• Excess dust or dirt in your home
• Higher energy costs from unconditioned air entering the ducts
• Mold or mildew in the ducts, creating health problems for some family members
• Moisture, which will raise humidity levels in rooms
• Small rodents trapped in the ducts, dying, and leaving nasty odors
• Inconsistent temperatures in the home from external air altering the conditioned air

Regular inspections are important but it is essential to do a ductwork inspection for damaged ducts if your home has any of these signs:

• HVAC system running excessively
• Rattling noises from loose joints in the ducts
• Low air volume to your rooms caused by cracks in the ducts
• Loose hangers causing the ducts to sag and crack
• Strange odors coming from the registers
• Dry or cracked sealant on the ducts
• Damaged insulation in unconditioned areas of your home
• Dust accumulating around the registers in your rooms

Skillful homeowners can complete minor repairs, such as fixing loose hangers or replacing insulation, but for larger repairs contact a reputable professional with expertise in sealing ductwork. A pro will examine your ducts, look for other signs of problems like moisture or mold, seal the damaged ducts or replace them, and if necessary, clean the ducts.

At Air Flex Heating & Cooling Limited, we have expertly trained technicians in all fields of ductwork cleaning, repairing and replacing. If you live in the Greater Toronto Area including Durham, contact our knowledgeable staff to answer any questions you have about sealing your ducts, duct repairs or other issues associated with home comfort. Our goal is to offer affordable, satisfaction-guaranteed service by highly qualified professionals every day of the year.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in the greater Toronto area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about ductwork and other HVAC topics, downloadour free Home Comfort Resource guide.

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These are the primary targets of corrosive activity in water heaters:

Tank and internal plumbing. Corrosion in these areas leads to water leakage and eventually total tank failure requiring replacement of the entire heater. The driving force behind most tank corrosion is destructive electrolysis occurring when metal parts are immersed in water. It is particularly common in electric water heaters that combine both copper and metal parts that generate a galvanic reaction when submerged.
Combustion components. Metal areas exposed to extreme heat and/or an open flame will corrode faster than other surfaces. This includes the gas burner and combustion chamber as well as the standing pilot light (if the heater incorporates one) and flame sensors.
Venting. Galvanized metal vent pipes that exhaust combustion gases to the outside of the home are not immune to rust or corrosion caused by water vapor in the gases or exposure to rain where the vent terminates at the roof.

Prevention and/or repair of corrosion damage is limited to these measures:

• Sacrificial anode replacement. A magnesium or aluminum anode installed in the water tank attracts and binds corrosive elements caused by electrolysis. As these elements attack the sacrificial anode, the tank and other internal metal components are protected. After years of service, the anode may disintegrate entirely and require replacement by a plumber to ensure renewed corrosion protection.
• The burner and combustion chamber should be visually checked for rust and corrosion. Any sources of moisture such as seepage from the tank or relief valve should be eliminated.
• Vent pipes should also be inspected as part of an annual maintenance inspection. Rusted holes or deteriorating joints can leak dangerous carbon monoxide gas into the home.

For more information about preventing corrosion in your water heater, contact Airflex Heating & Cooling, Ltd.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in the greater Toronto area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about water hearters and other HVAC topics, downloadour free Home Comfort Resource guide.

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• A heat exchanger which is usually a loop of pipes buried 4-6 feet in the ground. While the surface temperature of the earth fluctuates, that far down the temperature remains fairly constant. The pipes are full of a liquid heat-absorbing medium, usually a mixture of antifreeze and water.
• The heat pump unit moves the liquid in the pipes to transfer heat or cold between the outside and inside and compresses it, condensing it down. In the winter, it will remove warmth from the surrounding earth, releasing it indoors to heat the building, and in the summer, it will reverse the process and absorb heat from indoors releasing it outdoors, efficiently bringing down the temperature in the building.
• The duct work and air delivery system transfer the heated or cooled air to the living places of the building. It is very important to have well-sealed and insulated duct work, or you can be leaking some of your energy savings back into the outdoors before it reaches your desired living space.

Because the heat pump capitalizes on the earth’s constant temperature, it is known as “free energy,” because you only have to use electricity operate the system such as turning the fan or pumping the heat exchange liquid. This allows them to be much more energy efficient than traditional models for the same amount of heat or cooling. Since geothermal heat pumps don’t rely on a fossil fuel, they are excellent for the environment, and have a minimal carbon footprint.

As an added benefit, heat pumps require very little maintenance when installed correctly, and only require a periodic check of the air filter and fans to keep bringing in the energy savings.

For more information on a geothermal heat pump and how it works contact Air Flex Heating and Cooling Ltd. We’ve been serving the Toronto area since 1994.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in the greater Toronto area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about geothermal heat pumps and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

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• Myth: Leaving fluorescent lights burning is more economical than turning them off.
  Fact: Turning off fluorescent bulbs when not in use, even for a short period of time, uses less electricity than leaving them on. It will also increase their lifespan.
• Myth: An energy-efficient A/C unit will automatically lower cooling costs.
  Fact: Potentially, a new high-efficiency unit could cut your energy bills — but your A/C’s efficiency rating is only part of the story. A/C units must be sized for the space you need to cool, and installed correctly. Ductwork must be designed and sized appropriately, and fitted well to avoid obstructions and leaks. Wrongly sized units and poor installation can waste more energy than a new A/C could save.
• Myth: Running the A/C continuously is more efficient than intermittent use.
  Fact: Turning off your air conditioner once it’s lowered the temperature sufficiently is far more economical. Not only does continuous use consume more energy, but it can wear out your A/C faster. If your home is well insulated and tightly sealed against air leaks, the air inside should stay cool all day. To keep cool air in, avoid opening doors or windows more than necessary.
• Myth: Programmable thermostats automatically cut bills.
  Fact: To save energy, you need to program your thermostat effectively. The time and date must be correct, and the timer should only turn on your HVAC system when your house is occupied.
• Myth: Appliances that are switched off don’t consume energy.
  Fact: TVs, stereos etc. consume almost as much energy on standby as they do in normal use. Chargers for electronic devices waste energy as heat when connected to a power source. This so-called “vampire drain” wastes a surprising amount of electricity.

Not sure if those helpful efficiency hints are real energy savers or myths? Air Flex Heating & Cooling Limited offer expert HVAC services to the Greater Toronto Area. Contact us to get the facts on energy efficient appliances and other ways to save electricity.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in the greater Toronto area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about energy savers and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

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• Find out what qualifications and license they have. HVAC contractors have the option to get certified and obtain licenses, typically varying by state. Try to find a contractor who belongs to prestigious associations like the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) and with certifications like NATE (North American Technician Excellence).
• If a contractor ever tries to skip over explaining your options and doing a thorough evaluation of your system, take it as a warning sign. Find a contractor who is as committed to doing a great job and educating you as they are about making money.
• If you’re replacing a major system, have your contractor draw up cost estimates for different models that have different efficiencies. While it’s quite a bit of work, good contractors will be happy to do so as it helps you make the best choice for your home.
• Try to stick with contractors who are prompt with their work and pick up the phone reliably. If you need help in case of an emergency, you want to be able to reach them.
• Find out what warranties and service they offer. Most will vary in price based on how many extras you get and how comprehensive the warranty is. It’s important to know exactly what you’re getting when you purchase a service.
• Get recommendations from friends. The best way to know what a contractor is like on the job is to ask former or current clients. If your friends have a contractor they love, put them on the shortlist to evaluate.

If you’re looking for HVAC contractors in Toronto, feel free to contact AirFlex Heating & Cooling and ask us any questions you have, we’re more than happy to help.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in the greater Toronto area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about HVAC contractors and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

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• Professional maintenance on a schedule. Warranty plans don’t cover maintenance, which means you will have to hire a professional or attempt to do it on your own. Many parts of HVAC maintenance are difficult or impractical to do by yourself, and the rest take up a lot of time. With a maintenance agreement you get service every year as you need it. Neglecting maintenance can lead to high energy bills and a shorter system lifespan.
• Priority service. Your warranty provider has an incentive to pay as little to you as possible when something goes wrong. On the other hand, as a regular client of a service company, you are a top priority if you have a problem. Many agreement plan providers will do their best to get you same day assistance if something breaks down, often at a discounted price as well.
• Cheaper in the long run. Depending on how comprehensive your maintenance or warranty plan is, the cost for either may be cheaper or more expensive for one or the other. However, regular professional maintenance will reduce major breakdowns in the long run and help your system run at optimum efficiency. Over time you are more likely to save money with most maintenance plans.
• Trust your help. You have full control of who you hire when you sign a maintenance agreement. On the other hand, when you want to make a claim with a warranty plan, you typically have to go through unknown service providers.

Is a warranty or a maintenance agreement right for your Toronto home? Call AirFlex Heating & Cooling to get more information.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in the greater Toronto area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about HVAC warranties and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

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If a problem with your programmable thermostat has your attention, however, and your Toronto home’s temperature is quickly climbing or falling out of your comfort zone, use the following troubleshooting tips before you call for service:

• Some thermostats still use batteries. Check the batteries even if the “low battery” alert did not display. It is always a good idea to replace the batteries of important devices, such as your programmable thermostat or carbon monoxide (CO) detector regularly, and before the batteries run too low. The first day of spring and autumn are easy dates to remember to change the batteries.
• If your thermostat is hard-wired to the electrical system, check the circuit box for a flipped breaker switch.
• If the problem is not resolved with batteries or a flipped switch, check the owner’s manual to see if your model has a fuse. If it does, follow the instructions for checking it, which typically involve removing the faceplate to access the fuse. The fuse has a filament like a conventional incandescent light bulk. When it is overloaded, it trips.
• Check the programming to make sure you have correctly selected “AM” or “PM” for time of day or night for event changes.
• If one HVAC mode is not working (e.g. cooling), check the other mode (e.g. heating). If neither modes are working, but your thermostat has power, call your HVAC contractor.
• Make sure the face plate is on securely. Digital displays often do not work properly if the face plate is loose.

If these troubleshooting tips did not get your programmable thermostat working again, call us today for more specific help. Air Flex Heating & Cooling Ltd. has proudly served Toronto area homeowners for more than 20 years.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in the greater Toronto area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about programmable thermostats and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

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• Dust
• Dander
• Pollen
• Bacteria
• Fumes
• Mold

There are generally two types of air purifiers – portable or stand-alone units that clean the air in a specific enclosed room, and a whole house system. Stand-alone models usually utilize a blower fan to pull air through a high-efficiency filter, though electrostatic models capture airborne particulates on collector plates by using electrostatic attraction.

While stand-alone room air purifiers are useful for small spaces, their design is not suited to address interior air quality issues of an entire home. Whole house systems are mounted inside the ducts of your heating and cooling system, and turn over your home’s air an average of seven times per day.

In order to ensure your home has clean, healthy air, it is a good idea to invest in quality air filtration. There are a variety of air cleaning HVAC products that are effective for removing specific home air pollutants.

Particulates

While standard filtering will improve indoor air quality, high-efficiency particulate (HEPA) filtration offers the best results in removing airborne particulate matter such as pollen, dust and dander. Whole-house HEPA filters, however, require extensive modifications to the HVAC system. Good quality filters ranging from 5 to 13 MERV (minimum efficiency ratio value) are recommended for most HVAC systems.

Bioaerosols and Microorganisms

Ultraviolet (UV) or germicidal air cleaners use ultraviolet light to clean the air. An effective germicide and disinfectant, UV light eliminates mold, bacteria and viruses among other pollutants.

Odors and Chemical Vapors

Gas phase air cleaners that contain activated charcoal filters or similar materials will absorb fumes, gases, volatile organic compounds, and stop odors.

For more information about resolving your interior air quality issues, contact the Toronto home comfort experts at Air Flex Heating & Cooling, Ltd.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in the greater Toronto area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about air pollutants and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

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There are a few reasons why you may be dealing with a noisy A/C, and following are some of these:

Noisy Fan

If your A/C unit is making a rattling or humming sound, the issue may be related to a fan that has come loose and/or needs cleaning. You can check to see if this is the cause by opening the unit’s cabinet and then, if you feel you are competent to do so, tightening the fan at the hub with a screwdriver of Allen wrench. While you are inside the cabinet, remove any dust or dirt that has built up on the fan.

Lubrication

Sometimes the source of the noise is due to a motor that is in need of oil. If your unit has an unsealed motor, you can use SAE 10 oil. You can prevent this issue from happening by oiling the motor at the  start of each summer, or by asking your technician to do this during annual maintenance.

Loose Screws

Screws can easily become loose due to the vibrations that the A/C unit makes, and can be corrected by tightening.

Clogged or Bent Coil Fins

The cause of your noisy A/C may be due to coil fins that have become clogged with dirt, you can vacuum out this dirt to correct the issue. If you discover a bent coil fin, they can be straightened out using a fin comb.

It’s always a good idea to contact a professional for any of these tasks unless you have experience performing them. If you are concerned about your noisy A/C unit, please contact us at Air Flex Heating & Cooling Limited.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in the greater Toronto area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about noisy A/Cs and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

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Replace Your A/C if:

• The air conditioner is 8 to 10 years old or older. Older cooling systems are up to 30 percent less efficient than their newer counterparts.
• Your energy bills steadily increase. As an air conditioner becomes less efficient with age or because of a lack of maintenance, you may notice that the cost of keeping cool steadily increases every summer.
• The A/C needs frequent repairs. If the amount of money that you’ve spent on repairing an air conditioner equals 50 percent of its value, the A/C is ready for replacement. After installing a new unit, you’ll immediately save money because the A/C operates more efficiently.
• The cooling unit is too small or too big. When an A/C is too small, it has to work overtime to keep an area cool. Similarly, a unit that’s too big is inefficient because it unnecessarily works at full capacity to keep your home comfortable.
• Rooms in your home feel too cold, hot or humid. Temperature and humidity level inconsistencies throughout a home may indicate that an A/C needs a replacement or repair.
• You dust more often than usual. An older air conditioner can affect the quality of air inside a home. If you find yourself dusting or sneezing more, have your ductwork inspected and consider an A/C replacement if it’s nearly a decade old.

For more expert advice about replacing your air conditioner and other issues related to home comfort, contact AirFlex Heating and Cooling toll-free at 1-888-670-6930. We’ve been serving the greater Toronto and Durham regions since 1993.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in the greater Toronto area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about A/C replacements and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

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