Running your Furnace in the Winter

Homeowners often rely on their furnaces operating in the winter to keep their homes comfortable during the coldest days of the year. After not using your furnace during the spring and summer months, the winter will begin to test the functions of your furnace as it will be utilized more often than not. When you begin to use your furnace in winter, it will prompt a question regarding how often a furnace should be on during the winter to avoid overworking the fixture, which might culminate in a need for furnace repair in Calgary.

Find out how often homeowners should run their furnaces during the winter to maintain them and prevent potential damages.

Furnace cycles

Furnace cycling often refers to how long a furnace will function to deliver heat within a home until it reaches a comfortable temperature. For example, if a household member sets the temperature to 70 degrees, the furnace will cycle heat for an allotted amount of time until the temperature reaches 70, and then the furnace will shut off. When the temperature begins to drop again after it shuts off, the furnace will start a new cycle to revert the temperature back to its desired level. Depending on your preferred temperature, the number of cycles that will occur daily will vary, as will the amount your furnace will be running–something you must factor in.

How often to keep the furnace on

There is no suggested timeframe to keep your furnace running, as it all depends on external factors, such as the size of your home. On average, a cycle will last 15 to 20 minutes, and a cycle can reoccur every three to eight times an hour. While the time you run your furnace has dependencies you may not be able to control, homeowners should keep a watchful eye on how much their furnace is running to reduce wasted energy, which can also contribute to high energy bills. To prevent high energy costs, consider keeping the temperature in your home at a minimal level, so your furnace will not continuously cycle.

Factors

Many factors will determine how often you will use your furnace during winter, including if your home has no insulation or if your windows and doors aren’t properly sealed, all of which can make your furnace have longer cycles. These issues can be corrected when you seal your doors and windows and install insulation in your walls, ensuring that your furnace doesn’t run longer than it should and will effectively reduce the energy you use. Another less controllable factor that will make a furnace cycle duration longer is if you live in a large residence, where it will take longer to heat up, or if you reside in a perpetually cold climate.

Signs of damage

The number of times your furnace will cycle and heat your home will ultimately depend on different factors and how well your furnace operates. Like any fixture in the home, the furnace is not immune to damage, and some signs indicate problems may be on the horizon. A primary sign that something is wrong with your furnace is if it begins to cycle every two to three minutes, also known as short cycling. Short cycling is often caused by simple errors that can be quickly rectified, like a clogged air vent and old air filters that need to be replaced. Other, more severe problems, such as an aging HVAC that is deteriorating, or a damaged thermostat, blower motor, and flame sensor, all of which will require a furnace repair in Calgary from an HVAC repair professional

Calgary Plumber and Drains is your number one team of Calgary plumbers! Our success has been built on values such as honesty, hard work, affordable prices and superior customer service. We pride ourselves on offering clients throughout Downtown and surrounding areas with top-quality plumbing services, including leak repairs, installations, sewer and drain cleaning, toilet repairs, and water heater repairs in Calgary. As an emergency plumber in Calgary, we’re available when you’re in dire straits! For the number one plumbing company in Calgary, contact Calgary Plumber and Drains at 403-629-2920.

The ultimate guide to furnace repair in Calgary and preparation before winter

Maintaining your furnace so that it will perform efficiently in the winter requires some preparation. For maximum comfort, as the temperature outside begins to dip into the negatives as winter emerges, every homeowner will want to ensure that their household stays warm and comfortable. The temperature in many homes is dependent on how well the furnace is functioning and how well it can handle heating an entire home during the coldest months of the year.

Before you crank up the heat on your furnace when frigid weather materializes, you’ll want to know how you can prepare your furnace for the winter to avoid having to get a costly furnace repair in Calgary.

Changing filters

Changing the filters of your furnace and HVAC system will keep particles and dirt out of your furnace to ensure that it works efficiently during the winter. Changing filters will give you a chance to clean them and effectively extend the lifespan of your furnace and HVAC system. This action should be done at least every few months to keep your furnace from eventually becoming damaged.

Thermostat inspection

Inspecting the workings of your thermostat before winter is to make sure it is working correctly without room for incident. How your thermostat works is ultimately contingent on how efficiently your furnace will function. You can inspect whether or not your thermostat’s battery is low, program it for a winter setting, or, if needed, obtain a programable thermostat that will automatically shift temperatures when you’re household is home or not, which is a huge asset when it comes to reducing energy bills.

Cleaning drainage tube

When you own a propane and natural gas furnace, small traces of water that is produced from these substances can be found in the drainage tubes, which should be cleaned out, or else, the system could shut down entirely upon trying to use it. Detaching the tube from the furnace system and blowing the water out using compressed air can effectively remove all moisture from the drainage tube before using your furnace.

Vacuum and clean out debris

Although removing the dust from the filters of a furnace is imperative, the other areas of your furnace should also be free from debris, so it will effectively work to keep you warm during the winter. You can start tackling the debris in your furnace by loosening dust and other particles from its inner components that are hard to reach with an accessible object that won’t harm it, like a paintbrush. Once the debris has been loosened, you can extract the remaining debris with a vacuum. For areas that accumulate dust, like the burners, you should contact a professional with experience in furnace repair in Calgary, so they can safely and securely remove all dust and debris without harm.

Uncover heating vents

Uncover all the heating vents that might be covered before you begin to use your furnace regularly in the winter season. If your vents are blocked, this prevents heat from escaping and keeps your home from warming up, and it will also overheat the furnace, which, in turn, will significantly damage it.

General maintenance

You should hire a professional for general maintenance and inspection involving any heating source in your home. This can include inspecting a properly cleaned furnace, checking a chimney for potential carbon build or small animal encampments, and getting a complete HVAC system check to ensure everything is working in winter.

Calgary Plumber and Drains is your number-one team of Calgary plumbers! Our success has been built on values such as honesty, hard work, affordable prices and superior customer service. We pride ourselves on offering clients throughout Downtown and surrounding areas with top-quality plumbing services, including leak repairs, installations, sewer and drain cleaning, toilet repairs, and water heater repairs in Calgary. As an emergency plumber in Calgary, we’re available when you’re in dire straits! For the number one plumbing company in Calgary, contact Calgary Plumber and Drains at 403-629-2920.

As we get closer and closer to summer, many start to reach out for their thermostat to dial down the temperature as the days become warmer. Long gone are cold winter months and the frequent use of your furnace to keep you warm.

It then begs the question: “What do I do with my furnace now that it will be getting hot?”

Interestingly enough, any business that conducts furnace repair in Calgary is no stranger to folks being uncertain about what they should do.

Get the facts from the experts on what you should be doing with your furnace during the summertime!

Keeping Furnace On or Off

The biggest question folks have is whether they should keep their furnace on or off during the summertime. The issue is whether it can effectively save on energy and your utility bills. However, these benefits may or may not apply to you depending on the type of furnace you have – and, typically, how old it is.

Types of Furnaces

You don’t need to worry about turning off furnaces for the most part. Nowadays, they’re rather energy-efficient since they include an electrical ignition so that any gas doesn’t need to burn continuously – which saves costs on utilities! Unlike other gas furnaces, which need to have gas constantly running to keep a pilot light going. With these furnaces it is still recommended to keep them on even though they are not as energy efficient.

Additionally, a furnace can still be used during the summer if you have a central air conditioning system. Why is that? The AC uses the furnace to help circulate cool air through your home.

When your furnace sits dormant through the summer months, potential problems can arise when you need to use it again, and it might not work as it should.

Scheduling Furnaces for Servicing & Repairs

Summertime is considered slower for businesses that conduct furnace repairs and replacements. In which case, it’s perfect to schedule servicing for it! You won’t be spending too much money as you would during peak, high-demand seasons like winter if you need repairs or a replacement.

Plus, it’s better to check if everything is in working order before winter. It helps you prepare in advance, so any bigger repair issues do not blindside you. Ensure top-tier performance by scheduling whatever service you may need for your furnace while it’s nice and hot outside!

As a homeowner, there might be a feeling of dread that come winter, your furnace might break down. The last thing you want is to go through the cold months without any heating support.

The thing is, as most furnaces can last for up to 20 years, many of us don’t know how much it costs to install a new model in our home when the moment calls for it. So, what’s the cost of a new furnace installation in Calgary?

Thankfully, we have the quick-fire guide to help you!

What Impacts the Cost of Furnace Installation?

There are several factors that can affect the cost of installing a new furnace in your home. Please consider the following:

The size of your home – The larger your home, the larger your furnace has to be. That’s because your furnace has to support your home’s heating, so the larger your home, the larger the furnace.
The type of furnace – Depending on the make, model and brand of the furnace, your price will vary greatly. The efficiency of the furnace – The higher the Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency rating, the more expensive the furnace will typically be. That’s because you’ll save more money in the long run.
The installation and the labour – Not all installations are the same. Some require more work than others because of the project’s complexity, the house or the removal of the old furnace. This, in turn, will affect the labour of the plumber.
Any additional factors – You’ll also have to consider the current safety codes of your home, any complicated venting upgrades, conversions (from oil to gas to electric), and furnace relocation requirements for the project.

The Average Cost of New Furnace Installation in Calgary

The best way to determine how much a new furnace installation will cost you is to speak directly to a highly qualified plumber in Calgary. They can provide you with an estimate based on the type, size and complexity of your project.

However, having a rough idea of the cost of installation can guide you going forward. Here are some examples of what the cost could be:

Home Advisor states that “installing or replacing a furnace costs between $2,673 and $6,576 with an average cost of $4,624 including materials, equipment and labour.”
Home Guide offers similar prices, stating that “a furnace replacement costs $2,000 to $5,400 on average for a new home furnace and installation labour.”
HVAC.com follows a similar path, saying that the “average replacement cost of a furnace ranges from $1,795 to $6,290, with most homeowners paying about $3,817. Prices will vary based on city, cost of living, brand, efficiency, warranties included, and more.”

While these are average prices, as we said, your best course of action is to contact a professional plumber in Calgary – like Calgary Plumber and Drains!

Are you wondering how much a Calgary plumber charges per hour? You, and many other Calgarians, are in the same boat.

Knowing what you are expected to pay – especially when you can’t always plan for plumbing repairs or services – is essential to managing your budget, home, and plumbing system.

But determining a final cost for a plumbing repair or service can be difficult, as some factors and situations will affect the final price.

As such, before knowing what a Calgary plumber charges per hour, you have to understand what can impact their pricing.

What Impacts a Calgary Plumber’s Rate?

Although plumbers in Calgary charge by the hour, many factors can influence their pricing rate. Listed below are some potential factors:

The Complexity of the Job

Simple mathematics here: the easier the job, the less it will cost; the larger the job, the more it will cost.

For example, according to Home Guide, plumbers can fix a leaking pipe for $250, while a burst pipe can cost between $100 to $200 per foot, with the whole project costing between $400 and $1,500 total.

The complexity of the job at hand has a direct impact on the cost of the plumber. Extensive plumbing jobs or projects require more time, more labour, more tools and a unique approach compared to simple tasks.

The Experience & Quality of the Workmanship

Experience matters when it comes to plumbing in Calgary. You want a seasoned professional that can get the job done right the first time and delivers high-quality workmanship that stands the test of time.

For that level of service, you’ll have to pay more for it. But you guarantee your investment and know that your plumbing system will be fully functional.

Emergency, Weekend, Holiday or After-Hours Charges

Most emergency plumbers in Calgary are called out for on-the-spot repairs and desperate situations. As such, most plumbers will charge more for off-hour repair during weekends, holidays and after-hours. You can expect a higher hourly rate or flat fee, or a combination of the two.

Some plumbers will offer their emergency services for the same rate as their daily rate. Be careful, though, as these deals might mean you get charged more for the work than usual, or you’re hiring a less-experienced contractor.

Commercial vs. Residential Properties

Commercial plumbing systems are entirely different from residential structures. The building codes, equipment, and skill sets vary between the two types, so the price does too. Getting repairs on a commercial property will cost more compared to a residential property.

Trip Fees

Many plumbers might charge a trip fee, depending on the job’s location and the distance they need to travel. The fees will be charged in addition to labour costs.

The Average Cost of Calgary Plumbers Per Hour

According to Home Guide, plumbers in Calgary “typically charge $45 to $150 per hour with a minimum service call-out fee of $50 to $100.”

Home Advisor also backs this claim, suggesting that a “plumber ranges from $45 to $200 per hour,” but “depending on the job, timing and location” can charge more.

As previously stated, many factors can influence the cost of a plumber’s hourly rate. It’s best to conduct research and find a plumber that fits your budget and can provide you with the service required.

It would help if you always looked for a Calgary plumber that is respectful, highly-skilled and certified, offers transparent pricing and exceptional value, and provides a range of services, including water heater repairs and furnace repairs in Calgary.