Furnace Repair Faq

What You Should Know About Furnace Repair

To familiarize yourself with your furnace you may want to review how a furnace works, and exercise some of the preventative maintenance yourself. Here are some things you can tackle, if you're up to it:

Confirm that the furnace cycles through start-up to shut-down via your thermostat.
Check the supply (small grates in each room) and return air (large grate, usually in a hallway) temperature to make sure your thermostat is accurate.
Clean and level your thermostat. For older thermostats this ensures proper function since many of them have liquid mercury switches. And always, this is aesthetically more eye pleasing.
There is a safety switch on all furnace doors that “pops out” when the door is removed. Make sure this is unobstructed and clean
Look at all the visible wiring and electrical connections for burns or unraveling/loose wire nuts or tape.
Check the condition of your vent connection pipe and chimney for rust or gaps. Venting system parts can deteriorate over time.
If you decide to hire a specialist, go well-armed into your search for a company. Here are a few questions that you could ask of the HVAC dealer you are considering:
Which is the best furnace on the market?
Is my furnace operating at peak performance?
Is my furnace energy efficient?
Could I save money on my utility bills with a new furnace?
How closely can I manage my home comfort with your line of furnaces?
Which furnaces have easy-to-clean filters?
Which of the heating manufacturers you represent have been around the longest?
How long has your company been in business?
How quickly can you typically respond in an emergency situation?
Do you have any special furnace service or maintenance plans?
What are your billing and payment methods and terms?
Do you have client references I could contact?

Again, during the hotter months, furnace repair maintenance and other heating repair issues can be taken care of by widely available professionals at a time when you aren’t relying too heavily on your heating system. And it’s likely that you won’t have to wait in line.

Tankless Water Heaters

Benefits of Tankless Water Heaters

The technology employed by water heaters has been around for a hundred years and has been virtually unchanged in all that time. This is mainly because that technology worked so well back then and still works today. Traditional water heaters use tanks that heat and store water ready for use. You always have hot water on hand just in case. Whether or not the water is used, energy is still put out to keep it hot. This can be wasteful and energy inefficient.

Tankless water heaters, also known as demand or instantaneous water heaters, are an excellent alternative to conventional tank heaters. Tankless water heaters heat water on demand rather than keeping hot water in reserve. Because they don’t have to keep a volume of water hot indefinitely on standby, they require less energy than tank heaters and generate lower utility costs. The difference can be as much as 30%. Tankless water heaters have very high efficiency ratings at nearly 99%. With more and more attention being paid to energy conservation and environmental issues, tankless water heaters have become very popular.

Tankless water heaters can be operated electrically or with natural gas or propane. In general, gas tankless water heater models can heat more water faster for less money. Electric tankless water heaters need access to a lot of electric power to rapidly heat water. It’s best to install tankless water heaters in new construction because an already built home may not have proper venting or the necessary hook-ups available, and it can cost a lot to make the house compatible with a tankless water heater. If you’re involved in building a new construction, you’re going to have to get a new water heater anyway, so you might as well get the best kind, the tankless water heater. The cost difference is really not that much.

You may wonder about the output of a tankless water heat in comparison to a tank heater. Gas tankless water heaters that provide hot water for whole homes can heat over 5 gallons of water by 60 degrees F each minute. That’s enough water to supply two showers running at the same time. You won’t have to sacrifice convenience when you choose a tankless water heater.

Fireplace FAQ

Most people have questions when it comes to fireplaces. Listed below are some of the most common questions asked:


Can a wood burning fireplace be converted to gas?

The answer is yes and is actually quite popular due to both efficiency and convenience. Natural gas is inexpensive and burns much cleaner than that of a wood burning fireplace. Just be sure you have a professional complete the installation for safety reasons.



Does a fireplace increase the value of a home?

Fireplaces do add value although the exact amount depends on the part of the country where you live. The Hearth Product Association conducted a study that shows a fireplace hearth remains the most preferred amenity for a home and in some cases, could produce a 130% return on your investment when you decide to sell.



How much heat do fireplaces really produce?

A gas fireplace will give off more heat than wood burning if you have the right type of glass to absorb and distribute heat after the fire is out. A fire that puts out 21,000 BTU has an efficiency of approximately 70%, which is enough to heat a 1,000 square foot area easily. For wood burning fireplaces, certain woods burn hotter, including fruitwood and oak. Just remember, the harder the wood, the hotter the burn. If you plan to use your fireplace as your primary heat source, you should definitely have a thermostat installed.



What is the cost to heat a gas fireplace?

The answer is dependent on the amount of time you will use your fireplace. An average cost of a thermostat for 100,000 BTUs runs .50. If you calculate that, to operate a 12,500 BTU fireplace for one full hour, you would use approximately .12. When you weigh out the difference between gas and wood burning fireplaces, using natural gas can provide you with as much as a 75% savings.

Infloor Heating Faq's, Muskoka, Bracebridge area Heating Contractor

What is radiant floor heating?

Radiant floor heating is a comfortable and efficient form of heating where warm water circulates through flexible, specially designed PEX tubing installed under the floor. The heat radiates evenly up through the floor warming people and objects in the room and providing more comfort for less money.


What makes radiant floor heating so comfortable?

Unlike traditional heating systems that just warm the air, radiant heating warms the floor and the objects in contact with the floor. The entire floor distributes a consistent, even and quiet heating. There are no drafts and radiant floor heating takes the chill out of cold tile, marble and wood floors.



What is PEX tubing?

PEX (crosslinked polyethylene) tubing is specially designed plastic tubing with distinctive properties that make it ideal for radiant floor heating and plumbing systems.
What if the tubing leaks? Leaks are not a concern with PEX when the system is properly installed. With a life expectancy of more than 100 years, PEX tubing has withstood the most extensive tests in the industry for over 30 years.



Can the floor get too hot?

No. A properly designed radiant floor heating system will deliver comfortable warmth that's a pleasure to walk on - especially in bare feet! If additional heat is needed to satisfy the heat load, additional warmth can easily be added by installing radiant walls and/or ceilings.



We already have a concrete floor in the basement. Is it too late to install the tubing?

Not at all. The Quik Trak™ system is perfect for remodeling or retrofit projects. Quik Trak is installed over a plywood subfloor. It's great for putting radiant comfort in a basement or anywhere in your home.



Is it possible to just heat the ceramic tile floor in our master bath?

Absolutely. Radiant floor heating systems are flexible, meaning you can heat the entire home or only those rooms you want to heat. The bathroom is a popular area of the home to heat.
We're not ready to make this investment right now.


Can we rough the system in for the future?

Yes, the PEX tubing is installed in the slab during construction and you can complete the system later. This adds relatively little to the cost of a poured floor, but can add a great deal to the value of your home later.



If I have radiant floor heating, can I still have air conditioning?

Sure you can. In fact, separate heating and cooling systems really make the most sense. Radiant floor heating keeps the heat near the floor where it does the most good; and air conditioning ductwork is placed only where it is needed to cool your home. The result is optimal comfort and efficiency all year.

Muskoka Heating and Air conditioning, radiant heating, fireplaces, solar hot water. Bracebridge Ontario

Furnace FAQ's

I had an HVAC person over to look at my furnace that desperately needs to be replaced. The fellow was courteous, had a reasonable sounding price and was able to schedule us soon. Do I really need to get a second estimate if I'm happy with this person?



You don't have to do anything, it's your home and your money. However, we feel it is never a good idea to get expensive repair, replacement, or installation work done without getting at least two and preferably three opinions. Unless you have a pre-existing relationship with the individual company you should get more information.




I like my home to smell great so I cover my registers with fabric softener sheets!



Your registers are putting the heat and cool into your home. They are extremely restricted when covered with even specialty products designed for use in registers. When the air flow is restricted your furnace is struggling to find air. This will over work the motor on your furnace and can cause several internal problems. Register’s should be cleaned regularly and left to flow freely. This is similar to running your furnace with a plugged filter..no air, no efficiency, strain on equipment!

Muskoka Air Systems Bracebridge,Ontario

No matter what type of HVAC work you need, we can assure you of a first class job at competitive prices. We are fully licensed and insured for your protection. Located in Bracebridge, Ontario in the heart of Muskoka, we specialize in all phases of HVAC contracting. Whether it's a new installation, appliance replacement or just an emergency repair, we have the experience necessary to complete the job in a most efficient manner. Even if you're concerned about the current HVAC system in your home or cottage, we can help. We make it a point to provide expert HVAC services, which are always finished as quickly and carefully as possible.When you have a job that demands a qualified HVAC Contractor contact us at 705-645-5083 for a free estimate. Regardless of the size of the job, if you want the work done right, we are the contractors to call.
Serving Bracebridge and Muskoka area for 9 years, 23 years of HVAC experience.

Muskoka Air is Proud to Announce they’re a new dealer for Enerworks Solar Hot Water.

Muskoka Air is Proud to Announce they’re a new dealer for Enerworks Solar Hot Water.








In a typical household, water heating accounts for 25% of the energy used and produces an average of two tons of green house gas emissions annually. With the EnerWorks residential solar water heating appliances, renewable energy from the sun is used to heat your water instead, providing a clean, cost-effective residential solution. The EnerWorks system is the only CSA-certified solar thermal appliance.


For more info vist our website: www.muskokaair.com

Solar Hot Water

Solar Water Heaters

Solar water heaters—also called solar domestic hot water systems—can be a cost-effective way to generate hot water for your home. They can be used in any climate, and the fuel they use—sunshine—is free.

How They Work
Solar water heating systems include storage tanks and solar collectors. There are two types of solar water heating systems: active, which have circulating pumps and controls, and passive, which don't.
Most solar water heaters require a well-insulated storage tank. Solar storage tanks have an additional outlet and inlet connected to and from the collector. In two-tank systems, the solar water heater preheats water before it enters the conventional water heater. In one-tank systems, the back-up heater is combined with the solar storage in one tan
Three types of solar collectors are used for residential applications:

· Flat-plate collector
· Glazed flat-plate collectors are insulated, weatherproofed boxes that contain a dark absorber plate under one or more glass or plastic (polymer) covers. Unglazed flat-plate collectors—typically used for solar pool heating—have a dark absorber plate, made of metal or polymer, without a cover or enclosure.

· Integral collector-storage systems
· Also known as ICS or batch systems, they feature one or more black tanks or tubes in an insulated, glazed box. Cold water first passes through the solar collector, which preheats the water. The water then continues on to the conventional backup water heater, providing a reliable source of hot water. They should be installed only in mild-freeze climates because the outdoor pipes could freeze in severe, cold weather.
·
· Evacuated-tube solar collectors
· They feature parallel rows of transparent glass tubes. Each tube contains a glass outer tube and metal absorber tube attached to a fin. The fin's coating absorbs solar energy but inhibits radiative heat loss.
There are two types of active solar water heating systems:
· Direct circulation systems
· Pumps circulate household water through the collectors and into the home. They work well in climates where it rarely freezes.
·
· Indirect circulation systems
Pumps circulate a non-freezing, heat-transfer fluid through the collectors and a heat exchanger. This heats the water that then flows into the home. They are popular in climates prone to freezing temperatures.
Passive solar water heating systems are typically less expensive than active systems, but they're usually not as efficient. However, passive systems can be more reliable and may last longer. There are two basic types of passive systems:
· Integral collector-storage passive systems
· These work best in areas where temperatures rarely fall below freezing. They also work well in households with significant daytime and evening hot-water needs.
·
· Thermosyphon systems
· Water flows through the system when warm water rises as cooler water sinks. The collector must be installed below the storage tank so that warm water will rise into the tank. These systems are reliable, but contractors must pay careful attention to the roof design because of the heavy storage tank. They are usually more expensive than integral collector-storage passive systems.
Solar water heating systems almost always require a backup system for cloudy days and times of increased demand. Conventional storage water heaters usually provide backup and may already be part of the solar system package. A backup system may also be part of the solar collector, such as rooftop tanks with thermosyphon systems. Since an integral-collector storage system already stores hot water in addition to collecting solar heat, it may be packaged with a demand (tankless or instantaneous) water heater for backup.
Installing and Maintaining the System
The proper installation of solar water heaters depends on many factors. These factors include solar resource, climate, local building code requirements, and safety issues; therefore, it's best to have a qualified, solar thermal systems contractor install your system.
After installation, properly maintaining your system will keep it running smoothly. Passive systems don't require much maintenance. For active systems, discuss the maintenance requirements with your system provider, and consult the system's owner's manual. Plumbing and other conventional water heating components require the same maintenance as conventional systems. Glazing may need to be cleaned in dry climates where rainwater doesn't provide a natural rinse.
Regular maintenance on simple systems can be as infrequent as every 3–5 years, preferably by a solar contractor. Systems with electrical components usually require a replacement part after or two after 10 years.

Muskoka Heating Contractor

No matter what type of HVAC work you need, we can assure you of a first class job at competitive prices. We are fully licensed and insured for your protection. Located in Bracebridge, Ontario in the heart of Muskoka, we specialize in all phases of HVAC contracting. Whether it's a new installation, appliance replacement or just an emergency repair, we have the experience necessary to complete the job in a most efficient manner. Even if you're concerned about the current HVAC system in your home or cottage, we can help. We make it a point to provide expert HVAC services, which are always finished as quickly and carefully as possible.When you have a job that demands a qualified HVAC Contractor contact us at 705-645-5083 for a free estimate. Regardless of the size of the job, if you want the work done right, we are the contractors to call.
Serving Bracebridge and Muskoka area for 9 years.

www.muskokaair.com

Home Energy Tax Credit

How the HRTC Will Work

The 15-per-cent credit may be claimed on the portion of eligible expenditures exceeding $1,000, but not more than $10,000, meaning that the maximum tax credit that can be received is $1,350.
The credit can be claimed on eligible expenditures incurred on one or more of an individual’s eligible dwellings. Properties eligible for the HRTC include houses, cottages and condominium units that are owned for personal use.
Renovation costs for projects such as finishing a basement or re-modelling a kitchen will be eligible for the credit, along with associated expenses such as building permits, professional services, equipment rentals and incidental expenses.
Routine repairs and maintenance will not qualify for the credit. Nor will the cost of purchasing furniture, appliances, audio-visual electronics or construction equipment.



Examples of HRTC Eligible Expenditures

Renovating a kitchen, bathroom, or basement
New carpet or hardwood floors
Building an addition, deck, fence or retaining wall
A new furnace or water heater
Painting the interior or exterior of a house
Resurfacing a driveway
Laying new sod

Check out our website at www.muskokaair.com

Muskoka Heating Contractor Home Energy Grants

An Ontario Home Energy Audit will find your energy leaks and showyou how to plug them.

If your home’s older than 10 years, chances are you’re leaking energy. A lot of energy and a lot of money. A Home Energy Audit will examine your home’s energy use – attic to basement – and show you where your home’s energy is being leaked. It will identify upgrades you can make to lower your energy bill. Make the upgrades suggested in your audit and you can take advantage of up to $10,000* in rebates available from the Governments of Ontario and Canada. The Government of Ontario will pay 50% of your home’s audit, up to $150.

Get your Home Energy Audit

Step 1 - Find an auditor and book your Home Energy Audit
Finding a Government of Canada certified Home Energy Auditor is easy. Go to HomeEnergyOntario.ca for a list of certified home evaluation companies in your area and book your Home Energy Audit today.

Step 2 - Your home energy auditor will find your home’s energy leaks
During your Home Energy Audit, an auditor will find your home’s energy leaks and show what you can do to plug them. Your auditor will provide you with a personalized Energy Efficiency Evaluation Report and a plan that can reduce your energy bills.

Step 3 - Plug the leakswith energy-saving upgrades
Need a new furnace or water heater? Caulking around your windows and doors? Make some or all of the upgrades suggested in your Energy Efficiency Evaluation Report to improve your home’s energy efficiency.

Step 4 -When yourwork is completed, book your post-retrofit audit
After your first audit, you have 18 months to complete some or all of the upgrades suggested in your audit to qualify for government rebates. After completing your retrofit, book a post-retrofit audit. Your auditor will perform another audit that shows how much your home’s energy efficiency has improved.

Step 5 - Get up to $10,000 in government rebates
After your post-retrofit audit, the Governments of Ontario and Canada will rebate up to $10,000 for your upgrades. The more energy-saving upgrades you make, the more money you’ll get back. You’ll save money and increase your home’s comfort and value.

Example of rebates available
Upgrade Incentive
Install an ENERGY STAR qualified gas furnace $600
Insulate your attic up to $1,200
Insulate your crawl space up to $1,600
Install a solar domestic hot water system $1,000
See a full list of rebates at HomeEnergyOntario.ca
* Represents maximum rebates available from matching grants from the Government of Ontario and the Government of Canada’s ecoEnergy program Paid for by the Government of Ontario .

Solar Hot Water Ontario

What Is Solar Water Heating ?

By absorbing the sun's radiant energy and converting it into heat energy, a solar water heater pre-heats cold municipal water before it goes into a home’s hot water tank. Energy conservation and cost savings are realized by using less conventional energy sources to heat the water in a traditional water heating system. In Ontario, depending on a resident’s hot water consumption, solar water heaters provide approximately 50% of annual water heating needs. Most solar water heaters rely on the existing natural gas or electric heater as an auxiliary back-up heater. This ensures that hot water needs are met when it is very cloudy or there are reduced sun hours.

www.solarhotwaterontario.com

Bracebridge Heating and Cooling Contractor

Things are tough all over and today every penny counts. So till the end of April all furnace cleaning are only $50.00. No hidden charges, prompt and friendly service. Please call Muskoka Air Systems (705)645-5083

Bracebridge Heating Company Offering Specials

From Feb 14 until the end of March, get your furnace cleaned and serviced for $50.00. Don't forget Muskoka Air Systems installs all propane and natural gas appliances as well as infloor heating and air conditioning.

Bracebridge Heating Company

Specializing in Natural Gas and Propane. Installer of furnaces, airconditioners, infloor heating, fireplaces and most Natural Gas and Propane appliances. (705) 645-5083.

www.muskokaair.com