HVAC Questions, Answered Plainly

Check that the thermostat is set to heat and the fan is on auto rather than on. Then look at the filter, because a badly clogged filter can make a furnace overheat and shut its burners off. If it still blows cold, the cause is often an ignition, flame sensor or safety switch problem that a technician should diagnose.

Colder weather and higher energy rates explain part of it. Other common causes are a dirty filter, leaky ductwork, a thermostat schedule that was changed, or equipment that is losing efficiency with age. A maintenance visit can rule out the mechanical causes.

Both use refrigerant to move heat. An air conditioner only moves heat out of your home, while a heat pump has a reversing valve so it can also bring heat in during winter. That is why one heat pump can replace both an A/C unit and much of your furnace use.

Modern heat pumps keep heating well below freezing, and cold-climate models are designed for much colder weather than Metro Vancouver usually sees. During a rare deep cold snap, a backup heat source such as electric strips or a gas furnace in a dual fuel setup can carry the load.

A mini-split has an outdoor unit connected to one or more wall or ceiling heads inside, with no ductwork. It suits condos, older homes heated by baseboards, additions and rooms that never get comfortable on the main system.

Many tanks give a decade or so of service, though it varies with water use, installation quality and maintenance. Rust-coloured water, rumbling noises and moisture around the base are signs the tank is near the end.

Tankless units heat water on demand, save floor space and do not run out during back-to-back showers. They cost more to install and need periodic flushing, so they make the most sense for households that use a lot of hot water or need the space.

Check it monthly during the heating season. Basic one-inch filters usually need changing every one to three months, while thicker media filters can last longer. Homes with pets, renovations or allergies need more frequent changes.

The technician cleans and inspects the burners or coils, checks safety controls, measures temperatures and pressures, tests the thermostat and looks at the filter and drain lines. You get a summary of the system's condition and any parts that are wearing.

A care plan is a scheduled maintenance arrangement for your heating, cooling or water heating equipment. We contact you when service is due, so seasonal tune-ups happen on time without you having to remember.

Programs from CleanBC, BC Hydro, FortisBC, some municipalities and the federal government have supported heat pump upgrades, but amounts and eligibility change often. We confirm what currently applies when we quote and help you with the paperwork. Approval is always up to the program.

Gas appliance replacements in BC generally need a gas permit, and some electrical work needs an electrical permit. We explain which permits apply to your job as part of the quote, so nothing comes as a surprise.

No heat during cold weather, no hot water, water leaking from a tank or furnace, a burning or electrical smell from equipment, or a carbon monoxide alarm going off. If you smell gas or a CO alarm sounds, leave the home and call 911 or FortisBC first.

Often, yes. Ductless heat pumps are a common choice because they need only a small wall opening. Strata approval is usually required for the outdoor unit location, so check your bylaws early and we can help with the technical details the strata asks for.

Use the online booking page or call (236) 222-2222. Tell us your city, the equipment involved and what it is doing, and we will arrange a time that works for you.