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By Keira J 26 Jan, 2023
Keep your family safe and your home comfortable by scheduling regular maintenance on your HVAC system. You'll save money in the long run and avoid costly repairs.
03 Jan, 2023
There are many ways to control your home's temperature, and you may wonder which system is best for you. We take a deep look into the most common questions about heat pumps so that you can better decide how you want to heat and cool your property. What is a heat pump, and what is its purpose? Heat pumps adequately replace furnaces and air conditioners for all climates. Similar to your refrigerator, heat pumps use power to move heat from one room to another, making the warm room warmer and the cool one cooler. In reality, a heat pump functions just like an air conditioner. The heat pump can also operate in cooling mode, in which case electric heating power is produced by reversing the refrigerant flow. This heat transfer method may be more effective than employing electric backup heating strips with an air conditioner. A heat pump simply moves air with different temperatures and does not produce any heat. The heat or energy utilized to power the heat pump may come from the ground or the air, depending on the type of heat pump. It's feasible that a heat pump will replace conventional furnaces or central air conditioning requirements in areas with moderate weather. What is the difference between forced air and heat pumps? Forced air furnaces are among the most widely used heating systems and are usually powered by electricity, oil, or gas. A forced-air furnace distributes heating through air vents in your residence using a flame, oil, gas, or another conduit. The air is then circulated directly to the furnace for reheating when it has had time to cool. Since it doesn't rely on air from outside the house, this heating system is advantageous in extremely cold environments because it makes it simpler to achieve warmer temperatures in less time and with less energy. This means that a forced-air furnace, as opposed to a heat pump, would be more advantageous in any temperature that faces subzero temperatures. A heat pump uses air from outside to heat your property in the winter and keep it cool in the summer. The heat pump continuously moves warm air from one location to another. It can take advantage of warm air in the winter and circulate it appropriately, and in the summer, it can remove warm air from your house to cool it. Are heat pump systems efficient? They can be very efficient in climates that don't typically experience harsh winters. Temperate climates are usually the best for heat pump systems. Since heat pumps are fueled by electricity, you may significantly reduce your reliance on fuel. Some heat pump models can achieve a seasonal energy efficient rating (SEER) of 20 or higher. Do heat pumps use less energy than furnaces? Despite being electric, heat pumps consume less energy and heat more effectively than gas-powered furnaces. Under ideal circumstances, a heat pump can transfer up to 300% more energy than it uses. Gas furnaces marketed as high-efficiency are only about 95% effective. The benefits of heat pumps Opting for a heat pump can be an excellent first step if you want to reduce your carbon footprint and adopt a greener lifestyle. You can reduce your household's greenhouse gas emissions by using clean hydroelectricity instead of gas for heating. Heat pumps are considerably more effective than electric baseboard heaters. In terms of cooling efficiency, they outperform standard window A/C units by up to 50%. Ready to invest in a heat pump? At GTAAire Heating & Cooling, we offer heat pump installation services . You can rely on our team of trained professionals for a clean installation. Call us at 905-763-8100 or fill out our online contact form to reach us.
29 Nov, 2022
Leaks, drafts, and an improperly set thermostat can all lead to high heating bills. Here are five tips to help you reduce your costs this winter.
01 Nov, 2022
Learn about the health benefits of using a humidifier in your home, and find out which type of humidifier is best for you.
03 Oct, 2022
In-floor heating is a great way to keep your home comfortable all winter long. Learn more about the benefits of in-floor heating and find out if it's the right choice for you.
07 Sep, 2022
A Beginner’s Guide to Cleaning and Maintaining a Gas Fireplace
04 Aug, 2022
Natural gas is the most widely used heating fuel in Canadian homes. It’s affordable, safe, and greener than many alternatives. A gas line installation could be just what you need in your home. Continue reading to learn about the many benefits associated with natural gas. Convenient and Available Over two-thirds of Ontario homes use natural gas for their heating. Natural gas is distributed through a network of gas lines, bringing gas from production facilities to homes across the country. In the Greater Toronto Area, virtually every home can have convenient access to the gas grid. Since the gas grid is so widespread and well-maintained, you don’t have to worry about disruptions to your fuel supply. Natural gas is delivered by pressure throughout the system, meaning that your supply doesn’t rely on your home’s electricity. Incredibly Efficient The second most prominent source of heat in Ontario is electricity. While some people prefer electricity, it isn’t doing them any favours in terms of efficiency. Electric heat is still primarily generated from fossil fuels like natural gas, fuel oil, and coal. However, that heat is delivered less efficiently. Heating a home with electricity requires burning fuel at a distant power generation facility and transmitting that power for hundreds of kilometres. Both steps drastically reduce efficiency. Natural gas provides direct heat from combustion (the most efficient pathway from fuel to heat). This means less fuel is burned to heat your home. Cost-Effective Here in Canada, winter heating bills can be extremely high. Natural gas provides one of the most cost-effective ways to heat your home. This is due to both the incredible efficiency of gas heating and the low cost of natural gas compared to electricity. Different fuel sources can be compared by looking at the amount of heat (BTUs) they produce for every dollar spent. Natural gas has one of the highest heat-per-dollar ratios compared to electric heat, which has some of the lowest. Even with an electric heat pump, you’ll still save money with gas. Environmentally Friendly Some homeowners believe that natural gas isn’t an environmentally sound way to heat their homes. However, that simply isn’t the case. Natural gas is among the most environmentally responsible heating methods available on the market today. Electric heat is still generated by burning fossil fuels and does so less efficiently than direct gas heating. A hypothetical 100% renewable energy grid could provide greener heating than natural gas, but we aren’t there yet and won’t be for many years. Worse still, the fuel, oil, and coal used to generate electricity release carbon dioxide and harmful nitrogen and sulphur compounds. These cause a wide range of additional environmental issues. Natural gas is almost entirely pure methane that burns clean without producing harmful compounds. Versatile Installing a gas line in your home isn’t just about heating. Gas can power a wide range of appliances, helping you save on energy and improving the quality of your home. Natural gas fireplaces are incredibly popular, and natural gas water heaters can reduce your energy bills. Installing a gas line opens the door to a wide range of possibilities for your home. You gain access to many new options and can increase the long-term value of your home as well. Gas Line Installation for Your Home Does natural gas sound like it could be just what you’ve been looking for? Count on the professionals at GTAAire Heating & Cooling to provide a safe, effective, and efficient gas line installation for your home. Contact us online or connect with us at (416) 274-3583 to get started.
06 Jul, 2022
A smart thermostat is one of the best investments a homeowner can make to save money at home today. These novel devices provide numerous benefits for homeowners. You can take control of your home’s heating and cooling today with the latest in thermostat technology. Minimize Your Energy Costs One of the main benefits of installing a new smart thermostat is increased energy efficiency. Your heating and cooling bills can add up over time, so any improvement translates to more money in your bank account. You don’t always have to make a big change to improve, and this simple installation can have a significant impact. Smart thermostats implement automated scheduling to reduce your energy use over the course of the day. Many savvy homeowners already adjust their thermostat for work, sleep, and the time they spend in their homes. A smart thermostat does all of that automatically, without fail. Reducing your heating and cooling use when you are away from home and while you are sleeping means you will spend less on energy each day. Your smart thermostat can also be programmed to adjust the temperature just before you arrive home. You can walk through your front door into a comfortable temperature while saving energy throughout the day. Track Your Energy Usage Smart thermostats make tracking energy usage incredibly straightforward. A sudden spike in your energy bill can indicate something is wrong with your heat or air conditioner. However, a smart thermostat can track this energy use directly. With more accurate information, you can confirm that your HVAC system is causing an increase in your electricity bill - and rule out another culprit. You’ll also be able to catch deviations sooner and reach out to professionals for preventative maintenance. By doing so, you’ll avoid wasting energy and prevent intensive and expensive repairs later on. Control Your Thermostat Remotely Programmable thermostats that let you set timers have been around for some time, but smart thermostats add some completely new features. Your smart thermostat can connect to your home’s wi-fi to provide remote access through a secure app. You’ll be able to remotely adjust your thermostat, so you can heat up or cool down your home early if you’ll be home sooner than expected. The same goes for reducing energy usage if you will be out late and won’t need it. This same connectivity lets you connect your smart thermostat to the latest smart home systems. You can let your Google Home, Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, or other systems handle your thermostat with voice controls, predictive scheduling, and more. Gain the Ability to Zone Your Home Why waste energy heating a room you aren’t using at any given time? The same goes for keeping living areas cool in the summer. With a smart thermostat, controlling different zones in your home is easier than ever. Instead of manually adjusting every thermostat in your home to find the perfect balance, your smart thermostat can handle zoning automatically. You can set custom schedules for each area in your home. With smart home integration, this task can be as easy as saying, “Hey Google, warm up my bedroom” from any room in your home. Find the Best Smart Thermostat for Your Home  The experts at GTAAire Heating & Cooling can help you find the best smart thermostat for your home in the Greater Toronto Area so you can enjoy reduced energy costs and improved control. Our skilled and professional technicians install thermostats for all types of HVAC systems. Connect with us today at (416) 274-3583 or contact us online to get started.
07 Jun, 2022
If your vehicle has ever had an oil change, chances are you’ve been encouraged to change your car’s dirty cabin filter. A fresh filter keeps the air in your vehicle clean and removes harmful particles. Did you know that there are air filters in other areas of your life as well? The HVAC system in your home or building uses air filters that have the same job: to remove and purify particles from the air (particularly damaging ones or allergens). While air filters are specially designed to do this, they need to be changed regularly to keep working hard to protect your lungs. How do Air Filters Work? Air filters clean the air by filtering out harmful particles including dust, pollen, pet dander, allergens, smoke, and mold. This is why air filters are important. Some of them can even remove bacteria and viruses from the air. To ensure air filters work properly, perform regular air filter maintenance . This maintenance includes replacing them often so they do not get clogged. Clean air filters protect your lungs and prevent you from breathing in harmful particles. How Often Should They be Changed? Depending on where your air filter is located and how large the space is (your car versus your 2-storey home versus a large warehouse), you should monitor the air filter and change it when it looks dirty. The size and location of your space (as well as how many particles are in the environment) determine how often to replace an air filter. Generally, you should replace your filters every 60-90 days to keep harmful particles out of the air. What Happens When You Don’t Change Them? There are consequences to your health and wallet when you neglect to change your air filter (especially after a long time). Here are some reasons why you should regularly change your air filters. High Energy Bills When your air filters are clogged, your system needs to work harder to provide airflow to your home, car, or building. When the HVAC system needs to work harder to heat or cool your space, it uses more energy. This increases your energy bills and can lead to much higher costs in the long run. Health Risks Air filters are designed to keep you safe by removing (or reducing) the number of dangerous particles from the air or keeping you more comfortable by removing allergens from the air. When you leave an old air filter in your system for a long time, harmful contaminants continue to spread and fill your air because there’s nothing to trap them. Dirty air filters cause your space to become dusty more quickly. A dusty environment means you need to clean and dust more often. Poor Temperature Regulations Clogged air filters will result in poor temperature circulation and regulation within your space. Since the HVAC system will need to strain to push out airflow (and both heat and cool, depending on what your system is set to at the time), it will take longer for your system to regulate the temperature. This delay can be uncomfortable - particularly on very hot or cold days. We Can Help! If you’re unsure about the condition of your HVAC system or air filters, you can count on GTAAire Heating & Cooling to help you out. Send us a message on our website, or call us at (416) 274-3583 to set up an appointment. Our skilled team of specialists has been servicing the Greater Toronto Area and Richmond Hill for over 20 years. We look forward to helping your HVAC system run smoothly for years to come!
03 May, 2022
Summer’s almost here, which means it’s time to start thinking about the state of your AC—has it held up well over the winter? Replacing your air conditioning unit can be incredibly expensive, which is why it’s important to maintain the one you already have. Thankfully, you can do several simple things to extend the life of your air conditioner. Going through this checklist is a great way to figure out if you need a visit from us here at GTA Aire Heating & Cooling! Examine the Thermostat Check out your AC unit’s thermostat and be sure that it’s not only working but also reading the temperature accurately. In some cases, you need only replace the batteries to fix a dying thermostat. If that doesn’t work, open the panel and look for a tripped circuit breaker or blown fuse—replacing these should fix the problem. While you do this, make sure to clean out any dust with canned air to ensure no debris interferes with the thermostat. As always, be sure to turn off the AC before you work on the thermostat. Clean/Replace the Air Filters Forgetting to clean or replace your air filters will promote a “dirtier” environment in your home, as air will be passing through filthy filters. This is when a provider like GTA Aire Heating & Cooling would use wisdom and expertise to sort the situation out! New air filters are relatively cheap when compared to the cost of replacing your entire air conditioning unit . Thankfully, it’s easy to replace the filters yourself—just make sure to get the correct size and follow directions properly. Clean the Outside Unit and Keep the Area Clear Cleaning around your air conditioner and outside the unit is crucial to its maintenance. Leaving an air conditioner to gather dust and grime will only make things worse for you when summer rolls around. If you want to stay cool and don’t want to worry about nasty smells, it’s critical to clean the outside of your AC unit and keep the area free of debris. Check for Moisture/Water Even some of the best ACs will have a bit of condensation and even leakage beneath the outdoor unit—that’s normal. But if you notice excess moisture or water near your air conditioner, there might be trouble. Excess water might indicate a cracked drain pan, a clogged air filter, or a blocked condensate line. Leaking can also be caused by a broken condensate pump, a serious issue that calls for immediate replacement. If you’re unsure what is causing a leaking AC unit, get an HVAC specialist to diagnose the problem. Examine the Condenser Unit’s Fan If this portion of the AC unit doesn’t work, you’re not going to feel the cool breeze that you’ve grown so used to. Instead, lukewarm air will blow in your face. This issue occurs when the condenser unit loses power, often due to a blown fuse or tripped circuit breaker. If you’re having issues with your condenser fan and need air conditioning repair, using our air condition repair service is all you’ll ever need. Get More Out of Your Air Conditioner! There is nothing worse than having faulty air conditioning during the summer. If you’re in the GTA region you can count on GTA Aire Heating & Cooling to inspect and repair your AC unit. If you’re interested and want to learn more, call us at 416-274-3583 or fill out our contact form ; one of our representatives will be glad to help you out!
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