Author: Pro West Heating

When talking about Canada’s cold weather, turning on a heating system is a must. Heating systems can make your environment comfortable and provide you with a cozy place to enjoy your winter. However, sometimes the smell coming out of your heating system can be quite problematic whenever you turn it on. Especially if it is a burning smell, it can create a panic in the room, thus making you turn off your heating system at once. Most people associate winter with a pine wood smell and soups, but all this is ruined if your heating system starts producing weird smells out of nowhere. It is a matter of concern for many homeowners. So, why does your heating system smell, and how can you fix it? This blog post mentions some common reasons why you might smell something from your heating system and what you can do about it.

Blocked Air Filters

Heating systems have air filters, just like an AC or a cooling system. With time, dust can block these filters. Clogged air filters might cause a burning smell when the heat passes through them. Clogged air filters can also affect your heating system’s efficiency and put a strain on its compressor. Therefore, it is necessary to change your heating system’s filter periodically or clean them to avoid any accumulation of dust or other particles. If changing or cleaning your heating system filter doesn’t solve the smell problem, it is time to call a professional HVAC contractor to solve the issue before it gets worse.

Damaged Electrical Wiring

This is a more serious issue that can cause a burning smell to come out of your heating system. The burning smell can also be a sign of an overheated blower motor. General wear and tear over time, and incorrect heating system installation can damage the wires and affect their operation. The damage to the wiring can also cause damages to the blower motor, leading to overheating or a variety of other problems. All these problems are pretty serious and must be addressed only by a professional heating company. Call a professional and ask them to check the wirings if you feel like your HVAC system is producing a burning smell.

Placing Something Nearby

Placing something near the heating system can also cause a burning smell. Whether it is crockery, fabric, or anything else, placing something near the heating system can be dangerous and might cause a burning smell. Therefore, if you smell something burning, check to ensure nothing is placed near the heating system. Such items can be quite flammable and may catch fire if left unnoticed.

Know The Type Of Smell

Heating systems can also produce other types of smells other than a burning smell caused by overheating. There can be other types of smells too that might make the environment uncomfortable. Some of the common types of smells that can come out of a heating system are:

Burning Dust Smell

This one is common and is caused when your heating systems filters are clogged. It means that dust has settled in the heat exchanger, and air is passing through the dust trapped in the filter. So, when the hot air passes, the dust burns off, the resultant air smells like burning dust. Therefore, you must clean your filters to avoid such situations.

Plastic Burning Smell

A plastic burning smell is also common and might need professional observation. This usually happens when a plastic object has made its way to the heating system and is burning inside it. It might also be caused by melting wiring insulation inside the furnace. If you smell such a smell, call an expert immediately to avoid further damage.

About Pro-West Heating & Air Conditioning

Pro-West Heating & Air Conditioning is your perfect partner for heating system maintenance. We are heating and cooling contractors and offer furnace repairs, install high-efficiency new heaters, and provide yearly tune-ups for maximum lifespan and fuel-efficient performance of various heating systems. We also work with boilers and hydronic heat systems. Visit this page to know our services, or contact us for further queries.

Not having ample heat during the cold Canadian winters can be a nightmare. Many people look forward to the winter festivities throughout the year. However, without a well-maintained and properly working heating system, these festivities can become the worst inconvenience. Imagine waking up on Christmas morning just to find out that your heating system has given up on you. The worst part is, many professional HVAC technicians do not work during the holiday season.

Hence, it is advised that you keep your heating system maintained and in good condition by scheduling regular checkups with an HVAC technician. However, if you have been avoiding maintenance for your heating system, and it has stopped working, there is a chance that one of its components has given up.

In some cases, minor issues can also lead to your heating system malfunctioning. However, if the system just shuts down, it is probably a major issue. In either case, it is important to narrow down what is causing the issue and fix it before it gets worse. In this blog, we have listed some of the issues that might be preventing your heating system from working efficiently or may be causing it to malfunction.

Common Problems With Heating Systems

Some of the most common problems that indicate relatively larger issues with your heating system are:

• Your heating system keeps blowing hot air even after it has reached the required temperature
• Some areas of your house are colder than the others
• Cool air is coming out of the vents
• The heating system light turns off on its own
• Thermostat controls are not working
• There is mold in the ducts and the system
• There is a burning smell coming from the system

Issues With The Thermostat

If your heating system is overheating or under heating, it could indicate that your thermostat is malfunctioning or has been improperly set. Although it sounds like a no-brainer, programmable thermostats can be confusing and complicated. Hence, before deciding that your heating system is malfunctioning, it is better to see if your thermostat is set correctly.

In addition to this, there is a chance that the thermostat switch was moved around during cleaning or due to an impact. Hence, make sure everything is working properly before you decide to make some calls.

Your thermostat is responsible for regulating the amount of heat that is generated by your furnace as well as when that heat is generated. If you have an old thermostat that has been in service for more than a few years now, it is time for you to consider a programmable thermostat. It lets you choose different temperatures for various times of the day, night, and week. Moreover, these thermostats are much more energy efficient compared to their non-programmable options.

Dead Blower Capacitor

Chances are you have never seen the blower capacitor of your HVAC. It is a part of your furnace and looks like a big battery. This capacitor is responsible for starting your furnace when instructed by the thermostat.

Every capacitor has a tolerance level. If the tolerance level is lower than a specific level, your blower may not achieve the appropriate RPM. This may also indicate that your capacitor is dying or has already stopped working. The best way to deal with this problem is by replacing it.

Tripped Electrical Breakers

There is a chance that the furnace’s safety feature was activated and the electrical breaker was tripped. This can be easily fixed by resetting the tripped breaker. However, if the power keeps tripping off on your furnace, there might be an issue with the wiring of your HVAC system. It is best to call a licensed professional to see what the problem may be. A licensed HVAC technician can tell you if it’s a power supply or safety issue related to your heater. However, if it is a larger wiring issue, you might have to hire an electrician to deal with it.

Get Help From Pro West Heating & Air Conditioning

Pro West Heating & Air Conditioning is your go-to partner for both furnace installation and repairs. We help you increase your furnace efficiency by replacing your furnace with a new one. We also assist our customers in buying the right size and capacity HVAC system according to their requirements. Pro West Heating & Air Conditioning is a professional & reliable HVAC Contractor In Vancouver and The Lower Mainland. Contact us for more information on our services.

Winter is just around the corner, and everyone is looking forward to enjoying chilly days in a cozy warm environment inside their homes. However, amidst all this, if your HVAC stops working, it can cause major inconveniences and can be a huge mood killer. Therefore, timely maintenance and cleaning done by a professional HVAC technician can be a great step towards making sure that your HVAC continues to work throughout the winter season.

If your HVAC system is making an annoying humming sound, it is time for you to change or clean its filters. Cleaning your filters is easier than replacing them as a whole and is less costly. However, if the filter has worn out, it is best to replace it. This blog post highlights the importance of keeping your HVAC filters clean and why they are beneficial for the overall health of your HVAC.

Improves The Life Of Your HVAC Unit

One of the most important benefits of cleaning your HVAC filters regularly is that it improves the function of the HVAC unit. When the filters are clean, the system consumes considerably less energy. This also has a significant effect on your utility bills. Clean filters reduce the pressure on the internal system, which enhances the overall performance of the system. This also improves the life of your HVAC system, so you can enjoy many years with your HVAC without any need to replace it.

It Lowers Your Bills

If you notice an increase in your utility bills, there is a chance you have been ignoring your HVAC filters. Cleaning your HVAC filters periodically is the basic and the first step towards keeping your HVAC in good condition and reducing your utility bills. Clogged and dirty air filters require your HVAC system to work harder to push air through your system. This can increase energy usage, thereby leading to a significant increase in your energy bills. With clean air filters the system won’t have to work as hard.

It Improves The Quality Of The Air

Everyone likes to enjoy clean and healthy air free of bacteria and pollen. Clean filters mean that clean air will pass through them, and thus, improve the air quality inside your home. Unclean and clogged filters can lead to your Indoor air quality being worse than your outdoor air quality. Considering that people normally spend around 90 percent of their time indoors, this can be dangerous.

The presence of pollen, dust, dirt, mold spores, animal fur, microorganisms, bacteria, and more can be dangerous for many people, especially for asthma patients. Your air filter is designed with fibers to help trap unwanted particles to prevent them from passing through.

Lower Chances Of Repair

Replacing your filters or HVAC can be quite costly if you don’t clean your filters on time. When your air filters are dirty, your system has to work harder to push air through them. This means that your system has to put out more energy than necessary to deliver the amount of warm air you need.

Cleaning your filters significantly lowers the chances of HVAC repairs that can be quite costly for you. With regular maintenance and clean air filters, you can prevent unnecessary damage to your unit.

Final Thoughts

Keeping your HVACs filters clean helps keep your HVAC in good condition. It not only improves the function of your HVAC but also reduces your energy bills and the headaches of having to deal with any inconveniences.

About Pro West Heating & Air Conditioning

Pro-West Heating & Air Conditioning is a reliable HVAC contractor in Vancouver and surrounding areas. If you are looking to have your HVAC filters cleaned or repaired, contact us for HVAC services.

Having a smoothly running HVAC system is important not only to deal with the chilly winter weather but also to live comfortably throughout the summer. With a well maintained HVAC system, you remain comfortable and enjoy all seasons conveniently.

However, for this, you need to make sure that your HVAC system is in perfect condition and that all its repairs are done on time. Nevertheless, problems can arise with your HVAC system, consulting with a professional heating and cooling contractor can help you get your HVAC bak up and running again. Repairs can spring unexpected costs, but there are ways you can minimize these costs.

In this blog, we have mentioned a few factors that can affect the final price of the repair work you are getting done.

The Scope Of Work

Depending on the scope of the tasks for which you need HVAC services you may pay more. If the process includes mild cleaning and small tasks, then they won’t charge you as much. However, if the process includes deep cleaning, repairing, or changing filters and wires, it might take more time, experience, and effort, and thus, cost more.

For example, repairing residential units may be simpler than repairing commercial units. Most commercial areas have large interlinked HVAC systems, and any problem in one unit might cause problems in others. In such cases, a professional HVAC company with the right experience is needed to resolve the issue as soon as possible.

How The System Is Designed

How a system is designed and installed in the building can affect the price of your HVAC maintenance services. For example, if the unit is self-contained and easy to access, you won’t have to pay as much. However, if your HVAC is not easy to access and the workers have to spend time and effort trying to get to components that are tucked away in a crawl space or concealed behind the walls, the HVAC workers will most likely charge more. Hence, while getting a new HVAC system installed, make sure it is accessible.

Your Timing

Professional HVAC services are high in demand right before summer and winter. Getting repairs done during this time is usually more costly. Hence, if you need to get your HVAC repaired, it is best to get it done during Spring or Autumn. However, if sudden malfunctions spring up, don’t shy away from hiring expensive services in the summer and winter since some HVAC issues can be hazardous.

Age Of Your HVAC System

Servicing an older HVAC will cost more than a new one. This is because worn out components and years of constant stress take a toll on the overall condition of the unit. These worn-out components are hard to repair and find a replacement for, hence requiring more time and effort. Therefore, a company will charge you more to service and repair an old HVAC system.

With that being said, it is better to conduct regular maintenance and repairs of your HVAC system so that any problem with it can be solved on time. This will save you from costly repairs in the later stages

About Pro West Heating & Air Conditioning

At Pro West, we offer expert services in repairing, installing, and maintaining air conditioning, heating, and humidifier systems to our residential and commercial customers in Vancouver and the lower mainland region.

From minor problems to huge ones, our professionals are always available to give you personalized services. We are pleased to offer our customers high-quality HVAC systems from the industry’s leading manufacturers. We help you decide whether your HVAC system needs to be replaced or repaired. Our team can help you make a viable and budget-friendly decision. Contact us for further assistance.

There are many options for residential heating systems that you can choose from. From furnaces to heat pumps and ductless mini splits, homeowners have several options they can opt for.

Even though all these systems work differently, there are a few components like air filters that they all have in common. These filters are responsible for cleaning the air that circulates through the heating system. They trap and hold many types of particulates and contaminants that could affect your health and comfort. These include dust, dirt, and pollen. In addition to this, you can invest in antibacterial air filters that are designed to filter 99.9% of all allergens from the air.

Since filters trap several types of particulate matter from the air they need to be replaced every few months. There are many factors that go into deciding when you should replace your filters. However, as a general rule, you should replace your air filters after every 90 days.

To help you make a more informed decision, we have listed some of the factors that could require you to replace your filter more often.

More Environmental Pollution

If you live in an area where the air is rather polluted and the amount of dust in the air is more than normal (near the main road), then you will have to change your air filters more often. The longer the filter is in place, the more dirt, dust, and allergens are likely to become trapped in the filter.

People In Your House Have Asthma Or Allergies

Outdoor air contains harmful allergens. If this air is constantly circulated inside your house without adequate filtration, it can worsen the condition of people who already have allergies or asthma as they are much more sensitive to airborne particulates. Hence, you will have to replace your filter more often.

Pets In The House

If you have a furry friend in the house, we are pretty sure that you are no stranger to fur shedding. Their fur is lightweight and circulates with the air. This fur is filtered by your air filters in both heating and cooling systems. However, as compared to dust and dirt, fur is more clogging which is why houses that have pets require their filters to be replaced more often.

Why Should You Replace Your Air Filter Before Winter?

Leaving your filter dirty might not seem like a big deal, however, it can greatly affect the efficiency of your heating system. Even when your heating system is not running, the filter can trap dust and debris which is why it is important to replace the filter before using the system in winter.

Reduced Air Quality

The standard filter of your heating system – along with improving your indoor air quality – also protects the system itself from dust, debris, and grime. Leaving a filter dirty allows unfiltered air to bypass the filter, introducing pollutants into the ductwork and, subsequently, into your home.

Increased Energy Costs

Not replacing your air filters when needed, forces you to pay more even though you are living in less comfort. A heating system with dirty filters has to work harder than normal to keep the house at a certain temperature, yet it fails to work efficiently. Despite not being able to provide high-end functionality, the system sucks up your energy leading to increased energy consumption and bills.

Frequent Problems

When your air filter is dirty the heater has to work extra hard to warm your home. This exponentially increases the risk of running into operational problems. The more strain that you put on your heater, the more likely it will be to start to run down requiring repair.

Hence replacing your air filter on time can help prevent these issues. If you don’t know how to replace your filter, you can always hire an HVAC maintenance professional to help you with the issue. They can also help you choose the best filter for your heating system.

Get Help From Pro West Heating & Air Conditioning

Pro-West Heating & Air Conditioning is your go-to partner when it comes to repairing, maintaining, and installing HVAC systems. We are one of the best and most reliable HVAC contractors In Vancouver and the lower mainland. Contact us for more information about our services.

If you own a commercial space or are managing one, it is quite likely that you are familiar with how unpleasant odors can drive customers and potential clients away. According to psychologists who study the effects of different smells, people quickly become conditioned to odors.

Hence, people working in commercial setups with unpleasant odors will stop noticing it but when a client or customer walks in, they will definitely notice the unpleasant smell in the air.

The main question that arises here is what is causing the smell? In most cases, musty and moldy smells come from the HVAC system. The ducts connected to the system are responsible for regulating the airflow in the building and all the rooms are connected to each other via these ducts.

Hence, if there is debris, mold or mildew build up in the HVAC system, the bacteria, fungi spores and unpleasant odors travel through the duct to every room.

How Can You Tell If The Odor Is Coming From Your HVAC System?

Unfortunately, odor problems are difficult to solve. They could be caused by a dead mouse in the HVAC room or mold or mildew development in the HVAC system.

If you are dealing with musty and unpleasant odors in your building, there is a high chance you have already tried all the obvious remedies including deep cleaning the area. However, if the issue is still present after doing these things, the culprit is most likely your HVAC system.

If your HVAC equipment has not been properly maintained for over six months, it can harbor moisture causing the build up of mold leading to unpleasant odors. In addition to this a poorly designed HVAC airflow can push air in the wrong direction, spreading nasty odors to areas from the janitor room and toilets.

In either case, you will have to consult with an HVAC maintenance professional to help you identify and rectify the issue.

An HVAC System Is Much More Than A Cooling And Heating System

HVAC systems are designed to move air through buildings. They are a combination of different air removing and air pushing systems including exhaust fans, clothes dryers, built-in vacuum systems, dust collection systems, range hoods, ventilation systems, air conditioners and heating systems.

Hence, when an HVAC system is designed for a commercial building, extra care has to be taken. When there is more air removed from an area than air supplied, negative pressure causes air to be drawn in from outside the room, resulting in negative air flow. Similarly, when more air is pushed into your space than removed by exhaust, positive air flow is created.

All this has to be kept in mind while laying out the ventilation system. Air moves odors, and other particles with it, hence poorly laid systems can result in a musty and unpleasant odor in an area.

If you feel like the HVAC system of your building has not been designed properly or air flow is not being properly regulated, you can easily get it fixed by an HVAC professional.

Precautions That You Can Take

As mentioned, ill-maintained HVAC systems can develop serious issues that not only will cost you money in the long run but can also be a health hazard for people working in the building.

Inhaling and ingesting fungi spores and mold residue can lead to various lung and gastric diseases. Hence, it is imperative that you take some precautions to ensure the safety of your HVAC system and the people in the building.

Some of the precautions that you can take include:

• Getting the ventilation system cleaned every six months.
• Hire professionals to maintain your HVAC system every three months.
• If your HVAC system is 10-15 years old, get it replaced.

Moreover, it is advised that you hire experienced HVAC professionals for maintenance purposes.

Get Help From Pro West Heating & Air Conditioning

Pro West Heating & Air Conditioning is your go-to partner when it comes to repairing, maintaining and installing HVAC systems. We are one of the best and most reliable HVAC Contractors In Vancouver And The Lower Mainland. Contact us for more information on our services.