential and commercial customers in Vancouver and the lower mainland region. Check out our services here, or Contact us today for more information about our services.

Top Signs Your Boiler Needs Repair | Boiler Repairs and Maintenance

In Vancouver, winter can be harsh on the home’s heating system, and it’s important to ensure you can run the whole season without disruption. Getting boiler repair Vancouver, including check-up and maintenance, is crucial to ensure your home is running efficiently through the colder months. Not only is a consistent, warm temperature inside the home a part of daily comfort, but it’s also important for regulating other areas of the home such as preventing pipes from freezing and electrical systems operating normally.  

Top Signs Your Boiler Unit Needs Repair

 

  1. Foul Odour from Boiler or Pipes

Heating systems may have a faintly burned odour when they are first used in the year, as dust burns away from heated pipes. This smell should go away quickly, however, and should never linger. Likewise, a sudden foul odour emitted from the boiler or pipes during regular usage could be a sign of a safety hazard that must be addressed by a technician immediately. If you detect a foul odour, turn off the boiler system immediately and contact the technicians at Pro West Heating & Air Conditioning.  

  1. Inefficiency in Heating

An inefficiency in heating can be identified by how well the boiler heats your home – and whether it heats it evenly – as well as how your fuel costs stack up. If your fuel costs are significantly higher than they should be for the time of year, your boiler might be to blame. While fuel rates change, your boiler should never use a significantly higher amount of fuel without a corresponding level of usage. Likewise, the house should always be heated evenly; uneven heating could be the result of a clog in the pipes or another issue that should be resolved as soon as possible.  

  1. Boiler System Is Leaking

If your boiler system is leaking either around the boiler itself or from any piping, it should be serviced immediately before further damages occur. Many people believe that boiler leaks are common and low priority, however, this can be a symptom of more significant underlying issues and a lack of routine maintenance. Boiler leaks can affect other areas of the home and lead to costly repairs, such as mould remediation, water damages, and other problems.  

  1. Hot Water Won’t Stay Hot

If your hot water takes a long time to warm up or doesn’t stay warm for long, your boiler system may be in need of maintenance or water heater repair. In an efficient system, the hot water should be heated quickly and stay hot longer, providing your home or business with reliable access to hot water.  

  1. Boiler System is Outdated

If your boiler is older, it can lose efficiency over time. If your boiler system is over 20 years old, it’s likely to exhibit problems and needs repair more often than a boiler that is newer and more cost-efficient. Likewise, an outdated boiler system may prove difficult to repair as the parts become obsolete or are no longer offered by manufacturers, preventing technicians from repairing it at all. If this becomes an issue, it is best to replace the boiler with a newer model before a major issue results in safety hazards or costly repairs.  

  1. Boiler Cycles on and off Repeatedly

One warning sign that your boiler is at the end of its lifecycle or might be due for servicing and repair is if it continuously turns on and off in short cycles. If it runs for 5-10 minutes before shutting off, and turning back on a short time later, you might be due for boiler repairs. The cause of the cycling may be due to a faulty thermostat, valve, or pump. It may also be the result of little or no maintenance in previous years. A technician should be called to assess the symptoms and identify the root cause of the problem.  

  1. Boiler Flame is Yellow or Discoloured

Typically, your boiler should have a blue flame. If the flame is yellow, it could indicate the presence of carbon monoxide, which is an odourless, toxic gas that can be fatal. Flames that appear discoloured in other ways, such as orange or green, also cause for concern. If your boiler has a discoloured pilot flame, it could be a safety hazard. Turn off the boiler immediately and call a boiler technician to assess the problem and repair it accordingly.  

How Much Does It Cost to Fix a Broken Boiler?

The cost to fix a broken boiler can range depending on the parts needed and the amount of labour it will take to resolve the issue. Not every boiler problem is equal. At Pro West, we are happy to provide you with an estimate ahead of making repairs so you can plan ahead for your repairs.  

How Often Shoulder Boilers Be Serviced? Boiler Repair Basics

You should have your boiler serviced every year if you want it to continue running smoothly without surprise repair costs. (1)  
Unless your boiler or furnace is brand new, you should have it periodically serviced by a professional to keep it running cleanly and efficiently. Forbes.com
Boilers under 5 years old may not have significant issues, however, it is still recommended to have them checked at least once every two years. Routine maintenance may be covered by the boiler’s warranty. It’s important to always check your heating systems and units regularly.

How Long Do Boilers Last?

The average lifespan for your boiler system is between 15-20 years. If properly maintained and repaired quickly, the lifespan the boiler may increase to 25 years, however, repair costs are typically much higher, and parts may no longer be available for these systems. Less expensive or smaller models may cost less initially but often have a reduced lifespan of 10-15 years, necessitating a replacement installation.  

Is It Worth Repairing a 20-Year-Old Boiler?

In most cases, it is not worth repairing a 20-year-old boiler system, either in considering cost or maintenance frequency. At Pro West, we typically recommend that boilers are replaced every 15-20 years to maintain a safe and efficient heating system within the home or business. Once a boiler system is old enough, the lack of fuel efficiency, higher costs to maintain, and difficulty in sourcing replacement parts is a driving factor for recommending a full replacement of the system.  

Are Boilers Covered by Home Insurance?

No, most boiler repairs or replacements are not covered by standard home insurance. Depending on the level of coverage you have, as well as the type of repairs and circumstances of the repair, there is a chance that your insurance will cover these costs, however. Alternatively, manufacturer’s warranties may cover routine maintenance costs for the first year or two of the boiler’s installation.  

For Boiler Repair Vancouver Chooses Pro West Heating

Pro West Heating & Air Conditioning is the top choice for many Vancouver residents, as well as residents of neighbouring regions around Vancouver, Burnaby, Surrey, Langley, Coquitlam and more. Our team provides excellence in repair, installation, and overall maintenance. As fully-insured technicians, you can rely on our expertise in assessing the overall health of your boiler system, and repairing it with as little downtime as possible when problems arise. When it comes to the health of your home and the comfort of your family, why do you choose anyone but the best in the business?

Vancouver BC Boiler Repair, Installation, Replacement and Maintenance

Our best boiler repair technicians provide boiler maintenance, boiler installation Vancouver services, routine servicing and more. For your next boiler repair or maintenance service, give us a call today and see why so many Vancouver residents recommend our professional technicians. We specialize in home boiler repair. We also do air conditioning repair, installation and servicing. We cover all areas in the Lower Mainland, BC including Vancouver, Burnaby, Surrey, Langley, Coquitlam and more. Call us today for your boiler repair needs! If you need a service technician ASAP, we’re here for you.
References:
  1. Forbes.com, 5 Steps to Improve Your Heating System Now, https://www.forbes.com/sites/houzz/2013/12/05/5-steps-to-improve-your-heating-system-now/?sh=1a5ebce1c4f1