Henderson, Author at Toshack

5 Benefits of a Tankless Water Heater

December 23, 2019 Henderson

With modern heating technology, homeowners in Brockville and Kingston can enjoy hot water on demand through a tankless water heater. This is a great option when compared to the traditional tank system, where homeowners are limited to a predetermined supply of hot water.

Reasons to Have a Tankless Water Heater System

1. Endless hot water

The greatest benefit to using a tankless water heater is the endless supply of hot water. Rather than storing a limited supply of hot water in a large tank, the tankless system heats water as needed, supplying hot water on demand. This is great for large families who struggle to fight for a spot in the bathroom lineup every morning.

2. Multitasking with hot water

A tankless water heater can provide hot water through multiple faucets at one time, as water is heated on demand. In a traditional tank system, hot water cannot always be heated and distributed between multiple outlets as needed, which can be difficult for families who rely on using multiple hot water systems at once.

3. Cost-effectiveness

The initial cost of a tankless water heater system is higher than a traditional water tank; however, this cost is quickly recovered through savings on energy bills. Heating bills are lowered due to the system’s hot water on-demand method, which avoids wasting energy on maintaining a tank full of hot water. A high quality brand of tankless water heater, like those offered by Lennox and Trane, will provide reliable service for many years.

4. An environmentally friendly option

A tankless water heater does not waste energy in the way that a traditional tank system does, making it a much more environmentally friendly system. Water is also conserved with this system, as it does not rely on consistently re-filling and heating a large tank of water to service the home.

5. Safety and reliability

Properly installed and maintained, tankless water systems incorporate many features that ensure safety, so that they will not overheat or pose a danger to the user. The systems endorsed by Toshack also have a proven track record of reliability, minimizing maintenance visits and costs.

Kingston & Brockville Residents Can Rely on Toshack

Are you tired of wasting money on unused energy, and not having access to hot water on demand? The team at Toshack will install your tankless water heater with care, and will be just a phone call away when maintenance is required. Call us today at 1-888-547-6162 and request a free quote!

How to Choose the Right Heating System for Your Home

December 17, 2019 Henderson

There are many factors to consider when selecting a heating service for your home in Kingston. Between energy efficiency, cost, space limitations, and appearance, homeowners can become overwhelmed with the various heating service options available.

Our team at Toshack is experienced in a variety of different heating systems, and we have used our expertise to help homeowners choose the perfect heating service.

Inspect your home’s potential for energy efficiency

A poorly insulated home will drastically reduce the energy efficiency of any heating service. Homeowners who are not in need of an emergency heating service should take advantage of this extra time by properly insulating the home before looking for a new heating service. A well-insulated home will allow you to explore more heating options and save money on heating bills.

Consider your current heating service

Homeowners may be limited to a few heating options depending on their current heating service. For example, a furnace can be difficult to replace with a boiler system, and vice-versa. Ask our experts about which option makes the most sense for your home.

Choose your fuel

Heating services run on a variety of different fuels, and their attributes should be taken into consideration when choosing a heating service. These energy sources include electric, oil, natural gas, wood, and propane. Electric furnaces are the most energy-efficient, using 100% of their energy for heat. A wood powered furnace is one of the more environmentally friendly options as it makes use of spare timber resources. Oil is the traditional method for powering boilers and furnaces; however, a furnace replacement can go a long way in increasing energy efficiency, as oil heating technology has greatly improved in recent years.

Choose a distribution method

Heating services come in the form of on-demand boilers, mini-split systems, heat pumps, garage heaters, and many others. Boilers from great brands such as Lennox and NTI offer homeowners a well-distributed heating service throughout the home with minimal noise, whereas a furnace is a great option for those who are looking for premium air quality and precise temperature control. Brands like Lennox and Trane also offer great ductless heat pump options, which take up minimal space and can be used both as a cooling and heating service for homeowners.

Toshack Has Your Heating Service & Repair Covered in Kingston & BrockvilleAre you looking for a new heating service to make it through the winter in Brockville, Ontario or Kingston, Ontario? For a wide range of heating service options in Brockville, Kingston and Eastern Ontario, contact us today at 1-888-547-6162 or visit our website to request a free quote!

How to Determine if You Need Emergency Furnace Repair

December 9, 2019 Henderson

Having your furnace go kaput can really throw a wrench in your household activities. Unfortunately, it’s something that can happen to anyone, even with the right maintenance and repairs. That’s why planning for such a scenario by having a reliable emergency furnace repair team on-call is essential.

Below, Toshack has collected a few of the warning signs to help you determine when you have an emergency on your hands that needs to be fixed ASAP.

Rapid Cycling

Your furnace will cycle on and off throughout the day as part of its normal operation, but if it’s cycling all the time, there’s likely a larger issue at play. This could be caused by several issues, such as faulty wiring, thermostat problems, or a malfunctioning ignition system. All of these should be corrected immediately to avoid costly repairs or breakdowns.

Thermostat Not Responding

If you’re cranking your thermostat and don’t see any change in the temperature, it could be due to a furnace issue. A common causes of such a scenario is when your furnace’s ignition system isn’t turning on properly. There could also be leaks in your duct system, meaning the hot air is escaping rather than traveling throughout your home.

Yellow Pilot Light

The pilot light for your furnace should always be blue, never yellow. If you see it has a yellow pilot light, it could be caused by a carbon monoxide leak, which calls for emergency furnace repairs ASAP. Other issues include a high level of rust or condensation. Either way, calling for an expert will help keep your home safe and get your furnace back in working order again. For safety’s sake, you should also be sure to install at least one working CO detector on every floor in your home.

Other Symptoms

Some other common symptoms that indicate a furnace is broken or on its last legs can include the smell of gas. This means there’s a leak somewhere in the system, a clear safety issue that requires immediate repairs. Strange noises are also another problem. Although it’s not uncommon for a few bumps and clangs to come from a furnace when starting up, repeated loud noises usually mean there’s a broken component that needs to be repaired or replaced.

Let Toshack be your on-call emergency furnace repair team!

In an emergency, you can’t wait for hours or days for a repair team to show up. If you’re in need of emergency furnace repairs, contact Toshack online today or call 1 (888) 547-6162.

Advantages of Switching to Hot Water On-Demand

December 2, 2019 Henderson

Nowadays, many homeowners are struggling with enough rising energy costs as it is, without having to worry about costly furnace repair and replacement issues. That’s why many have decided to switch to hot water on-demand, installing a tankless water heater in their Brockville or Kingston homes.

If you’re a little wary to make the initial installation investment, the team from Toshack has collected some of the biggest advantages of going tankless below.

1. Minimized Energy Costs

One of the foremost advantages to hot water on-demand is that it offers reduced energy costs for several reasons. The first is that, since the water is heated only when you need it rather than sitting preheated in a tank until you use it, there’s less energy loss. Additionally, since tankless water heaters can often be installed in places closer to where they’re being used, the hot water doesn’t have to travel through a larger network of pipes to reach the shower, kitchen, etc., meaning hotter water in less time.

2. Compact, Easy Installation

Many prefer tankless water heaters because they’re much more compact than traditional alternatives. Larger water tanks and furnaces can take up a lot of space and often need to be installed somewhere out of the way, like an attic or basement. However, tankless water heaters can easily be installed out of view in a kitchen corner, making the process much simpler.

3. Unlimited Hot Water On-Demand

If you’re the type of person who likes to take long showers, then tankless water heaters are ideal for you. With hot water on-demand, you’ll never run out of hot water. With the right tankless water heater installed, you can take a hot, steamy shower for as long as you like.

Let Toshack be your hot water on-demand experts! Are you considering switching out your current water heater for something more efficient? If so, the team from Toshack can answer any questions you have. Contact us online today to learn more about installing a new tankless water heater or call 1 (888) 547-6162.

5 Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Furnace

November 27, 2019 Henderson

Caring for your furnace and providing it with the proper annual maintenance is one of the best ways to ensure it has a long and healthy life. Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end, and no matter how well you care for your furnace there will come a time when it gives out.

Determining when it’s time for furnace replacement isn’t always easy, which is why the team from Toshack has collected some common signs for you below.

1. Frequent Furnace Repairs

Have you spent the last few years paying for your furnace to be repaired repeatedly? If so, you might ask yourself if it’s worth it. Often, a furnace replacement will be more affordable over the long term than paying for several repairs each year.

2. Old Age

According to most furnace manufacturers, furnaces have an average lifespan of around 15 years. If you can’t remember the last time you replaced your furnace or it’s 10-15 years old, switching it out for a newer model can help you avoid costly issues and breakdowns, and often reduce energy costs.

3. Increased Heating Bills

You should never have a steadily increasing heating bill year after year. If so, it could be due to your aging furnace. Over the years, components become less effective and can cause spikes in heating bills. When you notice a significant increase, it might be beneficial to contact a local repair team to perform a heating and cooling inspection.

4. Strange Noises

A few subtle bumps every once in a while when your furnace is starting up is normal. But if it’s clanking and clanging all day long, there’s a larger issue at play. Often, a noisy furnace is a sign of broken internal components and serious damage that may need repairs or replacement.

5. Yellow Pilot Light

Your furnace’s pilot light is never supposed to be yellow. If it is, it likely means that your furnace is in dire need of repairs or replacement. A yellow pilot light could mean it’s at risk of producing carbon monoxide or not burning as cleanly and effectively as it could. Either way, having an expert come check it out is essential, as carbon monoxide can pose a deadly risk to those living in your household. For safety’s sake, you should also be sure to install at least one working CO detector on every floor in your home.

Let Toshack be your Brockville and Kingston furnace replacement team!Are you suffering from one or more of the above issues? If so, it’s likely time to invest in Brockville/Kingston furnace replacement services. To schedule an appointment with the team from Toshack, contact us online today. We also specialize in heating, cooling, and plumbing services, so call 1 (888) 547-6162 for a FREE quote!

5 Reasons to Service Your Furnace Before Winter

November 7, 2019 Henderson

Choosing to service your furnace before winter offers many advantages and is a great way to ensure that everything is working correctly. Reaching out to heating and cooling experts in Kingston and Brockville is an excellent choice to make sure that you and your family stay warm during the winter.

Here are the top five reasons why you should use a heating and cooling company in Kingston and Brockville to help you avoid emergency furnace repair during the winter months.

1. Reduces the Chances of Potential Problems

Scheduling routine maintenance services for your furnace is one of the best ways to prevent any potential problems. These proactive services will ensure that everything is working correctly and prepare it for the winter season.

2. Maintains Energy Efficiency

Maintaining energy efficiency is a top priority for many homeowners. Servicing your furnace will ensure that your system is operating efficiently without any problems. Ultimately, this will save you money on heating while also extending the lifespan of your furnace.

3. Ensures Your System is Ready & Prepared

Another benefit of scheduling these services is that it will ensure your heating system is well-prepared and ready to perform. Experienced technicians will check all the various components to make certain your furnace is ready to handle the cold winter temperatures.

4. Keeps Your Family & Home Safe

Servicing your furnace on a regular basis is key to keeping your family and home safe. These licensed professionals will make sure that your system is heating properly while also checking for any cracks or leaks that can create various safety issues.

5. Maintains Warranty

Many manufacturers require a furnace to be serviced on a yearly basis to fulfill your warranty. These maintenance services are a great way to keep everything working well while also saving you money in repair costs in the future.

Schedule your service visit with us today!

Toshack specializes in tune-ups and emergency furnace repairs for a variety of clients in Kingston and Brockville. Our experienced technicians can help ensure that everything is running efficiently and prepare your furnace for the changing seasons. Customer service is always a number one priority at Toshack.

Contact us today to schedule a service visit and see why we are one of the leading companies that offer emergency furnace repair services.

Should You Change or Repair the Furnace in Your Brockville Home?

October 31, 2019 Henderson

Knowing whether to repair or replace your furnace can be a challenge. There are a few things you can consider in the decision-making process that will help you decide which option makes the most sense. In some cases, minor repairs are a better option. Emergency furnace repair in Brockville can sometimes be costly and happen at the worst times. Making small repairs may buy you some time so that you can find the right furnace for your needs and decide to purchase it.

Four Furnace Factors You Need to Consider

The Age of Your Furnace

The age of your furnace is a determining factor. If your furnace is over 10 or 15 years old, vital parts may be wearing out. When one starts to go, others may follow in short order leading to sizable repair bills. Depending on its age, it may be a good time to consider replacing the furnace in your Brockville or Kingston home.

Overall Condition

If a furnace has been serviced properly and well-maintained, it may last for several years longer than what is considered to be normal. Depending on its use and how well you have taken care of it, you may be able to opt for repairs instead of a replacement.

Is It Energy-Efficient?

Older furnaces may not be rated for energy efficiency. While some may be somewhat efficient, it’s hard to tell just how much energy your furnace uses unless you have an audit performed. If your furnace is older than 10 or 15 years, you may want to consider purchasing a more energy-efficient model. All new appliances, including furnaces and HVAC units, are required to carry an energy efficiency rating issued by the EPA. This tells you how much energy your furnace will use and an estimate of the yearly savings you could receive.

Do You Qualify for Rebates?

Manufacturers often offer rebates on certain models if you purchase it and have it installed outside of their “busy” season. It’s also a good idea to check if there are any government rebates you may qualify for. When upgrading to a unit that is more energy-efficient, you may qualify for tax rebates and purchase incentives.

We Provide Emergency Furnace Services and Repairs in Brockville and Kingston

When your furnace starts giving you problems, you need to talk to our reputable staff at Toshack. Residents who live in the Brockville and Kingston areas can contact our office and schedule an evaluation of their system. This way, you can get the information you need to decide whether to repair or replace your furnace. Get your free quote with us today!

Looking for Hot Water On-Demand? A Tankless Water Heater Is Right for Your Kingston Home

October 28, 2019 Henderson

If you are like most people, convenience is key and having hot water on-demand is a necessity, not an option. People have found that older style water heaters may be convenient, but they also can be costly in terms of wasted energy and repairs. Tankless water heaters are becoming increasingly more popular in Kingston and Brockville and offer several benefits that many are finding attractive.

How Your Brockville Home Can Benefit from A Hot Water On-Demand System

How Hot Water on Demand Works

Hot water on demand is essential if you have kids and adults who require fresh laundry, hot showers, and meals on clean plates. Tankless water heaters offer immediate access to the hot water you need without having to wait on the water to warm up as it comes through the faucet. This makes it easier to finish what you’re doing without wasting a lot of valuable time.

Energy Efficiency

Conventional water heaters keep water hot by running heating units three or more times a day. This happens even though you aren’t running any water or depleting water from the tank. In other words, you are simply reheating the same water over and over again. With a tankless water heater, the water is heated as you use it. This reduces the amount of energy that is used throughout the day and will actually lower your Brockville utility bills.

Take Two!

Because of the way a tankless water heater works, it may not be able to keep up with back to back hot showers or loads laundry. If you have a large family, or simply one that uses a lot of hot water, it may be a good idea to install two tankless water heaters. This is especially beneficial if you have two full baths. A tankless water heater for each one will ensure that everyone has hot water on demand whenever they need it.

Get Hot Water On-Demand for Brockville and Kingston Homes

At Toshack, our professional staff can answer any question you may have about tankless water heaters and the advantages they offer over the more conventional options. If you live in the Kingston or Brockville areas, contact us today and find out what options you have if you are needing hot water on demand. Get a free quote now!

How You Can Prevent Your Furnace from Failing and Overheating in Kingston

October 23, 2019 Henderson

During the winter months in Kingston and Brockville, you don’t want to worry about whether or not your furnace is going to keep your home at a comfortable temperature. If you don’t take care of your system, there is a good chance it could fail, leaving you very cold and extremely uncomfortable. You can prevent this from happening by choosing a heating service and company in Kingston and Brockville to properly maintain your furnace and its components.

Here are a few tips to help keep your heating and system running all winter long.

3 Furnace and Heating Tips for the Fall and Winter in Kingston and Brockville

Change Your Filters Every Month

Filters that are allowed to get clogged with dust and airborne debris can cause your furnace to work harder than it needs to. Change your filters at least once a month to ensure your system will continue to work as effectively as possible. This also works to improve the air quality in your home. Your local heating service repair company can show you how to change your filters on your own, or they can come and change them for you.

Clean Your System

Cleaning the many different components of your system is also extremely important. This includes sweeping out your vents and having your ductwork professionally cleaned. Make sure intake and exhaust areas are free of debris so that air can flow easily in and around the system. A few minutes every month will keep your system clean and running like it’s supposed to.

Regular Maintenance Is Essential

Regular maintenance is essential if you want your system to work efficiently. Having your furnace inspected once a year can prevent failures by catching small problems before they become major concerns. During a maintenance check, worn parts can be replaced and your system will be thoroughly checked for problems that you may not realize are there.

Get Heat & Furnace Services in Kingston and Brockville from Toshack

Kingston and Brockville residents that need to have their furnaces inspected or know that their unit requires maintenance can contact our team at Toshack for a free quote. With our years of experience and reliable service, you can count on our technicians every time you call. Whether it’s for repairs or an annual maintenance check, we will make sure your heating and cooling system is working efficiently all year long.

4 Indicators That Your Furnace Needs Emergency Repair

September 18, 2019 Henderson

As much as we try to stay on top of our furnace maintenance, there is always a possibility of an unexpected furnace failure. It is important to know the signs when an emergency furnace repair is needed so that you can tackle the problem before it gets worse.

We’ve listed a few indicators that your furnace could be on the fritz and maybe in potential need of a repair.

How to Tell if You Need Emergency Furnace Repair Service

1. An aging furnace

Every homeowner should be aware of how old their heating and cooling equipment is. The lifespan of the average furnace does not extend past 20 years. If your furnace is lasting you longer than this, it is important to stay on top of maintenance even if there are no signs of damage as your furnace will need repairs much more frequently than the average heating unit.

2. Your furnace is making unusual sounds

If you start to hear unusual rattling, scraping or thumping noises coming from your furnace, they should not be ignored. Different noises will correspond to different parts of your furnace that need emergency repairs. If left without repair, these damages could lead to more serious consequences, and eventually, call for a full furnace replacement.

3. Your furnace is costing you more than usual

When a furnace needs repair, it may still be performing the way that you are used to, but at a higher cost. To reach the same level of heat with damaged parts, your furnace needs to work harder and consume more energy, leading to a higher heating bill at the end of the month.

4. A yellow flame

The flame that lights your furnace should always appear to be blue. If this flame ever appears to have a yellow hue, it is a sign that there is some sort of a leak, and carbon monoxide is being emitted. This harmful gas is difficult to detect but can be very dangerous. It is important to turn your furnace off when this happens and have a professional deal with the problem as soon as possible.

Toshack Will Keep Your Furnace Running Smoothly

If you notice any of these signs that your furnace requires an emergency repair, or if it is due for a regular check-up, contact Toshack today for a free quote.

Henderson