Team Toshack, Author at Toshack

Time to Repair Or Replace Your Furnace

March 7, 2023 Team Toshack

Nothing lasts forever, and over time, the furnace in your Kingston home is going to start having problems. Occasional mechanical issues can be repaired, but eventually, an older or badly-maintained furnace is going to turn into a money pit.

So, is it effective to keep calling for furnace repair in Kingston, or is it time to think about installing a replacement? Here are some factors to help you decide.

Is It Time to Replace That Old Furnace?

How old is the furnace?

Generally speaking, a furnace will have a lifespan of around 15-20 years. So if your furnace is in that range, it’s probably nearing the end of its life. Repairs may keep it going for a few more months, maybe a few more years, but it’s going to start giving you more and more problems.

Are your energy bills going up?

As a furnace ages, it’s going to become less energy efficient over time. Minor mechanical issues cause it to work harder to do the same job, wasting power. So, you are likely to see your power bills creep up, even if you don’t change your heating habits.

Is your home heated unevenly?

Another sign that an older furnace can’t keep up is if it can’t heat every room evenly – especially if it seems like it’s struggling to heat upper floors. This is an issue that furnace repair jobs probably won’t be able to fix.

Is your furnace becoming too noisy?

Increased noise is another sign that the furnace is nearing the end of its life. As minor mechanical issues add up, the noise will increase as well.

Do you want new features?

Modern furnaces have numerous advantages over older models, including:

Much better energy efficiency.
Quieter two-stage and modulating designs.
Better humidity control and/or air filtering.
Improved comfort features and compatibility with ‘smart’ home systems.

Plus, there’s the option to upgrade to a heat pump, which combines heating and cooling into a single highly efficient unit. For many, this is the best option for upgrading their home climate control, with all-around improved functionality.

Whether you need basic furnace repairs in Kingston, or it’s time to look at a new replacement unit, Toshack is here to help! We’ve been a leader in heating and cooling in the GTA since the 1930s, and we still provide some of the best services in the area.

Contact us to discuss your options!

Professional Furnace Repair in Canada

February 28, 2023 Team Toshack

Don’t fret if you have a malfunctioning or non-functioning furnace this winter. Toshack is here to come to the rescue with your furnace repair.

If your heating system has broken down, or is not functioning normally, we can quickly diagnose the problem and offer repair solutions. Our service team operates 24 hours per day!

What To Do If Your Furnace Stops Working

Is your furnace turned on?

All furnaces have a power switch. Look for a standard wall switch on or near your furnace. Make sure it is turned on and the panel door is secure. Many furnaces today also come with safety switches on their front panels that don’t allow the furnace to turn on if it’s not properly closed.

Check your Furnace Filter

If your furnace is turned on but isn’t blowing heat as hard as it usually does, the issue could be dirty or clogged furnace filters. Furnace filters trap dirt, dust and debris, which can restrict or block air flow over time. This prevents your furnace from working properly. Check your furnace filters monthly and change them every three months to ensure your furnace works properly.

Check your Thermostat

The thermostat is the control center of your heating system, so if there is an issue with your thermostat, you could need to troubleshoot it. To do this, set your thermostat to heat instead of cool, then set it to 5 degrees above room temperature and see if your furnace comes on. Also check the thermostat batteries. When the batteries are low, you’ll typically see a “low battery” warning, and if they die, the display will go blank and you won’t be able to operate your heating and cooling system. Replace your batteries once a year to prevent this problem and replace them as soon as possible if the battery is low or dead.

Inspect Air Ducts

If hot air is coming out of the air vents, but you notice your house is still cold, the issue may be your air ducts. Handles that protrude from the ducts are called dampers and they control air flow. Make sure they’re fully open. If entire rooms are still cold, you could have leaking ducts or incorrectly designed ducts. These are serious problems that can skyrocket your energy bills and should be looked at by an expert. Make sure your vents aren’t being blocked by furniture or objects like drapes, rugs or plants.

Get Professional Furnace Repair in Kingston and Brockville

Toshack is a leader in heating services in Kingston and Brockville. Contact us for professional furnace repair. Book a free in-home consultation online today!

Preventing Plumbing Disasters in Your Restaurant

February 15, 2023 Team Toshack

How to Unclog Restaurant Sink Drains and Floor Drains

Backups in commercial kitchen drains are usually due to what is referred to as FOG—Fat, Oil, and Grease that make their way down the drain. As they cool, the liquids solidify, clogging the drain. These clogs need to be addressed as soon as possible, so your employees can get back to work and also prevent major damage to the pipes.

First, attempt to remove the blockage with a plunger. If that doesn’t work, try a plumbing snake, sometimes called a drain snake, a small, flexible tool used to break up clogs that won’t respond to a plunger. Sometimes, running hot water is enough to dissolve the grease clogging the drain. Or you can try pouring baking soda down the drain, followed by vinegar. This home remedy is often less effective but is a good first step to test how stuck the drain is in the first place.

Our plumbing services team advises against using drain cleaning solutions, even well-known brands. These chemicals may be effective in the short run, but if you are not careful they can damage your pipes, requiring costly repairs. Also, never try to clean a drain with bleach. While it may kill germs and get rid of odours, bleach will not dissolve clogs. And any bleach that is left behind in the pipes could turn into a hazardous gas if mixed with another chemical, like ammonia.

How to Prevent Disasters

The best restaurant drain cleaning strategy is to take preventative measures to prevent clogs in the first place.

Never put food scraps, grease, or oil down the drain. It’s only a matter of time before they build up in the drain and cause a clog.
Use drain covers. Drain covers are a simple way to prevent large pieces of food and debris from accidentally washing down the drain.
Use grease traps. Grease traps prevent FOGs from accumulating in a restaurant’s pipes. They’re designed to give greasy water that’s poured down the drain a chance to cool. Then, the oils solidify and float to the surface while the water continues down the pipes to the sewer system.

Fixing Restaurant Drain Clogs

Whether you have a plumbing emergency or have big plumbing renovation plans, we are ready. Give Toshack a ring at 1-888-547-6162 or at 613-342-9381 or contact us through our online form and we’d be happy to meet your plumbing needs. You can also request a free quote!

Should You Schedule an Air Duct Cleaning?

January 30, 2023 Team Toshack

What is Air Duct Cleaning?

Air duct cleaning generally refers to the cleaning of various heating and cooling system components of forced air systems, including the supply and return air ducts and registers, grilles and diffusers, heat exchangers heating and cooling coils, condensate drain pans (drip pans), fan motor and fan housing, and the air handling unit housing

Reasons to Schedule an Air Duct Cleaning

There is substantial visible mold growth inside hard surface (e.g., sheet metal) ducts or on other components of your heating and cooling system.

There are several important points to understand concerning mold detection in heating and cooling systems:

Many sections of your heating and cooling system may not be accessible for a visible inspection, so ask the service provider to show you any mold they say exists.
You should be aware that although a substance may look like mold, a positive determination of whether it is mold or not can be made only by an expert and may require laboratory analysis for final confirmation. Some microbiology laboratories can tell you whether a sample sent to them on a clear strip of sticky household tape is mold or simply a substance that resembles it.
If you have insulated air ducts and the insulation gets wet or moldy it cannot be effectively cleaned and should be removed and replaced.
If the conditions causing the mold growth in the first place are not corrected, mold growth will recur.
Ducts are infested with vermin, e.g. (rodents or insects).
Ducts are clogged with excessive amounts of dust and debris and/or particles are actually released into the home from your supply registers.

Deciding Whether or Not to Have an Air Duct Cleaning

You may consider having an air duct cleaning simply because it seems logical that air ducts will get dirty over time and should occasionally be cleaned. While the debate about the value of periodic duct cleaning continues, no evidence suggests that such cleaning would be detrimental to air quality, provided that it is done properly.

What To Do Next

If you have further questions or wish to schedule a consultation, we invite you to contact Toshack by phone at 1-888-547-6162 or online.

Appropriate Options for Choosing a Tankless Water Heater

January 13, 2023 Team Toshack

Whether your old system blew, or you are looking to upgrade your existing system, choosing a hot water heating system can be an extensive process. There are countless things to consider, so doing your research before heading to the store is worth it.

We’ve come up with some important factors to take into account when deciding the tankless water heater that suits your home best.

Tankless Water Heaters Vs. Traditional Water Heaters

It indeed takes the same amount of energy to heat water, regardless of the system used. A traditional water heating system heats water and stores it in a tank so that hot water is available when needed. However, this type of system can be inefficient because the hot water in the tank can lose heat over time, resulting in energy loss.

A tankless water heater, on the other hand, does not store hot water and instead heats water on demand as it flows through the system. This means that it doesn’t have the same energy losses as a traditional system, as there is no stored hot water to lose heat from.

Cleaner Energy

Electricity in Ontario is made by water, wind, solar, and nuclear energy, meaning that electric water heaters generate fewer greenhouse gasses than natural gas water heaters.

Costs

Electric water heater tanks are cheaper to buy than natural gas tanks. However, the price to operate a natural gas water heater is lower.

Tankless Systems

A tankless water heater offers a continuous supply of hot water without the need for a storage tank, which can result in energy savings and the potential for extra space in your home. These systems don’t have standby heating expenses and don’t suffer from heat loss. Tankless water heaters tend to be more expensive upfront compared to traditional storage water heaters.

Electric tankless heaters may also require upgraded wiring and can be more expensive to operate. Natural gas tankless heaters are available but may not be an option for rural homes due to limited access to natural gas. It is important to consider the upfront and ongoing costs when deciding what type of water heater to install.

Request a Free Quote on a Tankless Water Heater

Get a tankless water heater, water tank, or heat pump installed in your home in Kingston, Brockville. Our options are endless when it comes to home heating and cooling. Request a free quote today!

Plumbing Emergency: The Right Time to Seek Plumbing Services

December 20, 2022 Team Toshack

Plumbing emergencies can be stressful and cause significant damage to your home if not addressed promptly. Even a small leak can quickly escalate into a major issue. It is important to call plumbing services in Kingston, Brockville immediately if you encounter a plumbing emergency.

Frozen Water Pipes

Frozen pipes are a common plumbing emergency that can occur in areas with cold winters, such as Kingston. When water freezes in a confined space, such as a pipe, it expands, which can cause the pipe to crack or burst. These issues can cause significant water damage when the pipe thaws in the spring.

Proper winterization of your plumbing can help to prevent frozen pipes, but sometimes they may still occur. In the event of a frozen pipe, it is important to call plumbing services in Kingston as soon as possible to address the issue and prevent further damage.

Flooding

Spring flooding can be a major concern for homeowners in certain areas of Kingston, especially if their homes are prone to water buildup or if they have basements. It is important to ensure that your sump pump is working properly to prevent flooding in your home. If it isn’t functioning properly, water can accumulate in the ground and potentially flood your basement, causing damage to your home and potentially affecting your electrical system.

In the event of a flood or water buildup in your home, it is important to act quickly and call a professional plumber to address the issue and prevent further damage. This is a plumbing emergency that should be treated as a priority.

A Backed-Up Sewer System

A sewer system backup is a serious plumbing emergency that requires immediate attention. Sewer backups can cause health hazards and can quickly lead to further damage in your home.

Sewer lines can become clogged for various reasons and need to be addressed promptly to prevent further issues. If you notice sewage or other wastewater coming up through your bathtub or other drains, it is important to call a professional plumber as soon as possible.

Ignoring this problem can lead to serious health and sanitation issues, as well as costly repairs. It is important to treat a sewer system backup as an emergency and take swift action to resolve the issue.

Request A Free Quote Today!

Whether you need plumbing services in Kingston or HVAC repair, Toshack has the services you need. Contact us today and get a free quote!

Debunking 5 Misconceptions About HVAC Services in Kingston

December 10, 2022 Team Toshack

Maintaining your heating services without the right knowledge and resources can be a challenge. Our technicians at Toshack are here to educate you about five common misconceptions about heating services in Kingston, Brockville.

You don’t have to change your filter

It is important to regularly change the filtration system in your HVAC unit to maintain the air quality in your home and ensure the optimal performance of your unit. While this task can be completed quickly and inexpensively, many homeowners neglect it for extended periods of time. As a general rule, it is recommended to change the air filter at least once a month to avoid potentially harming your unit.

HVAC appliances don’t need servicing

To keep your home’s HVAC system running smoothly and avoid costly repairs in the future, it’s crucial to have the unit checked by a professional at least once a year. This will allow any potential issues to be identified and addressed before they become bigger problems. Regular maintenance is crucial for ensuring the long-term health of your HVAC unit.

The bigger the appliance, the better it performs

It is a common misconception that a larger HVAC system will always provide better performance and air quality. However, this is not necessarily true and can sometimes lead to decreased efficiency. To determine the best HVAC system for your home, it is recommended to seek the advice of a professional.

The wrong temperature means your thermostat isn’t working properly

If you experience sudden fluctuations in the temperature in your home, it could be an indication that your HVAC system is not functioning correctly. When the system has to work harder to maintain a consistent temperature, it can become strained and potentially break down. Reach out to heating services in Kingston as they will be able to diagnose the issue and recommend the necessary repairs.

If an issue is serious, it’s easy to point out

Many homeowners may believe that they can easily identify any major issues with their HVAC system and therefore neglect regular maintenance. However, serious problems can go undetected until they have caused significant damage to the unit or the home. To ensure the optimal performance of your HVAC system and avoid costly repairs, it is important to have preventative inspections and maintenance performed by a licensed professional.

Contact Us for Heating Services in Kingston

The team at Toshack can assess your home and provide you with a knowledgeable recommendation based on your specific needs. Request a free quote today!

How to Choose Between Traditional & Tankless Water Heaters?

November 30, 2022 Team Toshack

Picking the right water heater may seem like an easy task but it really isn’t. To make a good decision, you have to invest time and effort into understanding your priorities as well as the market offerings. It is only through a correlation of these factors that you will be able to find your ideal match.

When you are in the market for a water heater, the two popular options you will find are traditional water heaters and tankless water heaters. Let us take a look at what these are.

Traditional Water Heaters

Traditional water heaters are a type of water heating device that comes equipped with a water storage tank. They work by heating up significant quantities of water at once and then storing it at a maintained temperature until it is needed.

Tankless Water Heaters

As the name suggests, these modern-day water heaters do not have the traditional storage tank. Tankless water heaters use high-powered burners to heat water quickly before passing it through a heat exchanger and delivering it directly to the faucet.

Traditional Vs. Tankless Water Heaters

Energy Efficiency: One of the most talked about benefits of tankless water heaters is energy efficiency. These heaters consume fewer resources than their older counterparts and can therefore help you save significant money on energy bills.

Water Availability: Since traditional water heaters work on a storage model, the amount of hot water they can supply in one go is limited. However, this restriction does not exist with tankless water heaters that can provide an endless supply of hot water instantly. It is this property of tankless water heaters that has earned them the alternate name ‘on-demand water heaters.’

Purchase Cost: A tankless water heater is relatively more expensive than a traditional one. So, for those with a strict budget constraint, it might not be an ideal choice. However, if you can somehow make the initial investment, it is sure to be a more economical choice in the long run.

Space Requirements: If space is an issue with you, you may want to choose tankless water heaters as they are substantially smaller than traditional water heaters and thus require much less storage space.

Functional Lifespan: The lifespan of a tankless water heater is much more than that of a traditional one. You can expect one of the former to last you for as long as 20-30 years, while the latter typically lasts only for about 10-15 years.

Find Top Quality Tankless Water Heater Services in Kingston & Brockville

Toshack offers expert installation, repair, and maintenance services for tankless water heaters in Kingston and Brockville. Request a FREE quote today!

Hot Water Boilers vs. Heaters: The Better Choice

November 25, 2022 Team Toshack

Choosing and buying the right water heating systems can get very tricky, especially for people who do not have much knowledge about the process. Inexperience can lead you to make the wrong choices, which may result in a significant financial loss. To avoid such mistakes, it is imperative that you invest some time and effort in learning what’s best for you and make a well-informed decision.

That’s why here Toshack has offered a brief comparison between hot water boilers and heaters, two of the most common choices for water heating!

Water Heater: As the name suggests, a water heater is a device that heats and stores water in a tank until it is needed. Every time you draw out hot water to, say take a shower or wash your clothes, a new batch of cold water is heated to take its place. This way you get to enjoy hot water all day long.

Water heaters are available in both gas and electric options. You can choose whichever one suits your preferences and your home’s specifications (some houses may not be compatible with natural gas heating devices).

Hot Water Boiler: A hot water boiler serves the dual purpose of heating up your water and also utilizing the heat generated from the process to warm your house. They also sport a high AFUE rating and promote good quality air, which makes them a very efficient and convenient heating system.

Hot water boilers work by continuously heating water until it becomes steam. The high temperature of this steam helps warm up water for local usage throughout the house. It is also circulated to different rooms with the help of air vents to keep the house heated in winter. One can combine the functions of a hot water boiler with a radiant heating system to enjoy heated floors as well.

Which Is the Better Choice?

Both of these water heating systems are effective, so the right choice depends on your individual preferences and circumstances. To find what suits you best you first need to list your exact expectations, budget, stance on sustainability, etc. Once you know the answer to all these factors, match them with the distinct features of hot water boilers and heaters to find the right fit.

Buy Quality Hot Water Boilers in Kingston & Brockville

Shop for sturdy and premium hot water boilers in Kingston & Brockville at Toshack. Request a FREE quote today!

How to Know if Your Furnace Needs Repairs

November 21, 2022 Team Toshack

The winter season is right around the corner, and most of us have started shuffling through our closets for warm clothes and prepping our heating systems to be ready for the upcoming chilly season. This time of gradual temperature drop is ideal for scheduling furnace inspections so that you have enough time to finish repairs and replacements, if any are needed, before the winter peaks.

Here Toshack lists some tell-tale signs that highlight the need for furnace repairs.

Odd Sounds from Furnace

If your furnace is making unusual sounds, it may be time to schedule a furnace repair. Here are some top noises you may be noticing and their possible causes:

Scraping Noises: A recurrent scraping sound from your furnace can be a hint of a malfunctioning or loose blower wheel. Luckily, this problem is easily solved. Just call a furnace repair professional to tighten the wheel or replace the faulty part, and viola, your furnace is good as ever!

Banging or Popping: If your furnace makes a loud popping or banging noise when it starts, it could mean you have a dust issue or a clog. A grimy furnace will hinder the burners’ performance and cause gas build-up. When this build-up comes in contact with the flame, it results in the loud ‘bang’ sound that you hear outside. If you ignore this problem for long, it can cause severe damage to your furnace or even become a safety hazard. Thus, it is imperative that you get it checked soon as you notice the issue.

Another common reason for the popping sound could be the expansion and contraction of your air ducts. If you use common ducts for the heating and cooling system, then you might experience this sound at the start of the season. This is because, after a long time of being exposed to hot (or cold) air, when the metal ducts get in contact with cold (or hot) air, they contract and make a loud bang. However, you should hear this noise only about once every season. So, if you are hearing it often, it could mean that your ducts are either ill-fitted, undersized or clogged.

Furnace Blowing Cold Air

There are a few common causes for this furnace issue. The first one is a simple setting error on the thermostat. To correct it, just make sure your thermostat is set to ‘auto’ so it will only blow air when it is heating.

Another reason for cool air from the furnace could be dirty or blocked air filters. If you do not maintain your filters properly, it may cut off proper airflow and result in the overheating of the furnace. An overheated furnace will stop blowing heat to counter the effects and thus lead to cold air.

Top Furnace Repair Solutions in Kingston & Brockville

Toshack offers expert furnace repair services in Kingston & Brockville. Request a FREE quote today!

Team Toshack

Time to Repair Or Replace Your Furnace

Professional Furnace Repair in Canada

Preventing Plumbing Disasters in Your Restaurant

Should You Schedule an Air Duct Cleaning?

Appropriate Options for Choosing a Tankless Water Heater

Plumbing Emergency: The Right Time to Seek Plumbing Services

Debunking 5 Misconceptions About HVAC Services in Kingston

How to Choose Between Traditional & Tankless Water Heaters?

Hot Water Boilers vs. Heaters: The Better Choice

How to Know if Your Furnace Needs Repairs

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