Connor Heating & Plumbing

Showing all posts by Jack Connor
Boiler FAQ: Your Comprehensive Guide to Boiler Systems

Boilers are an essential part of many households, providing warmth and hot water throughout the year. Whether you’re a new homeowner or have been living with a boiler for years, it’s natural to have questions about this critical piece of equipment. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll address common boiler FAQs to help you understand how boilers work, how to maintain them, and when to seek professional assistance.

1. What is a Boiler and How Does it Work?

Boilers are heating systems that use water or steam to distribute heat throughout a building. They work by heating water or generating steam, which is then circulated through pipes to radiators, underfloor heating systems, or to provide hot water for taps and showers. Boilers can be fueled by natural gas, oil, electricity, or alternative sources such as biomass.

2. What Are the Different Types of Boilers?

There are several types of boilers available,

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What is Considered a Furnace Emergency?
Furnace technician repairing furnace
Introduction

Hey there! Ever wondered when a furnace issue crosses the line from a minor hiccup to a full-blown emergency? It’s like knowing the difference between a car’s ‘check engine’ light and a flat tire on the highway. Some furnace problems need immediate attention to ensure your safety and comfort. Let’s uncover what counts as a furnace emergency.

Recognizing a Furnace Emergency Understanding the Risks

A furnace emergency isn’t just about discomfort in chilly weather. It can pose serious risks, similar to driving a car with critical mechanical failures.

1. Carbon Monoxide Leaks: The Invisible Threat Deadly and Silent

Carbon monoxide leaks are the silent assassins of furnace issues. If your carbon monoxide detector goes off, it’s like seeing smoke in your house – a clear and present danger.

Immediate Action Required

Evacuate your home immediately and call professionals. It’s as urgent as calling 911 for a fire.

2. Gas
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Reasons AC is Not Working

It’s hot out, and you go to turn on your AC, but nothing happens. You groan in frustration, as this is something that nobody wants to happen. But don’t worry! There are many possible causes for why your air conditioner isn’t working, from a lack of power supply or incorrect wiring to an issue with the compressor.

In this blog post, we’ll explore the potential reasons why your AC isn’t operating efficiently and what steps you can take to get it up and running again!

Dirty Air Filters 

If you don’t change your air filter regularly, dirt and debris can build up and block airflow. It causes your AC to work harder than usual, reducing efficiency and potentially causing more costly repairs down the road. To prevent this from happening, remember to check and replace your filter every three months or as the manufacturer recommends.  

Faulty Thermostat Settings  

Another … read full article

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The Pros and Cons of Using a Furnace Humidifier
Furnace Humidifier

Despite its numerous benefits, furnace humidifiers are not without their drawbacks. Drawbacks include mineral buildup, bacteria and mould growth, leaking water lines, and clogged drain lines. However, you can mitigate these issues with proper maintenance and annual inspections. Read on to learn more about the furnace humidifiers pros and cons. We’ll also discuss some of the other features of furnace humidifiers.

Bypass humidifiers have a water panel

Bypass furnace humidifiers have a ductwork water panel. These humidifiers use the pressure created in supply and return ductwork to draw warm air through the water panel. The water is then vaporized by the humidistat and directed through the ductwork. Bypass humidifiers are only effective when the furnace is on. In that case, you won’t need to install a bypass duct.

They produce less humidity than furnace humidifiers

While they produce less humidity than furnace humidifiers, whole-house humidifiers can still be beneficial … read full article

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HVAC Mechanisms and Systems

HVAC systemshvac systems allow us to stay safe, sane, and comfortable despite the crazy weather we now have. At a time when climate change is a pressing issue, it is a must for almost all enclosed spaces to have an HVAC system installed. These systems must be maintained because if you don’t, problems may start arising and you’ll end up spending more money for HVAC repairs and replacements than just simply hiring an HVAC professional to check your system and keep everything in excellent condition when you still have the time.

There are lots of ways for us to remain cool or warm depending on the season and the climate in the area. HVAC system failures and malfunctions will leave you hot and grumpy during the summer and cold and shivering during winter because your system failed to do its job when you need it the most. You can only benefit … read full article

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Don’t Wait Till Winter to Have Your Furnace Checked

furnace check up

As Canadians, we cannot wait to put away our winter clothes and get out the golf clubs.  So when the warm weather finally arrives, we just shut off our furnace and forget about it.  However, that could leave you out in the cold when you really need  your furnace come the winter time.  There are some warning signs that you should be aware of.

Musty/dusty odors coming from the vents are expected when a furnace first cycles on for the season. It’s dust from the ducts being blown into the living space and the burning of dust from along the heat exchanger. However, if this smell occurs beyond that or if it comes back later in the winter, it’s a sign that the motor is overheating, or even something more dangerous, like an electrical problem.

Not many homeowners give much thought to the electrical power that goes into running a … read full article

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Pollutants – A Nuisance

The most obvious reason that the radiator collided with an electrical switch is that the blower is draining. On the off chance that something is blocking the wind stream in your HVAC system, your blower needs to work harder to change. The reason behind this could be a dirty air duct work. Right when the air duct is wild, your blower needs to work harder to propel air through the pipes.

This creates the blower’s purpose to utilize and it would now have the capacity to function properly after the electrical switch is turned on. Check and replace when needed before resetting your electrical switch. In the event that the issue repeats, it is best to contact an expert who can double check whether the issue is caused by a radiator malfunction or if the electrical switch itself may have failed. Other issues that can affect the blower to drain … read full article

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Discover How a Gas Furnace Works

how a furnace worksGas furnaces are crucial in keeping many homes warm and comfy once the outside temperature starts to plummet to the negative. And it is safe to say that the gas furnace is among the most costly investments homeowners buy for their home. If you live somewhere cold, you’d probably be using one most of the year. It is best if you have an idea how a gas furnace works, so you can use it the right way, maintain it properly and regularly, and effectively do minor repairs when necessary.

Otherwise known as a home or a residential furnace, people use it for heating their homes. This typical furnace only uses a smaller volume of heat used in making your home warm.

When it was first used, homeowners often relied on wood, coal, or oil to fuel it. But with pressing environmental issues becoming a global concern, many have opted … read full article

Complement Your HVAC System by Using Smart Chairs

The process of heating your home seems to go on autopilot. When you set your thermostat, the heater works by bring up the temperature in your home to match the desired temperature. This seemingly mundane process can be fine-tuned with the help of modern technology, such as smart thermostats. However, in most situations, it is still a one-size-fits-all approach to solving your problem.

If you want each member of your household to have more control over their comfort, consider integrating heated chairs with smartphone controls. Continue reading to learn more about this revolutionary approach to personal comfort.

Portable Additions to Your HVAC System

With the freelance economy, more people are working from home, whether via self-employment as remote employees. Everyone sharing your home office may have different needs when it comes to their temperature preference. For that reason, everyone sitting in the living room will have a different opinion on … read full article

Preventative AC Maintenance

air conditioning maintenanceWithout question, the key to keeping your air conditioning system working right is preventative AC maintenance. According to experts, not only does it ensure all the parts are working well, but it helps you avoid spending money on costly repairs. Unfortunately, not everyone knows how to perform preventative maintenance. Luckily, learning what you need to know isn’t difficult. If you’re dedicated to ensuring your air conditioning system works well and will keep working well for years to come, keep these things in mind.

1. Learn How Your System Functions

Every central air conditioning unit has two primary components – the evaporator and the condenser. The condenser unit tends to be mounted outside the house. Usually it’s placed at the back of the house, but sometimes it’s placed on the side. The evaporator coil is the part that sits above the furnace. The unit is attached to a forced-air distribution system. … read full article

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Most Important Summer Plumbing Tips

After a long, cold winter, most Canadians cannot wait for summer to arrive.  It’s a time to take holidays with the family, go to the beach, play tennis and have countless barbecues.

All of this fun increases traffic in your home, which brings more toilet flushes, more laundry, and larger piles of dirty dishes.  In addition, most households will be taking the hose out to water the lawn and plants, and fill pools. It could also mean more showers in between all of these activities.

So let’s not forget about the plumbing pipes shall we.  One inconvenient plumbing problem can take the joy out the best summer day.  Here are some summer plumbing tips to keep the fun in your summer day!

Summertime means more dirty clothes. Make sure you check the washing machine hose for leaks, bulges or cracks. Remove the dryer lint on a regular basis. The… read full article
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Comparing Gas Absorption Heat Pump and Electric Heat Pump

heat pump

Before we start with the comparison, let us define what a heat pump is.  It’s a device or an equipment that transfers heat from a low-temperature fluid to another that has higher temperature.  It got its name from that ability – carrying heat to higher temperature level from a lower temperature, which inverts the natural process of heat flow since it usually starts from a higher temperature and goes to a lower temperature. This process can be related to a water pump that is positioned between 2 connected water basins placed at different elevation.  Naturally, water will flow to the lower part.  However, with the help of a pump, the water can be returned to the higher basin.

For every heat pump, there is a closed circuit which is where the refrigerant flows.  This refrigerant, according to pressure and temperature conditions, can take on a gaseous or liquid state.  What … read full article

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Types of Garage Heaters and How Much They Cost

Homeowners living in cold places, who likewise experience even colder winters, can benefit the most from garage heaters. It can save you from having frozen pipes and equipment, can provide warmth to cars over the night, and allow you to socialize or finish workshop tasks during the coldest months of the year.

Do you want to find out more about a garage heater installation? Read on and learn the essentials such as types and costs especially if you are planning on buying one for your garage.

Types of Garage Heaters

Electric – Electric garage heaters effectively converts electricity to provide warmth in your garage. A lot of gadgets come with a thermostat and gauges to assist you in easily establishing and regulating the temperature.

Installation: You can mount most electric garage heaters on top of a garage wall or the ceiling. Most of them have a detailed manual that will … read full article

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Essential HVAC Services HVAC Contractors Should Offer

Heating and cooling systemshvac services are prone to wear and tear over time and continued use. If you want to maximize its efficiency and extend its lifespan, regular HVAC maintenance such as changing of the filters and replacing worn parts can help you save money too. There are other essential HVAC services your contractor can do, so ask them what these HVAC services are that can be done to ensure your HVAC system will keep on heating cold winter nights and cool down scorching summer days for a long time.

If you fail to do these essential HVAC services in the maintenance of your system, it can lead to your system’s gradual deterioration, inefficiency, and high energy use.

Hire a professional HVAC contractor to conduct yearly pre-season inspections to make sure your HVAC system is ready for the challenge of working nonstop in maintaining home comfort. Homeowners should bear in mind … read full article

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