Team Toshack, Author at Toshack

Debunking Common Myths About Duct Cleaning

April 5, 2023 Team Toshack

Keeping our indoor environment clean is a key component of taking care of our health and safety. Part of this is ensuring that the quality of indoor air is pure, making duct cleaning essential. Over the years, however, there have been many myths that have developed around duct cleaning. Toshack debunks these myths and tells you why duct cleaning services are necessary for your home.

Getting duct cleaning might not get you clean air.

This may have been true back in the day when traditional methods of cleaning ducts were used, such as using a broom or vacuum cleaner. Lucky for us, new methods of duct cleaning use advanced technology and tools to clean ducts effectively and thoroughly to allow for clean air which is safe to breathe to circulate through your home.

Duct cleaning companies are too expensive.

Contrary to popular belief, hiring a professional duct cleaning technician such as ours at Toshack in Ontario actually does the opposite of what this myth implies. Having a technician clean your ducts instead of trying to clean them out yourself can save you money in the long run as attempting to clean your system without the proper cleaning equipment could damage your system without you knowing. Getting duct cleaning in Ontario also helps to reduce energy costs.

Duct cleaning is too difficult of a task.

It is true that duct cleaning is not a simple task, especially for larger homes. It requires a certain level of expertise to clean a ducting system thoroughly. Hiring a professional duct cleaning service ensures that your system is properly cleaned and minimizes the risk of damage that may come with attempting to clean the system on your own. Experienced technicians are trained to perform cleaning with national safety standards in mind.

Duct cleaning is only required when your system isn’t operating well.

This is partially true, however, homeowners should have their systems cleaned regularly rather than only when a problem arises. As ducting is hidden behind the walls and floors of your home, you are unable to see how much dust and debris can accumulate over time. These particles can build up and cause blockages throughout the system, eventually leading to larger problems down the line as well as increasing the risk of developing illnesses. Keeping your ducting system clean is key to ensuring good indoor air quality.

Air duct cleaning services leave your home a mess.

As long as you hire a professional duct cleaning service such as Toshack in Ontario, a mess after the job is the last thing you need to worry about. Experienced technicians with a good reputation know how to provide the best service from the moment they walk through the door to start the job to the moment they leave. They take the necessary steps to ensure that you feel secure about getting duct cleaning services.

Contact Toshack to inquire about receiving a free quote on our duct cleaning services in Ontario!

Everything To Know About Electric Tankless Water Heaters

March 30, 2023 Team Toshack

Electric tankless water heaters are an efficient way to provide hot water in your home. This blog tells you all about what they are, how long they last, and how regularly maintaining your system is crucial.

What Is It?

Tankless water heaters are water heating systems that operate without the need for a bulky tank. A traditional water heater stores water in its tank after it has been heated, restricting your home to a limited amount of hot water that can run out fast. A tankless water heater, on the other hand, allows water to move through a line of pipes inside the system that is constantly being heated, providing your home with an endless supply of hot water and reducing the likelihood of running out of hot water. These systems heat water on demand so that hot water is available whenever you need it.

What Is The Lifespan Of Electric Tankless Water Heaters?

The lifespan of an electric tankless water heater depends on the type of heat exchanger involved. If the system has a copper tankless heat exchanger, it can typically last between 12 to 15 years. But with annual maintenance, you can extend the lifespan of a tankless water heater up to 20 years.

A stainless steel heat exchanger increases the lifespan of a tankless water heater to 25 years. Similar to copper heat exchangers, tankless systems with stainless steel heat exchangers can last about 25 to 30 years with regular maintenance and water treatment.

When Should I Get Maintenance?

HVAC technicians recommend that you have your tankless system serviced once a year. However, there are a couple of ways to tell that your system may need maintenance promptly:

If an error code appears on your unit. You will need to get in contact with your local HVAC technician to come in and examine the issue.
You run into problems and you need to reset your water heater. This should be done by a licensed, professional HVAC technician as they have the necessary equipment, knowledge, and expertise to do this effectively.

How Can I Extend The Lifespan Of My Electric Tankless Water Heater?

Here are a few ways to prolong the life of your tankless system.

Treat hard water: Avoid developing extreme issues in your tankless water heater by ensuring that hard water is treated. Ask your HVAC technician about water treatment from hard water. If hard water is left untreated, this can cause leaks in the heat exchanger and the risk of developing serious issues inside your tankless system.

Get regular maintenance: Regularly maintaining your electric tankless water heater reduces the chance of developing major problems in your unit down the line. Some systems may need a quick fix such as flushing out the water heater, while others may need a full clean-up using professional equipment.

Call Toshack About Electric Tankless Water Heaters

Whether you require maintenance for your existing system or want to install a new one, Toshack has what you need. Call our technicians to request a free quote!

The Benefits of Furnace Repair And Replacement

March 25, 2023 Team Toshack

As a homeowner, you may have a million things to think about when it comes to making sure your home is in good condition and your family has all the things they need to keep themselves comfortable. Furnace repair and replacement is among one of those things as it ensures that your HVAC system operates properly and provides heat efficiently in your home. Toshack explores a few reasons why furnace repair is crucial to your home and what it can offer.

Why You Should Get Furnace Repair Or Replacement

A furnace is a crucial appliance in any home as it can often be the primary source of heating which allows people to live comfortably, especially during the colder months. Upgrading your heating system is key. Here are a few reasons why:

Your furnace does not comply with safety regulations and it has been red-tagged by a technician.
Your utility bills are extremely high as a result of your furnace having to work overtime to operate and provide heat in your home.
Your oil tank is near the end of its 10-year lifespan and needs to be replaced.
Your furnace has existing issues that hinder its ability to perform efficiently and has an increased risk of breaking down completely, which may result in an even larger and more expensive replacement project down the road.

Healthier Air

Getting furnace repairs or replacing your old furnace with a new heating technology can offer cleaner and healthier indoor air circulation. This is because newer technologies have innovative air technology that allows air to run through a filter that can effectively remove air pollutants such as pollen, dust, and other irritants. Not only does this offer clean air in your home, but it also can reduce the risk of developing illnesses, especially in children and elderly people who may be living in your home.

An Even Distribution Of Heat

Old HVAC systems that need to be replaced or require major repairs may not be distributing heat as effectively as they should. When you get furnace repair or replacement services, you ensure that all areas in your home are receiving a consistent distribution of warm air from your furnace all while functioning quietly and comfortably.

Operates Silently

An old furnace that has likely developed many issues over the years and has reduced functionality can be loud while operating as it may need to work overtime. This could be uncomfortable for families who may be wanting to relax and enjoy some peace and quiet in their homes. Replacing or repairing your furnace ensures that your furnace operates smoothly and without extra effort. New technologies are much quieter than older furnaces. This reduces the likelihood of the furnace making loud noises while it operates, which helps to ensure quiet performance in your home.

Looking For Furnace Repair Services In Kingston, Smith Falls, Or Brockville?

We’ve got just what you need. Contact our expert HVAC technicians today to request a free quote!

Electric Tankless Water Heaters and Their Benefits

March 20, 2023 Team Toshack

Have you ever looked at the big, hot water heater in your basement and thought that there really should be a better option for providing hot water? In fact, there is! Electric tankless water heaters are already becoming standard in other areas of the world, including Europe and Japan, and now they’re gaining popularity in the Brockville area.

Tankless water heaters aren’t for everyone, but in many cases, they make a lot of sense – especially in the long term. So let’s talk about how they work, and why you might want one.

How Electric Tankless Water Heaters Work

As the name suggests, tankless water heaters don’t store hot water inside them. Instead, basically, they take incoming cold water and send it through a coiled pipe that winds around a central heating element. When you turn on the hot water tap, the tankless heater springs to life, producing hot water seconds after you ask for it.

Yes, there is a short delay, but it’s typically no longer – and often much faster – than how long it takes for hot water to be delivered from a basement hot water tank.

The Benefits of Tankless Water Heaters

Energy efficiency

This is the biggest reason to switch. Because these heaters only create heat on demand, there is far less energy waste compared to traditional water heaters. You’re virtually guaranteed to use less energy. Gas-powered units are also an option.

Small size

Tankless water heaters typically only take up around a square foot on the wall, rather than requiring a huge appliance in your basement. That creates more floor space you can use.

Rebates reduce the costs

Governments and power companies both love tankless water heaters, because of the energy savings. So, there are a range of rebates and other incentives you may be able to take advantage of to reduce upgrade costs.

Is An Electric Tankless Water Heater Right for You?

The big reason to not get a tankless model is if you have a large home, as they do have a limit to how much hot water they can supply at once. Of course, this could be mitigated by installing more than one, such as having one per floor – but that drives up costs, as well as potentially requiring electrical upgrades to power them all.

If you’re looking for a new water heater in Brockville, Toshack has 90 years of experience helping people find the best option for their needs. Contact us to discuss the possibilities!

Why Choose a Ductless Air Conditioner in Brockville

March 15, 2023 Team Toshack

If you’re thinking about installing a new air conditioner in your Brockville home, there are several options – and the newest invention might be just right for you: ductless air conditioners!

Ductless A/Cs are a new type of heat pump, sometimes also called a mini-split. They work on the same principle as regular heat pumps but are miniaturized so that each room gets its own independent heating and cooling unit. As the name suggests, no ductwork is needed – just a small copper pipe running to an outdoor unit.

This is by far the best choice for an A/C upgrade if you’re in an older home without central ductwork, which is incredibly expensive to retrofit. However, ductless air conditioners offer numerous benefits to everyone else as well.

Four Big Benefits of Ductless Air Conditioners in Brockville

Extreme energy efficiency

Mini-splits are the most energy-efficient option for heating and cooling that’s been developed yet. Heat pumps, in general, are becoming the most popular type of home HVAC system, and mini-splits take that to the next level. The higher initial installation costs will be quickly balanced out by their long-term cost savings.

Plus, of course, that’s good for the environment as well!

Customized home climate control

With a ductless air conditioning system, there’s no more arguing over the thermostat. Since each blower only serves one or two rooms (at most) everyone can set their own climate according to their tastes.

This is also great if you happen to have rooms in your home with specific climate requirements, such as for growing plants or keeping exotic pets.

No more huge, noisy burners and condensers

Ductless A/C completely reimagines home climate control, eliminating the need for large heating and cooling units in your basement. This frees up floor space, and also typically reduces maintenance costs long-term because heat pumps are easier to maintain than older HVAC systems.

Rebates and incentives can cut costs further

Power companies, as well as government at all levels, are implementing incentives for people to move towards more energy-efficient HVAC options like heat pumps. Depending on your situation, the upgrade could be cheaper than you realize!

Toshack has been at the forefront of heating and cooling in the GTA since the 1930s, and we always keep up with the latest technology. If it’s time for an A/C upgrade in your Brockville home, contact us to discuss whether ductless air conditioning is right for you!

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!