• Variable-speed blowers: To control drafts and temperature fluctuations, continual airflow at a slower, and sometimes quieter, speed provides consistent warmth and uses less energy.
• Variable heat delivery: Along with variable air speed, the amount of heat output can automatically adjust from high to low to stabilize temperature and maintain comfort levels.
• Dual heat exchange: Condensing furnaces show the highest efficiency ratings by using a primary heat exchanger to extract heat, transferring the exhaust gases to a secondary heat exchanger that further extracts heat and condenses into water and carbon dioxide.
• Ignition: With efficient intermittent, direct spark or hot-surface ignition systems, a pilot light that consumes energy and requires monitoring is no longer needed.
• Air filtration: Your home’s air quality can be both a comfort and health issue. Furnaces can be fitted with electrostatic filters or high-efficiency particulate-arresting filters that reduce airborne particles.
• Multiple heat zones: Using a central electronic control, thermostats are placed throughout the home, heating based on individual criteria, such as rooms with more windows or ones which are used less frequently.

It’s important to consider all the options available when investing in your home’s future. For more information on replacing your furnace, and other HVAC needs, contact the professionals at Bennett Sheet Metal & Heating Ltd.  We have been serving the Vancouver Island community since 1961.

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

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If you have any of these features, you can enhance your older home’s energy efficiency without compromising its character. These routine maintenance tips and practices should help.

• Insulate the ceiling and crawl space areas, and place insulation around ducts and water pipes. Be careful with wall insulation, as old wiring could present a fire hazard, and blocked areas in the walls could hamper distribution.
• Use caulk to seal holes and leaks throughout your home.
• Weatherize your windows with weatherstripping, and make repairs so they are airtight. Minimize drafts by closing shutters and drapes at night.
• Close off chimney flues when not in use and use a towel to block air under door gaps.
• Adjust the temperature when you are sleeping or away, so that you use less energy. A programmable thermostat is ideal for these type of energy-saving settings.
• Lower the temperature of your water heater to 49 degrees.
• Change the air filters in your furnace regularly.

Before considering replacement of windows or heating units, you should have an energy audit to determine if such measures are needed. By insulating, sealing up air leaks and adjusting temperatures, you can be comfortable in your older home while still saving costs and energy.

For more information on improving your older home’s energy efficiency, contact us at Bennett Sheet Metal & Heating Ltd. Since 1961, we have helped our neighbors in the Vancouver Island area.

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

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• Leaks - Inspect any exposed pipes for signs of leaks or corrosion, particularly around fittings and valves. Check for water damage on walls, ceilings or foundations where pipes run. Loose or cracked tiles in showers and around sinks could indicate leaks or bad caulking. The flushing mechanism inside the toilet tank is a common culprit for leaks.
• Drainage - Drains should flow quickly, with no bubbling that could indicate a clog or blocked vent pipe.
• Water pressure - If the pressure coming out of faucets is low, remove the aerator or shower head to check for sediment clogs. Low pressure could be an indication of a line problem.
• Insulation – Any pipes exposed to cold air should be insulated with a commercial product designed for pipes. Seal up any holes or leaks where cold air might hit the pipes. The added benefit to insulating pipes is that not only are they protected from freezing, but they retain their temperature, saving energy as well.

Adding these simple steps to your home maintenance plan will go far in keeping your home in good repair. For more information on fall-winter home maintenance, contact the HVAC experts at Bennett Sheet Metal & Heating Ltd. We have been serving the Vancouver Island community since 1961.

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

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Before buying a wood stove, however, there are three things you definitely don’t want to overlook:

1. Ease of use and cleaning – You will want a model that allows you to load wood with little difficulty and a firebox that can be easily swept. If you plan to use your stove often, be sure the ash trays are large enough to handle ashes from the firebox without spilling out onto the floor.
2. Type of stove - There are two main types of wood stoves: cast iron models that radiate the heat and steel units that circulate warm air throughout the room. Make sure you are familiar with both, as each heats a room very differently. The physical characteristics of the cast iron versus steel should also be taken into consideration.
3. Dry air – You will find it convenient if you choose a stove model with a top that can accommodate a humidifier, as wood stoves can make the indoor air very dry.

A wood stove should be installed by a professional who can discuss with you various options that work best for you and your home. You will get expert advice regarding the size unit for your room, the type of flooring or base to use, whether an existing chimney is sufficient and other details specific to your needs.

For more information about buying a wood stove for your home, please contact the pros at Bennett Sheet Metal & Heating Ltd. We’ve been serving our neighbors in the Vancouver area since 1961.

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

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1. Designed to work: Optimal ductwork design should be planned when the home is constructed in collaboration with the builder, architect and HVAC installer.
2. Duct route: Supply and return ducts should be as short and straight as possible. Temperature changes the air as it flows through ducts, and any joints increase the possibility of leaks.
3. Duct size/distribution: Ductwork should be planned as compactly as possible, using precise measurements to determine the size of ducts in relation to the amount of space being covered. A certified HVAC professional can help with those calculations and offer you solutions to problems of energy loss or gain.
4. Insulation: Routing ducts through unconditioned and poorly insulated spaces such as an attic, crawl space or garage wastes money and compromises performance. If ductwork is already in place, you can minimize heating and cooling loss by adding insulation around the ducts. That goes for ducts placed in exterior walls as well.
5. Return-air pathways: You need equal airflow both in and out of a room so that conditioned air is continually circulated. Too much air coming in can cause moisture buildup, resulting in mold or mildew. If more air is escaping through the return-air ducts, the resulting suction can pull unclean air into the room from cracks or leaks in the ducts.
6. Sealed ducts: Conditioned air can escape from ducts that are not properly sealed. It’s important to seal joints, cracks and other leaks with mastic or a good quality metal tape. For ducts that are inaccessible, talk with an HVAC professional about using a spray mastic.
7. Install ducts correctly: Some homes with forced air use foundation joists to form ductwork. This is highly inefficient and should be replaced with a duct system that can be sealed and maintained properly.

For more information about optimal ductwork design and related HVAC systems, please contact Bennett Sheet Metal & Heating Ltd. We’ve been serving our neighbors in the Vancouver area since 1961.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Courtenay, British Columbia and surrounding areas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about ductwork design and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

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• Maintain your filter: A clean filter allows sufficient airflow, which keeps your furnace running at maximum efficiency. Once a month throughout the winter, check your filter and replace it if it appears dirty.
• Check your vent: Once a month, make sure your outdoor flue vent is clear. Vents can become blocked with debris, posing a safety hazard.
• Keep it clean: Check your owner’s manual for instructions on keeping the blower compartment clean. You may be able to perform the required yearly cleaning yourself, but if you’re not sure how, consult an HVAC professional.
• Allow air circulation: Keep at least 80 percent of your register vents open.
• Watch for warning signs: At best, an incorrectly operating furnace wastes energy; at worst, it poses a health and safety risk. Stay alert for signs of trouble like unusual noises, sudden temperature control issues, and start-up problems. If you have a pilot light, the flame should be steady and blue, not wavering or yellow.
• Install CO detectors: Equip every floor and sleeping area with a carbon monoxide detector. If the detector goes off, but you don’t smell gas, open all your doors and windows and call an HVAC specialist immediately. If you smell gas, call your gas company immediately.

Although you can do some basic maintenance yourself, an annual inspection is a must for keeping your furnace safe and efficient. An HVAC professional will tighten electrical connections, lubricate moving parts and perform other tasks to ensure optimal performance. Even if your furnace seems to be running well, it may have operational problems that compromise its efficiency and raise your gas bills.

For more guidance on learning to operate your gas furnace safely and efficiently, contact us at Bennett Sheet Metal & Heating Ltd. We’ve been serving the Courtenay and Campbell River areas since 1961.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Courtenay, British Columbia and surrounding areas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about gas furnaces and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

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Here are five things to ask about when choosing a heating contractor:

• Will you calculate my heating load and size my new furnace according to F-280 standards? F-280 standards map out evaluations and equations created by industry researchers and scientists, all geared toward calculating the precise amount of heat your new system will need to generate, and how it should be crafted to meet your specific needs.
• Will you inspect my current ductwork? If your ductwork is leaky, inexpertly designed or lacks insulation, you won’t get maximum performance from your new heating system. When choosing a heating contractor, ask whether they’ll inspect your ductwork and repair it, if necessary.
• Will you install a programmable thermostat, and help me set schedules, if I need it? Modern programmable thermostats offer advanced features that make energy savings and comfort simpler than ever. Together, the thermostat, ductwork and furnace make up the three quintessential components of your heating system.
• Will you show me how to maintain my system between service appointments? Seasonal service will keep your system operating at peak performance, but a little attention from you can go a long way. Learn how to check and change your filter, and the correct ways to use your thermostat (hint: don’t crank the heat up if you want the house to heat up fast—it won’t work!)
• Do you offer any customer loyalty rewards, or do you know of any rebates I may be eligible for? Reputable contractors often give back to their customers with special discounts or preferred treatment for long-standing loyalty.

Choosing a heating contractor doesn’t have to be frustrating. For a reliable contractor you can trust, give Bennett Sheet Metal and Heating a call. We’re proud to serve Vancouver area homeowners.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Courtenay, British Columbia and surrounding areas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about choosing a heating contractor and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

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Where you need the hot water also influences where you’ll install the unit, as well as the size of unit you’ll need. Consider whether you want to heat just one point like the kitchen sink, a whole room like the bathroom or your entire home.

Size
The size of a tankless water heater determines how quickly it can raise the water temperature at a particular output rate. The larger the unit, the faster it produces hot water. Litres per minute (LPM) is used to indicate the amount of hot water a tankless water heater produces over a 42.8 degree temperature rise.

The warmer your groundwater, the higher LPM a unit can provide. For example, if your groundwater temperature is 10 degrees, a particular unit might provide only 11.5 LPM, whereas if your groundwater temperature is 15.5 degrees, that same unit can produce at 13.5 LPM.

Demand
You’ll need to know your demand and average winter groundwater temperature to determine the right size unit for your needs. In most homes, there’s only one major hot water use at a time, such as use of the washing machine or two flow-restricted showers. The average shower, for instance, requires 5.5 to 12 LPM. For anything more than a small, single-point use, look for a flow rate of at least 11 LPM.

For more expert guidance on choosing a tankless water heater, contact us at Bennett Sheet Metal & Heating. We’ve been serving the Vancouver Island area since 1961.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Courtenay, British Columbia and surrounding areas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about tankless water heaters and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

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Where to caulk

Caulk is appropriate for creating a permanent seal over cracks, gaps or joints less than around 0.5 cm wide. Use it only on stationary building parts like window frames. For moving parts, like windows that open, use weatherstripping instead. Places to apply caulk include:

• Sills where the wooden house structure meets the foundation
• Joints between siding and masonry
• Joints between window frames and permanent storm windows
• Door and window frames
• Utility service entrances (electric, gas and phone)
• Plumbing pipe entrances
• Where appliance vents penetrate exterior walls

If you have a particularly draughty home, consult a professional about performing an energy audit to pinpoint all air leaks. Weatherizing your home is easier when you know exactly where the trouble spots are.

Types of caulk

A variety of caulks exist for different purposes. Inexpensive oil- or resin-based caulk may be used on exterior joints and seams. Latex caulk works well for filling cracks in plaster, tile, and plastic. Silicone and butyl rubber caulk are appropriate for sealing two dissimilar materials such as wood, stone, brick and metal flashing. Before buying caulk, check the label for usage guidelines. To seal large gaps, you may also need filler (caulking cotton or sponge rubber) or flashing (sheet aluminum or board sheathing).

To caulk leaks, you’ll need:

• Caulk
• Caulk gun
• Putty knife or large screwdriver (to remove old caulk)
• Rags and solvents for cleanup

Before applying caulk, remove all old caulk and paint, then clean and dry the area. To apply the caulk, hold the gun at an angle and apply the caulk in one continuous stream. The caulk should adhere to both sides of the gap or seam.

For more pro tips on weatherizing your home and other home comfort issues, contact us at Bennett Sheet Metal & Heating. We’ve been providing the Courtenay and Campbell River area with reliable services since 1961.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Courtenay, British Columbia and surrounding areas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about weatherizing your home and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

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The right maintenance schedule

A Vancouver Island solar panel installation specialist can advise you on the ideal cleaning schedule for your panels. In some locations, a weekly cleaning is ideal. In others, you won’t need to clean them more than once every other month. In dense urban areas, panels will need more frequent maintenance than in areas with less airborne debris. Occasionally take a look at the panels and when they appear to have a film of grime, they’re due for a cleaning.

How to clean solar panels

For panels that are merely dusty, a thorough spray-down with a garden hose should suffice. To remove more stubborn dirt, use a mild solution of water and biodegradable soap. Dip a soft cloth in this solution and hang the cloth on the end of a long pole, such as a telescopic pool skimmer, so you can reach the panels without climbing onto the roof. After cleaning, rinse the panels and support frames with a hose.

Never use abrasive cleaners or tools for maintaining your solar panels. These could scratch the panels and reduce their efficiency. In summer, perform solar panel maintenance in the early morning or later evening when the panels are cool. Spraying cold water onto hot solar panels could crack them.

If your solar panels haven’t received a professional inspection in a year or two, contact an installation specialist before performing maintenance. There may be damage to the frame or other parts that should be repaired before cleaning.

For professional advice and assistance with maintaining your solar panels, get in touch with us at Bennett Sheet Metal & Heating Ltd. We serve the Vancouver Island area.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Courtenay, British Columbia and surrounding areas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about solar panels and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

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