Team Toshack, Author at Toshack

Should You Replace Your Furnace And Air Conditioner At The Same Time?

October 1, 2021 Team Toshack

No appliance lasts forever, and that’s certainly true of furnaces and air conditioners. They are quite durable, and will typically last around 10-20 years each – but eventually, they’ll wear out and need to be replaced. So the question is if you’re already planning on replacing either your air conditioner or furnace, should you go ahead and replace both at once?

Based on our many decades of furnace repair and replacement services in Brockville and Kingston, we would say the answer is “probably.” If your AC and furnace are both roughly the same age, and you can afford to replace both at the same time, there will be definite benefits to upgrading both units at once.

Why You Should Consider Replacing Your AC And Furnace Simultaneously

1 – Mixing old and new technology reduces efficiency

If you’re buying a new furnace or AC, you’re likely going to want the most energy-efficient model you can get. However, if there’s a wide gap in age between the two units – like ten years or more – that won’t happen. In particular, pairing a newer AC with an older furnace will prevent the AC from achieving its maximum possible efficiency.

2 – Replacing both increases your cost savings

On the other hand, if you have two modern, highly efficient heating and cooling units, you’ll be able to enjoy maximum efficiency. This will translate directly into lower power bills throughout the year.

Also, if they’re both running at peak efficiency, that tends to reduce wear and tear. So you could be looking at better longevity and lower repair costs going forward.

3 – Doing both at once lowers installation costs

Just in general, if you’re calling out contractors to do work on your home, you’ll save some money by doing as much work as possible while they’re there. You won’t pay as much in labor, and other costs – such as shipping – can be combined for more savings as well.

The cost difference won’t be huge, but every little bit helps.

4 – Don’t forget about heat pumps!

The other alternative here is to install a heat pump, which is a single-unit alternative to separate AC and furnace systems. If you’re already looking at replacing both units, a heat pump will be cheaper than the two combined. Then it can provide the best possible energy efficiency when heating or cooling your home.

Call Toshack for Kingston & Brockville Furnace Repair

If your furnace or air conditioner is getting old, Toshack can help you with repairs or replacements. Contact us to learn more!

You Need Emergency Plumbing Services… What Should You Do?

September 29, 2021 Team Toshack

The longer you live in a place, the more likely it is that you’ll experience some kind of real plumbing emergency. Maybe a pipe bursts. Maybe your toilet comes loose from its mounting. Maybe there’s a sewer backup in your basement.

Whatever the nature of the emergency, you’ll need to call in professional Brockville and Kingston plumbing service – and fast. But what’s the best way to proceed? Here’s a quick guide.

What To Do If You Experience A Sudden Plumbing Emergency

1 – Call professional plumbing services for help

An everyday person can clear a clogged toilet or unhook a U-bend for themselves – but if it’s a true emergency, you don’t want to try to fix it yourself. In particular, if there’s running water everywhere, any delay in receiving repairs could mean extra damage to your home. You need pros on site, ASAP.

It’s a good idea to have a plumber on-call so that you don’t have to go Googling for a plumber if something goes wrong. Keep your local plumber’s number with your other emergency contacts, so they’ll be there when you need them.

2 – Shut off your water main

If the emergency involves a major leak or burst pipe within your home, you want to stop the flow of water as soon as you can. Don’t wait for the plumbers to arrive. Go ahead and shut off the flow of water at the main line, so that any damage done is limited.

You probably also want to shut off power to your water heater at the breaker, just to be safe.

3 – Mop up what water you can

Standing water can quickly begin to damage a home, or create an opportunity for mold and mildew to grow. While you’re waiting for the plumber to arrive, start soaking up water, sucking it up with a wet vac, or otherwise getting it off your floor.

4 – Document damage

If your homeowner’s insurance covers water damage, you want to start taking pictures and videos to submit with your damage claim. Document anything the water has touched. This is a good way to spend your time while waiting for the plumber to arrive.

This way, once your plumbing services technician arrives, everything is in place for them to immediately get to work on the problem.

We Can Handle Your Brockville & Kingston Plumbing Needs

For almost ninety years, Toshack has been the on-call plumber for Kingston, Smiths Falls, and Brockville. If you ever have a plumbing emergency, you can always call us for prompt expert service!

What Does The “Emergency Heat” Button On My Heat Pump Do?

September 26, 2021 Team Toshack

If you’ve ever looked closely at your heat pump, you might have noticed a button or switch marked “emergency heat.” This isn’t on all heat pumps, but it’s extremely common in northern areas where winters can get extreme – like here in Kingston and Brockville. If you push the button, it does exactly what it says, producing a lot of extra heat.

So why is this button there, and when would you need to use it? Let’s take a look.

How The “Emergency Heat” Button Improves Your Heating Services

The purpose of the “emergency heat” button is to provide extra heat in situations where it’s so cold outside that the heat pump struggles to work. Heat pumps are excellent, even down to freezing temperatures – but as the outdoor temperatures continue to drop, the heat pump will struggle.

So, the “emergency heat” button activates a secondary backup heat source, which is powered by either electricity or gas depending on your home setup. This supplements the heat provided by the main heat pump, ensuring you can remain safely warm, even if temperatures outside become genuinely dangerous.

However, like the button says, this should only be used in emergencies! As long as your heat pump is producing enough heat for you to remain comfortable, you don’t need it.

Warnings About Using The “Emergency Heat” Button

Here are a few other things you should know:

1 – Emergency heat will cost more

In effect, you’re activating a second heater. This will cause your gas and\or electric bill to go up, depending on how your heat pump’s emergency heater is set up. This is one of the biggest reasons not to use emergency heat unless you truly need it.

2 – The “emergency heat” light is sometimes a warning

If your heat pump has emergency heat, there will be a red light that illuminates when it’s activated. This should turn on and off if you push the button repeatedly. If you push the button and the emergency heat light stays lit, that’s actually a warning something is wrong with your heat pump. You should call in professional heating services for repairs ASAP.

3 – Extended use could damage your heat pump

Emergency heat isn’t intended as a long-term solution. If you have to run it for more than a day or so, you should call in a repair crew to see if there’s something else wrong with the heat pump.

Get a Free Quote on Heating Services in Kingston & Brockville

If you have problems with your heat pump, don’t delay when the weather is cold. Call in Toshack for heating services!

What Plumbers Would Like You To Know About Plumbing Services

September 23, 2021 Team Toshack

These days, it’s all too frequent for people to get their information about plumbing from YouTube videos and similar amateur sources. Unfortunately, these videos are often full of misinformation, or at least advice that is incomplete. The best Brockville and Kingston plumbing services come from qualified professional plumbers, and they’re always going to be your best source for information.

Here are a few things that professional plumbers would like you to know about plumbing.

Four Facts About Plumbing, From Plumbers

1 – Plumbers hate garbage disposal units

And with good reason! In-sink garbage disposal units are oversold and over-promised. People selling them act like they’re an all-purpose disposal system, but all that food waste and grease is going straight into your plumbing… and it causes so many clogs and other problems. You’ll have much better plumbing if you avoid using your garbage disposal.

This is particularly true if you happen to have a septic tank because food waste can wreck their internal ecosystems. Frankly, homes with septic tanks simply should not have garbage disposal units at all. They’ll only cause headaches.

2 – Plumbing is more dangerous than you realize

Sure, anyone can pop off the U-bend under their sink to retrieve a lost ring, but plumbing can get genuinely dangerous whenever it deals with the main plumbing lines. The water coming to your home is under high pressure, often 100PSI or more. That means a break, or a sudden pressure release will hurl a truly dangerous amount of water at you.

There’s a reason professional plumbers undergo extensive safety training.

3 – Older plumbers are better plumbers

Plumbing is a profession that’s relatively easy to get into, so you’ll see a lot of new plumbers appear often – but they usually don’t stick around. This is a situation where the cream rises to the top. If you’re working with plumbing services who’ve been in business for at least a decade, you can feel secure that they know their trade.

4 – When plumbers recommend preventative maintenance, it will save you money

Good plumbers know the early warning signs of future problems. If you call in plumbing services for one job, and they say “by the way, we noticed this…” you should pay attention. Having them fix the issue on the spot will almost always save you money by preventing a later, more expensive service call.

If you’re having plumbing issues in the greater Kingston area, Toshack has over 90 years of experience in heating, cooling, and plumbing services! Click here to schedule an appointment in Brockville and Kingston.

Proper Preventative Maintenance Reduces Your Need for Boiler Repairs

September 13, 2021 Team Toshack

If you have a boiler in your home, you know how important it is – especially for the winters in Brockville and Kingston that it remains in good operating condition. You don’t want the heat going out in the middle of a snowstorm! Fortunately, you can do a lot to prevent this, just by performing some routine maintenance and inspections. These will let you spot and prevent many problems before they happen.

We do recommend you call in an experienced Brockville and Kingston boiler service company once a year to professionally inspect your boiler. In-between inspections, you can do a lot of good on your own.

Here are some checklists to follow.

Daily / Weekly Checks

It’s best to check up on your boiler daily, but you should look in on it once a week at the least.

Check for water around the base of the boiler, which can indicate a leak.
Ensure there are no obstructions, junk, or other debris around the base of the boiler.
Look at the gauges and front digital panel (if you have one) to ensure everything is in the green.
Verify the vents are clear of any debris, snow, or anything else that could clog them.
Many boiler problems first manifest audibly as vibrations, knocking, or other unusual sounds.

Monthly Checks

These don’t have to be done according to a calendar, just make sure to check on them every month or so.

Check the condensate lines, pipes, and drain systems for any signs of clogs or other problems.
Verify that the relief valve is working and that the discharge pipe doesn’t have any cracks, leakage, or condensation.
Look over the airflow systems, such as the flue vents and air piping to ensure air is moving properly.
If possible (and applicable) check the burner flame and\or pilot light to ensure they’re burning smoothly. In particular, make sure the flame hasn’t changed color.
Occasionally (every few months) check to make sure the low water cutoff system is working properly. Otherwise, your boiler might burn itself out if the water levels drop too low.

And, of course, if you see anything unusual, you should call in boiler service professionals for assistance.

Get Annual Inspections https://toshack.ca in Brockville & Kingston

Since the 1930s, Toshack has been the top choice for boiler service and HVAC repair across Kingston and the surrounding area. If your boiler shows signs of problems, don’t wait for them to get worse – call us for an appointment.

Is Your Furnace Blowing Cold Air? Here’s What to Do

September 3, 2021 Team Toshack

As winter approaches, you want to know that your furnace is going to be able to keep you warm. But what happens when you turn on your furnace, and all you get is cold air?

Your first impulse may be to do some troubleshooting yourself which if it’s a simple setting issue can be solved quickly. But, before you start up your heating system for the season it’s always good to get a service check done by calling in a Kingston furnace repair specialists. If you’re a diehard do it yourselfer though, below are a few potential causes for the problem that you could fix yourself, without needing to call in a repair crew.

Here’s what you do.

How To Troubleshoot A Furnace That Isn’t Heating

1 – Check your thermostat’s blower settings

Most thermostats have an option, usually called ‘Fan’ which simply blows air without any heating or cooling. You might be surprised how many people accidentally have this setting activated, without realizing it.

Make sure the thermostat is set to “auto” or “heat” instead.

2 – Clean or replace the air filter

If your furnace is unable to pull in enough air to heat up, it won’t be providing much heat to your HVAC system. The most common cause of this is a clogged air filter. You should always clean or replace the filter before first turning on the furnace in autumn or winter, and then clean it roughly once a month after that.

Keeping your filter clear will ensure that you get full-strength airflow, while also reducing strain on your furnace.

3 – Check the pilot light

If you have an older gas-powered furnace, it probably relies on a pilot light to provide the initial flame needed to get the heating process going. If the pilot light has been blown out, the heater will be unable to heat anything, but will most likely continue blowing air anyway.

Now, the pilot light should not blow out very often. If you find this happening frequently, you probably do need furnace repair services.

4 – Blocked condensate line

As your furnace creates heat, it also generates a certain amount of condensation. This is trapped within the system and sent through a small tube to flow out onto the ground. Should that tube become clogged, and the water backs up high enough, the furnace will automatically shut down to prevent water damage.

Clearing the block will fix the issue.

Get Furnace Repair in Kingston & Brockville Today

Of course, if none of these troubleshooting steps help, Toshack is here for you! We’ve been the heating and cooling experts for the Kingston and Brockville areas since the 1930s, and we’re always available for furnace repair jobs. Click here to schedule an appointment!

The Guardian Insurance Plan By Toshack

August 23, 2021 Team Toshack

Purchasing a heating or cooling system for your residential or commercial space is a serious financial investment. When problems arise, you want to make sure you have access to quick and affordable repair services.

To protect and maintain your equipment, our team at Toshack has developed an insurance package called the “Guardian Plan.” Continue reading to learn everything you need to know about this great protection plan.

The Toshack Guardian Insurance Plan Q&A

Q: Why do I need coverage?

A: When you purchase a heavy-duty piece of equipment like an HVAC unit, it is difficult to predict when repairs will be needed and how much they will cost. Problems may be solved by minor part replacements or by expensive re-installation of a complete system. With the significant inflation that we are seeing in our economy right now, the plan is a valuable hedge against parts price increases. We worry about them, you don’t! The best way to avoid unexpected expenses is to prepare for all types of repairs with a comprehensive insurance plan.

Q: What’s included?

A: With our Guardian Plan, you will not only have peace of mind knowing that any potential HVAC system repairs and replacements are already covered, but you can also enjoy additional benefits. Included in this package is one annual HVAC inspection and cleaning service (we call it a performance tune-up!) to ensure there are no current problems within your unit and to reduce the risk of in-season breakdowns. By signing up for this plan, you will not have to think about calling a technician for regular maintenance. We will sort out a schedule that works for you.

Q: How is it priced?

A: At Toshack, we are committed to pricing our products and services in a highly accessible way. We have created two methods of payment which include a single annual fee or a monthly ‘easy pay plan’. For gas furnace coverage, customers can purchase their Guardian Plan for an annual fee of $256.25 or enjoy a low monthly payment of $24.15. For gas boiler owners, the annual payment is $301.85 or $28.55 per month. For those who wish to insure a second piece of equipment, Toshack offers a 10% discount on your second plan.

Q: Are there any add-ons?

A: While gas furnaces and boilers are commonly insured, many homeowners do not think to have their air conditioners and heat pumps covered. At Toshack, you can add these valuable pieces of equipment to your payment plan for an additional annual charge of $228.60 each or a monthly charge of just $21.55.

Get Brockville Ductless AC Installation & More HVAC Services

Toshack is your one-stop shop for ductless AC installation and repairs in Brockville. Contact us for more details on our Guardian Plan.

Maintain Your Heating and Cooling in Kingston With This Simple AC Maintenance Checklist

August 13, 2021 Team Toshack

For almost a century, Toshack has provided the best in heating and cooling service in Kingston and the surrounding areas. Whenever you’re having trouble with your AC, we’ll be there to sort it out – quickly and professionally.

However, some of our calls are due to situations that could have been preventable. Some basic maintenance and oversight of your AC unit can go a long way towards keeping the cold air blowing and avoiding unnecessary service calls. These are the most important things you should keep an eye on.

Seven Easy AC Maintenance Tips for Kingston Residents

Regularly replace your air filter

You should check the status of your AC air filter around once a month, and clean or replace it whenever it’s dirty. In general, the standard 1” filter it should be replaced around every 2-3 months to keep your AC running well. This is vital to the proper functioning of your system and is something that you can do yourself. A premium 5” MERV 11 or 16 filter is normally replaced only once per year.

Clean the evaporator coils

The copper coils within your AC are where the condensation happens – and that’s what produces cold air. If these coils get dirty, it reduces their efficiency. Regularly cleaning them will ensure you’re getting the coldest air for your money and this is part of the Toshack annual performance tune-up.

Lubricate the fans

The fans inside your AC unit should be nearly silent, aside from the wind they’re blowing. If you start hearing any sounds that they’re struggling with, add some oil to the moving parts. That should keep them spinning freely. (Note: The wheel will automatically stop when the cabinet door is opened, as a safety measure.)

Check the drain hose and drain pan

A clogged drain hose or pan won’t cause your AC to stop working, but it will make a big mess. Periodically checking for clogs, and cleaning them out, will prevent unwanted cleanup.

Periodically check your wiring

Keep an eye on the wiring. It can be easily damaged or knocked out of place, especially if you have rats or similar pests in your basement. Make sure all the connections are firm so that there’s no chance of electrical fire.

Verify the thermostat is working

It says the air temp matches your setting, but is that true? Pull out a portable thermometer every now and then to make sure the thermostat is reading correctly.

Look for signs of clogged ducts

Is there a lot of dust or debris building up around your duct vents? That’s a red flag that they need to be cleaned out by professionals. Cleaner vents will enhance the efficiency of your system, and in conjunction with a good filter, will enhance the overall air quality in your home.

Kingston Heating and Cooling Solutions

No matter the HVAC issue you are having, please don’t hesitate to contact our team at Toshack for the best in Kingston heating and cooling services.

4 Signs You’re in Need of Furnace Repair or Replacement

March 25, 2021 Team Toshack

It’s no secret that most manufacturers give the average furnace a lifespan of around 15 years or so, as long as it’s well-maintained. However, it can sometimes take the eye of an expert to determine without a doubt whether you’re in need of furnace repairs or replacement. That’s why the team from Toshack is here to help.

Here are four signs you’re in need of a furnace repair expert or need to replace your current heating equipment.

Your Pilot Light is Yellow

This is an important issue that should never be overlooked. Your furnace’s pilot light should always be blue. If it’s burning yellow, it is a clear sign that your furnace is not burning the gas/propane cleanly; it is not efficient and in addition to costing more to heat, it can also create significant problems over time as the poor combustion can result in a clogged heat exchanger. If the problem is caught early enough, it should be repairable. Toshack’s first goal is always to repair your equipment as ling as it is safe and economical to do so.

It Makes Loud Noises

Of course, furnaces always make some noise when powering on, but loud bumps and clangs should be a are clear warning signs that something is wrong. Don’t wait until it breaks completely because that could make your repair even more expensive if the broken part damages another nearby component. My grandmother used to say that a little prevention is worth a pound of cure.

There Isn’t Enough Heat

Your furnace should be able to easily heat your home in a relatively short amount of time. If it isn’t, it means there’s a problem. If it has always been like that, then your furnace is undersized and is working too hard; it doesn’t need to be repaired but it does foretell a shorter than expected life. If it is older AND undersized, start budgeting for a replacement. If your furnace is simply taking longer and longer to heat your home than it used to, it is an indication of compromised performance. In this case you do need to call a reputable service company.

Your Furnace is Old

As mentioned above, furnaces typically last around 15 years, so if you don’t remember the last time your furnace was replaced, it may be time to do so. A furnace older than 10 years will typically require more and more repairs so keep that in mind if faced with a service issue. As noted above, Toshack’s technicians will always focus on repairing your furnace, but they will also advise you if they think a necessary repair is too expensive. Their experience can help you weigh the pros and cons of repairing versus replacing; it is an important decision and with Toshack technicians you can trust their input.

Contact us today for more about furnace repair and replacement services!

If you’re in need of a new furnace or furnace repairs in Kingston and Brockville, don’t let the problem grow out of hand. Contact Toshack today online or call 1 (888) 547-6162 (Toll-Free) or (613) 342-9381.

Heating Solutions for Every Type of Home in Kingston/Brockville

March 12, 2021 Team Toshack

It doesn’t matter if you have a single-family bungalow or a historic home that requires extra special care when it comes to heating it, there are solutions out there for every type of homeowner. As one of the leading heating services and repair companies in Kingston and Brockville, the team from Toshack wants to help make things easier on you, so we’ve collected some insight here into the best heating services.

How to Determine Whether My Furnace/Boiler Needs Maintenance or Replacement

First, it’s important to determine whether your furnace or boiler is in need of repairs or replacement. Although some issues might be difficult for homeowners to see, there are still some key warning signs you’re having furnace problems, such as:

Unusual Noises: Your furnace or boiler will likely make a bit of noise starting up or turning off, but loud bumps and clangs can signify a broken part or another major issue.

Poor Heating: If your furnace/boiler isn’t heating your home properly, there’s likely an issue. It shouldn’t take ages for your home to warm up when it’s turned on. (A boiler system with hot water rads IS slower than a forced air furnace, but nevertheless it should be sized to do the job in a reasonable amount of time.)

Frequent Breakdowns: Paying for frequent repairs and suffering repeated breakdowns can be costly and inconvenient. In many cases, it’s easier to replace your furnace or boiler system. Toshack will help you understand the costs of repair versus replacement and our technicians will give you honest, reliable advice.

Benefits of Implementing a Heating Service Maintenance Plan

Whether your Kingston or Brockville home has a furnace, boiler, or heat pump, keeping it well-maintained is essential. With the right maintenance solutions, you can rest assured that all of your heating equipment will be in top shape. Toshack’s Guardian Plan provides a thorough annual maintenance of your equipment, as well as covering the cost of any un-expected breakdowns -both parts and labour costs! Even if you do not choose the full Guardian protection plan, an annual maintenance by itself is essential. (And heads up…most equipment warranties require proof of an annual maintenance in order to remain valid.) So an annual maintenance really is essential!

Contact Toshack for more Kingston and Brockville heating services!

Learn more about our options and services by contacting us online today, or by calling 1 (888) 547-6162 (Toll-Free) or (613) 342-9381. We also specialize in air conditioning services, plumbing solutions, and air quality services, so get in touch now!