Pro West Heating, Author at Pro-West

How To Maintain Your Homes’ Heat Pumps This Winter

Heat pumps are a basic necessity in every season. Such appliances are required to provide you with cool air in the summer and warm air in the winter. Maintaining them and keeping them in healthy condition is necessary to make sure they last for years. Moreover, maintaining them is also necessary for energy efficiency and reducing billing costs. As a homeowner, you must be responsible and spot serious issues on time. Your heat pump requires regular maintenance and upgrading, hiring a professional can help ensure that your heat pump is properly cared for.

If you want your heat pump to function as you would expect it to, there are some maintenance tips you must keep in mind. These tips will not only improve its performance but also make it energy-efficient and give you better quality air.

Check For Ice And Snow

Your heat pump has to function hard in winter. Snow and ice can build up outside, which can affect the proper functioning of your heat pump. It not only loses its efficiency but also has to work harder than it normally would. As such, it consumes much of your power, and your bills spike. Ice and snow build-up outside can minimize its performance and affect your heat pump badly. Therefore, check it often and ensure that it is clear of ice and snow to avoid any damage to your heat pump.

Call Your Professional HVAC Company

A professional company with cooling and heating expertise can help detect problems with your heat pumps and suggest the best possible solutions. Professionals know the maintenance procedures and know what can improve your heat pump’s efficiency. Pro West Heating And Air Conditioning is a Vancouver-based HVAC contractor that provides you with the most affordable and efficient heating and cooling appliance solutions.

Keep Your Heat Pumps At Correct Position

Keeping your heat pumps in the correct position can also help to make them last longer and better. If you live in such a location where there is frequent snowfall and rain, keeping your heat pumps at ground level will expose them to ice and snow. This will block its airflow, and your heat pump will have to work harder to do the job. Therefore, keep your heat pump at a correct elevation so that it can properly function. Ideally, your heat pump should be about 4 inches to 8 inches above ground level.

Follow Safety Procedures

Always follow all the procedures when cleaning up your heat pump or removing ice off its coils. Any improper cleaning techniques can damage your heat pump permanently. Follow the safety procedures that are written on its manual or call a professional to help you.

Don’t Install Your Outdoor Unit Under A Gutter

Avoid installing the outdoor unit of your heat pump under a gutter. During winter, the water will drip down and freeze on the outdoor unit. This can affect the performance of your heat pump, and it might consume more energy than needed to warm your home.

Other Care Tips

Some of the other care tips you must follow to keep your heat pumps in good condition include:

Inspecting ducts and blowers periodically.
Lubricating motors.
Verifying thermostat operations.
Checking refrigerant leaks.
Keeping outdoor coils clean.
Inspecting electrical terminals carefully.
Cleaning and tightening electrical connections.
Verifying thermostat operations.

About Pro West Heating And Air Conditioning

Pro West Heating And Air Conditioning is a pro at delivering quality services for your heating and cooling appliances. We are one of the best heating and cooling contractors in Vancouver, making your living experience much more comfortable. We are a commercial HVAC maintenance service, offering several related services. If you have any queries contact us here.

Helpful Tips To Hire A Reliable Heating And Cooling Contractor

As a homeowner it is necessary to get ready for the upcoming weather. Prepare for the summer by ensuring that your AC is in good working condition. Similarly, you might want to reconsider your heating system before winter approaches. Hiring an HVAC contractor is a wise idea if you require a new installation or if you want to repair your existing heating or cooling systems.

But, how can you ensure that you are hiring the right company? To help you hire the right contractor, we have shared some useful tips in this blog post.

Know What You Need

Before hiring any HVAC company, make sure you know what you want in your home. Do you want to install a new heating and cooling system, is there a problem with your boilers or the AC? Knowing the purpose of calling an HVAC contractor can help you narrow down which HVAC contractor to go with based on their expertise. Furthermore, it will also save you from going off-track when asking your contractor to do the job.

Check Their Experience

Before hiring, check whether the HVAC company is experienced or not. There are many technical tasks involved in heating and cooling repairs, and only an experienced professional will know what should be done to repair the problem at hand. Moreover, different tools are used for such tasks, only an experienced contractor will know how to properly use them.

Research

Research on your own and find the most suitable HVAC contractor for your work. It might include going out in the market and doing surveys or researching online to find an HVAC contractor with good reviews that can suit your needs. When in doubt, get a second opinion. You can ask your friends or family to suggest a suitable HVAC company.

They Must Have Insurance

Installing or repairing cooling and heating systems can be hazardous. Any damage to such systems can be costly. Therefore, it’s important that you check that the company you are thinking of going with has insurance and can cover the general liability. They should be responsible for any damage caused on their part. Unless they have liability insurance, don’t hire them.

Get An Evaluation Before

It is better to have your home inspected and to get a quote before signing any contract. Once you have decided on a particular HVAC contractor, call them and ask them to inspect the problem before. If a company provides you an estimate before the evaluation, it is a sign of inexperience. A well-established company will always find out what you want and then give you the cost estimate for it.

Don’t Go For The Lowest Prices

It is better to get a cost estimate after the evaluation. Cheap prices don’t mean that they will always be to your benefit. Many inexpensive services often include irresponsible workers who don’t know how to do the job. Therefore, try to avoid being caught in apparently cheap offers and hire the right company that can offer you great services.

Get A Written Agreement

Having a written agreement is important before you begin any work with your HVAC contractor. It must state the total cost, any upfront costs, liability insurance, and other important details. This will save you from any unexpected conflicts later on.

About Pro West Heating & Air Conditioning

Pro-West Heating & Air Conditioning is a reliable HVAC contractor in Vancouver and surrounding areas. Our professionals strive to maintain a healthy indoor environment for you in every season. Contact us for HVAC services.

Is It Okay To Run An HVAC System During A Storm?

It is natural to want to crank up your air conditioning system when it is hot and humid outside. This is especially true after a storm has just passed leaving you with hot and humid weather conditions.

However, have you ever thought about whether it is safe to keep running your AC system during a storm? Many people dismiss the thought of turning off their HVAC system during a summer thunderstorm to maintain the indoor temperature of their home. But, not many are aware that operating your air conditioner during a thunderstorm can lead to some damage to your unit.

Hence, experts advise that you should shut off your system when the weather starts acting up.

In this blog, we have jotted down the main reasons it is important for you to shut off your air conditioner during a thunderstorm.

Lightning Strikes

Although there have not been many incidents where lightning has struck residential areas, there is an undeniable possibility during a storm. Moreover, the electrical service drop where your utility lines connect to the house on the roof is a very vulnerable point for lightning strikes.

If lightning strikes the drop, it can cause a significant power surge through your home’s electrical system. An average bolt of lightning can produce as much as five billion joules of energy. Imagine this power flowing through your home’s wiring before the breakers are triggered to trip. In this fraction of a second, your HVAC system can be damaged.

If your HVAC system endures similar damage, there is no workaround for it. You will have to replace it.

Unstable Power

During a thunderstorm, due to charged air and harsh weather conditions, the power can become unstable. The voltage of electricity you receive fluctuates, most HVAC systems are not designed to deal with fluctuating power.

If the system is left running, these fluctuations can result in the air conditioner’s control panel, which is full of sensitive electrical circuitry, being damaged. It can also melt the plug into your unit or end up corrupting the entire heating and cooling system.

The only way to fix any of the aforementioned issues is by replacing the whole system.

Does This Hold For Window Air Conditioners As Well?

Yes, the same is true for window air conditioners as well. Moreover, they are more likely to be hit by lightning since they are protruding from the window. In addition to this, if you live in an apartment building or highrise and are further from the ground, the chances of getting hit by lightning increase.

However, the devices are electrically insulated to remain safe in the event of a surge and the refrigerant inside the unit is nonflammable, so you don’t have to worry about an explosion. The power surge and the effect of the lightning can, on the other hand, render your air conditioning system useless.

Air Conditioning Protection System

If you live in an area where lightning strikes are very common, having your system electrically insulated to remain safe in the event of a surge is a good idea. The system uses lightning rods, conductors, and ground rods to create an alternate path for lightning to reach the ground so that it does not travel through the home’s electrical system.

However, know that these systems are not 100 percent effective at preventing surges.

How Can Pro West Heating Help?

At Pro West, we are pleased to offer our customers high-quality HVAC systems from the industry’s leading manufacturers. Our experts are trained to deliver the best services backed by a 100 percent guarantee. 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. For more information on our services, contact us.

Ultimate Guide To Residential Boilers: Types, Terms And Technology

Most homes in Canada either use a furnace or boiler to keep the temperature of the home at a comfortable level. If you want a system that will help you save money yet will keep the temperature of your house at the level you want, boilers are your best option. To ensure your boiler system runs efficiently throughout the winter, you should have proper knowledge regarding the different parts of the boiler, the types of boilers available and the technology used. This will not only help you make an informed decision but also help you understand what went wrong if your boiler stops working. In this blog, we have compiled an ultimate guide to help you understand the different types of boilers, the terms commonly used to describe boiler parts and the tech used in them.

How Does A Boiler Work?

The water is heated inside the tank attached to the boiler. This hot water then flows through the pipes, radiators, radiant floor systems or a coil to produce warmth. The tank of the boiler sits over a burner that usually runs on natural gas.

High-Efficiency vs Standard Efficiency Boilers

As the hot water passes through the radiators or coil, some of the energy is lost in the process. High-efficiency systems are designed to prevent the loss of energy and direct it back to the system. The lower the efficiency of a system, the more fuel will be lost. Boilers that are over 10 years old have a 50 percent to 70 percent efficiency. This means that 50 to 70 percent of the fuel used goes into heating the house, the rest of the fuel is wasted. According to Energy Star, this is how boilers are divided based on their efficiency:

Old, Low-Efficiency Boilers have 56% – 70%
New, Minimum Efficiency Standard Boilers have 78%
New, Mid-Efficiency Boilers have 80 – 83%
New, High-Efficiency boilers have a 90 – 98%

Moreover, new guidelines now require boilers to display their fuel utilization efficiency to make it easy for consumers to compare them. High-efficiency boilers prove to be more cost-effective in the long run. However, when it comes to their installation, they will cost more. Statistics show that replacing an old boiler with a new high-efficiency one may cut your fuel bills in half.

Common Terms Associated With Boilers

Shopping for a new boiler system can be confusing, especially due to the plethora of technical terms associated with them. To help ease the process of buying a boiler, here are some of the commonly used terms related to boilers.

Heat Exchanger: Converts energy into heat
Electric Ignition: Automatically ignites the pilot
Boiler Pressure: Valve: Releases pressure from the boiler
Vent Damper: Automatically closes the boiler when it is in idle mode to save energy
LPG (Liquid Petroleum Gas): Term used for propane
Outdoor Temperature Reset: Electronic thermostat that adjusts the temperature

Types Of Boilers

All types of boilers are either condensing or non-condensing. A condensing boiler concentrates water vapor produced in the heating process. It uses the wasted heat to preheat cold water entering the boiler. These types of boilers provide an efficiency higher than 88 percent. On the contrary, non-condensing boilers typically operate at higher temperatures, and some heat ends up being wasted. They are mostly 80 to 88 percent efficient.

Factors To Consider Before Buying A Boiler

Some of the factors that you should consider before investing in a boiler include:

Size

Decide on a boiler that will suit the climate of your locality and the size of your residence. A boiler too large for your house will cause a sudden spike in your energy bills and a boiler too small will not provide enough warmth.

Ventilation

How well ventilated your house is will affect what type of boiler you choose. A boiler that vents extra heat using a chimney can be located in smaller, closed-in areas. However, boilers that are vented by forcing air have to be installed in an open area.

Efficiency

Keeping your budget and your required heating level in mind, choose the system efficiency you want. You want to look for an oil boiler that has at least an 80% rating, or a gas boiler that runs at an 89% to 98% efficiency.

How Can Pro West Heating Help?

At Pro West, we are pleased to offer our customers high-quality, high-efficiency boiler systems from the industry’s leading manufacturers. Our experts are trained to deliver the best services backed by a 100 percent guarantee. If you are unsure whether your boiler system needs to be replaced or repaired, our team can help you make a viable and budget-friendly decision. For more information on our services, contact us.

Some Important Benefits Of Using Hydronic Heating Systems

One of the most well used heating systems for large buildings that has sat on the market throne for decades is the hydronic heating system. The reason for its widespread use is related to its ability to effectively heat and cool large buildings such as offices, campuses, and more. The hydronic system can be used to loop both hot and cold water through the pipe system.

Unlike traditional systems such as gas, heat pumps, and electric furnaces, the hydronic heating system is a practical, efficient, and effective alternative for heating and cooling residential and commercial buildings. It can provide a well-directed heating system while being cost-effective and having few installation and operation difficulties.

Compared to air, water is a much better heat transferring medium. Therefore, hydronic heating systems have better performance compared to conventional air-based systems. Hydronic systems have numerous benefits in addition to their cost-effectiveness.

Continue reading to find out more about some of the top benefits offered by hydronic systems.

It Is A Cost-Effective Alternative

The cost of running a hydronic system is estimated to be 20 to 30 percent less than the operating cost of conventional central heating or gas ducted heating systems. This is an excellent indicator of how installing a hydronic system can benefit your home and business.

Apart from the initial upfront payment for the installation cost, the operational cost of the hydronic heating system will leave you without long-term high running costs. In addition to this, as most hydronic heating systems utilize gas boilers, you can achieve efficiency levels of up to 95 percent with considerable savings.

It Is Cleaner And Healthier

Something that most homeowners do not realize is that their regular central heating systems are home to a number of dust particles and microscopic contaminants. Countless bacteria, allergens, and dust mites are floating around in the same air that you and your family members breathe.

Hydronic heating is a healthier alternative for heating and cooling your home or building. Its heating mechanism is very simple, where the water is first heated and the heat from it then radiates via special radiators around your home. This way, it effectively eliminates the constant cycle of dust and dirt blown into the air.

The hydronic heating system is both allergen-friendly and good for those with breathing issues like asthma. With its additional benefit of providing warmth in the same way nature does, the installation of a hydronic system is a healthy and effective way to heat your home.

It Is A Lot Safer

Before finalizing your choice, one important factor that you must consider is the safety aspect of the system.

The hydronic heating system does not have any exposed electrical components or flames and is completely sealed off. It has a lower risk percentage of a fire hazard and offers quality heating in volume with safety as its top priority.

It Is An Eco-Friendly Alternative

The most eco-friendly form of heating is hydronic heating as it only requires water and natural gas. In addition to saving on your energy bills, using hydronic heating can also help the planet by reducing your overall energy consumption. It is known to be an energy-efficient technique because of its ability to operate 2 or more separate piping systems from a single hydronic boiler. Unlike other electricity-dependent heating systems, the total energy used by hydronic heating is 70 percent less.

About Us

At Pro West, we offer expert services in the repair, installation, and maintenance of air conditioning, heating, hydronic, and humidifier systems to our residential and commercial customers in Vancouver and the lower mainland region. Contact us today for more information about our services.

Benefits Of Routine Air Conditioner Maintenance

We all look forward to resting in a nice air-conditioned room as summer approaches. Air conditioners are a basic and important necessity in summer, and any negligence in their maintenance can result in plenty of inconveniences. Machines that have been working for you for years demand routine maintenance if you want them to continue to work for you for the next couple of years. There would be nothing more embarrassing than your guests coming over and your AC not working. To avoid such scenarios, it is crucial to take care of your AC and carry out routine maintenance.

This blog post mentions why it is important to maintain your AC and have it checked by a professional regularly.

You Get Better Air Quality

Air conditioner maintenance involves cleaning its filters and coils. If debris and dust continue to reside inside your AC, it can spread in the other parts of the AC, such as its ducts and then into your room. A professional AC technician can remove the debris and dust from your ACs parts wherever they are found. Cleaning the debris from your ACs filters helps it blow fresh air into the environment.

Your AC Performs Better

When your AC is well maintained and free of dust, it doesn’t have to work as hard to keep your room’s temperature at the required level. The maintenance process includes inspecting and cleaning your unit’s blades and other essential parts. When everything is kept in excellent condition, your AC doesn’t have to work as hard, and thus has better efficiency.

You Will Have Lower Utility Bills

When your AC performs well without any setbacks or pressure on it, it reduces your utility bills. How? It doesn’t take as long for it to lower the temperature of a particular area. On the other hand, a poorly maintained AC will find it harder to lower the temperature of an area, making it have to run longer thus costing you more.

Maintenance Extends Your ACs Life

Not taking care of your AC system can lead to bigger problems in its later years. Maintaining it will not only keep it in good condition for years to come and reduce your bills but also extend the life of your AC. Your AC will not have to function as hard and thus, will remain in a good working condition for an extended period.

There Will Be Fewer Repairs

Conducting regular maintenance on your AC would keep it safe from severe problems. Problems such as replacing old coils, filters, or problems with its ducts, can be costly and time-consuming. On the other hand, if you maintain your system on a regular basis, you won’t have to pay for repairs nearly as often.

Final Thoughts

Proper maintenance of your air conditioner will help it last longer than expected. Some AC companies offer maintenance services. Therefore, a reliable AC technician can help you with the process and ensure that your AC is in good working condition.

About Pro West Heating & Air Conditioning

Pro West Heating & Air Conditioning is your go-to partner for HVAC services. From minor problems to huge ones, our professionals are always available to give you personalized services. Contact us for further assistance.

4 Signs You Need To Replace Your Air Conditioner

If your air conditioner is no longer cooling down your home properly or has broken down, then you either need to repair it or have your HVAC replaced. But, it can be quite stressful to figure out which option to go with as it requires spending a lot of money. You might start to wonder whether it’s too early to buy a replacement. Is replacement your only choice? Is there any other option? Asking an HVAC repair professional for advice can help ease the process. However, a broken down or damaged air conditioning system is not the only condition in which you should consider getting a replacement. Changes in environmental regulations or technological advancements have brought a significant revolution in the HVAC industry. These changes might prompt you to upgrade your home’s or office’s AC system. Some might view it as an undesirable investment, so it’s best to consider several factors before making a final decision. Keep reading to find out what these factors are to help you make an informed choice in this matter.

The Age Of Your Air Conditioner

According to experts at the National Association Of Home Builders (NAHB), the average lifespan of a typical air conditioning system is usually around 10-15 years. Thus, the foremost thing you need to consider when choosing between repairing or investing in a replacement is the age of your AC system. For an air conditioning system that is more than 9 years old, it is highly unlikely that a repair will be enough to avert the problem or prevent it from recurring. You choose to have your system repaired if the issue at hand is an easy fix, for example, a dirty air filter, a clogged condenser coil, or a worn-out fan belt. You can hire a technician from HVAC contractors in Vancouver for advice as they have the right knowledge and experience to help determine if you need a replacement or repair by looking at your AC’s cooling ducts or the unit as a whole.

How Much Is Your AC’s R-22 Freon Usage

If your air conditioner is not cooling down your home or office effectively, chances are that you have a coolant leak issue at hand. To ensure that it works properly, you need an additional refrigerant such as R-22 or Freon. You may need to spend a huge sum of money if you are using R-22 Freon as a top-up refrigerant for your AC system. This expense is not included in the repair or maintenance or the costs that will pile up in the case of multiple service calls. In addition to this, there is a ban on the production, import, and use of Freon R-22 in many countries, including Canada, in a bid to contribute to environmental conservation. Although this restriction is appreciated by people from all walks of life, it has ultimately led to an increase in Freon costs. So, if you are using an AC that was installed more than 9 years ago, now is a great time to get an AC system replaced as your current one is using extra Freon. Switching to an air conditioning system manufactured to use non-ozone-depleting chlorofluorocarbons to adhere to the new, environmentally-friendly regulations is your best option. Another reason to make the switch is that the cost of leakage repair or compressor replacement can be very high especially with added refrigerant. The total cost of buying a new low-end AC system is usually lower than trying to perform these maintenance tasks. Hence, buying a replacement AC is a wise choice over trying to get your current one repaired.

Your AC Is Not Energy Efficient

The energy usage of an air conditioner is measured in SEER, which stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. It is the ratio of cooling output of your air conditioner to watt-hour energy consumption. A new air conditioner has a minimum rating of 13. If your AC has a lower SEER rating than this minimum value then it means that its operation costs you a lot of money. New air conditioning units are more energy-efficient, they not only save you from high utility bills but also reduce your carbon footprint. You must get a replacement for your AC system if its SEER rating is below 13.

Repair Costs Are High

Making a cost comparison between the repair and replacement of your air conditioning system is a good solution if you are finding it difficult to choose what option to go with. However, it is important that you remain mindful of the return on investment of replacement when comparing the cost of repair and replacement. A simple repair usually lasts a year or two before the issue recurs or a new one appears, whereas a new air conditioner will be an investment for the next 10 years or more. If the damage is small and easy to fix then get your AC repaired; otherwise, opting for a replacement will turn out to be an effective and efficient investment. Read: Air Conditioning Myths That Are Hogging Your Money

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What Is A Refrigerant Leak And How Can I Fix It?

Are you noticing a decline in the cooling efficiency of your HVAC system? It is most likely due to a refrigerant leak. This issue is most common in older air conditioning systems.

If your AC is indeed facing a refrigerant leak, the issue will most likely get worse. For those who don’t know or have never faced the situation before, refrigerant is the substance inside your air conditioner’s coils that does the job of removing heat from the air in your space.

Your air conditioning system does not “use up” refrigerant. This means if everything is correctly sealed the substance will stay in the system and will be constantly recirculated. However, sometimes holes and cracks develop in the coils that cause a refrigerant leak.

In this blog, we talk about why you should not ignore a refrigerant leak and what steps need to be taken to fix the issue.

Why Shouldn’t You Ignore an AC Refrigerant Leak?

Refrigerant is a crucial part of your air conditioner that ensures its smooth running. If you system has low refrigerant values and you are ignoring its maintenance, here are some of the issues you might face in the long run:

System Damage

If your system has low refrigerant levels, it will try to compensate for the loss of cooling by running longer. This will add undue pressure on the compressor and the system overall leading to damaged components and a damaged compressor. Know that compressor failure cannot be fixed in most cases and you will have to replace your AC.

Energy Consumption

To keep the house cool, the system will run longer. Due to long hours of the AC trying to run unsuccessfully, more energy will be consumed. As the temperature in your space increases, so will your electricity bills. Statistics show that there is a 20 percent rise in electricity consumption with a 10 percent drop in refrigerant volume due to a refrigerant leak.

Environmental damage

Refrigerants are dangerous chemicals that are proven to deplete the earth’s ozone layer. Moreover, breathing evaporated refrigerant can damage your lungs, and large amounts of refrigerant can cause skin burns.

This is why the handling and disposal of refrigerants are controlled by the Environmental Protection Agency. Hence, to ensure that all similar hazards are prevented, regularly maintain your HVAC system.

How To Fix A Refrigerant Leak Properly

Instead of adding more refrigerant to the system to get you through the rest of the summer, it is advised that you look for leaks in the system.

Adding more refrigerant is just a shortsighted solution. The substance will keep leaking and you will keep wasting money by replacing it. Moreover, it is advised to not use leak sealants. They can temporarily stop a small refrigerant leak. However, it will not last long.

To ensure that the issue is solved once and for all find and repair all the holes and the cracks in the coils. If there are too many, instead of using a sealant, replace the coil.

If you regularly maintain your AC or HVAC system, you will not face any refrigerant leak issues. Moreover, it is imperative that you don’t try to fix the issue at home. Call for professional help.

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Which Important Factors Affect Your Air Conditioner’s Efficiency?

You can’t ignore the importance of a good working air conditioner. An efficient cooling system is important to get through the summer heat and make yourself comfortable at home. The pandemic situation has forced people to stay at home most of the time. Therefore, maintaining an excellent cooling system has become more important than ever. For this, you need to maintain your cooling system and check in on it regularly to make sure it works well.

However, certain factors can affect your air conditioner’s capacity and its working efficiency. This blog post mentions those factors so you can take care of them and keep your AC in good condition.

Frequent Thermostat Setting Changes

Many people believe that setting their thermostat at the lowest level will keep it running for a long time. However, this will not speed up the process; rather it will take more time to cool a room to a colder temperature, and longer running can put pressure on the thermostat. The fact is that the frequent setting changes of air conditioners can affect their performance and reduce efficiency. Not to mention also increase your energy bills.

Similarly, setting your AC on a higher temperature setting can make your AC work harder and affect your AC. Try to set your AC at a reasonable temperature setting or use a programmable thermostat to conserve energy.

Age Of The Cooling System

Another factor that contributes to the inefficiency of your cooling system is its age. If your AC system is old and making weird noises or not giving enough air despite its maintenance, it may be time to change your cooling system. Good quality Air Conditioners can last for years till they no longer perform up to their mark. You can always call a professional technician to see if things will work well again after some replacements or maintenance, but usually, an older cooling system will need to be replaced as a whole.

Dirty Filters

When was the last time you cleaned your ACs filters? If it has been more than six months, it is time to clean them and wash them thoroughly to get rid of any dust and debris residing in it. AC filters can become clogged overtime with trapped dust and other particles. This can badly impact the efficiency of your AC system, limiting the amount of cool air you receive from it.

To avoid this, make sure to clean your AC every month in summer, so your AC doesn’t have to perform harder and can deliver healthy fresh air without affecting its efficiency.

Clogged Coils

Dirt can clog your coils and make them unable to perform their job. Coils are responsible for taking warm air out of your room and bringing in fresh air. When the coils are clogged, they have to perform harder, and thus consumes’ more electricity causing a spike in your bills. If you want your AC to function well, keep on checking the condition of your coils. Call a cooling system professional to come and check your AC coils or any other prevailing issues.

Lack Of Maintenance

Home appliances can be made to last longer by taking care of their maintenance, and your air conditioning system is one of them. If you don’t maintain it yourself or call your technician regularly to check for any problems, the chances are that these problems will turn into bigger issues that can demand costly repairs. Therefore, preventing such issues by opting for timely maintenance can increase your AC’s efficiency and keep it healthy for years.

About Pro West Heating & Air Conditioning

Pro West Heating & Air Conditioning is a reliable heating and air conditioner contractor in Vancouver and the Lower Mainland. We help you maintain ideal comfort levels inside your home and offer various related services. You can contact us here for further guidance.

3 Signs Your Furnace Needs Professional Attention

Winter is often a time of the year when everyone is looking forward to enjoying the holidays with their family and friends. You dream about sipping a hot cup of coffee or hot chocolate while playing games or watching TV in your warm, toasty living room. But the dream is short-lived if the temperature indoors isn’t kept warm due to a malfunctioning furnace.

Furnaces play a very important role in keeping the inside of your home warm and liveable. Cold weather causes the most strain to your heating system. So, it’s important to ensure that the system is always in good working condition, especially before each winter. However, there are times when you get so caught up in your daily life that you might overlook essential furnace repair or maintenance work.

Read on to learn about some of the signs that may indicate that your furnace needs immediate professional care.

Dirty Air Ducts And Filters

The most obvious sign that your furnace requires immediate care and maintenance is that it has dirty air ducts and filters. Air filters play an essential role in protecting the furnace’s delicate parts from dirt, dust, and grime. For instance, the blower fan of your home’s furnace might shut down completely if its air filters are clogged. This fan is responsible for blowing warm air into your home, and it is protected from the dirty air – pulled in from the return duct – by air filters.

You must pay close attention to your furnace for any visible signs of damage. Perform a self-inspection to ensure that its air filters and air ducts are in good condition to avoid it from breaking down. If you notice signs of dirt on the filters of your furnace, make sure to schedule a furnace maintenance appointment with a professional. Also, it is advised that you get a replacement of your 1-2 inch air filters after every three months to extend your furnace’s life.

Uneven Indoor Heating

Your furnace is supposed to help keep you warm by heating up the inside of your home. However, if you feel that some areas of your home are not warm enough or are on the cooler side, then you might have an issue at hand. Uneven heating is an indicator that your furnace needs some repairs. Uneven heating can either be due to dirty air ducts or the air escaping from your home through a leak in a wall or door.

To solve this problem, you must ensure that the furnaces’ filters and vents are clean and unclogged. Ensure that your windows and doors are properly shut while the heating system is running for effective results. In addition to this, use door snakes and weather strips to prevent heat from escaping out.

However, if doing these things does not improve the warmth of your home, then it is time to contact professionals from a furnace repair company to fix the problem.

A Spike In Your Utility Bills

Your heating system is an essential feature of your home and plays a vital part in keeping everyone comfortable during the cold weather. It does this by ensuring that the indoor environment remains as warm as you want it to. However, any issue with your furnace can cause it to perform poorly. For instance, a faulty furnace with inefficient performance can significantly hike your energy bills.

A sudden spike in your energy bills in the middle of winter is an obvious indicator that there are some issues with your furnace. Due to wear and tear over time the system might be operating in less than optimal working condition. If your electricity bill is more than it was last year, then it is best to get your furnace checked by a professional.

About Us

At Pro West, we offer expert services in repairing, installation, and maintenance of air conditioning, heating, hydronic, and humidifier systems to our residential and commercial customers in Vancouver and the lower mainland region. Contact us today for more information about our services.