Team Toshack, Author at Toshack

What is the Difference Between Water Heaters with and Without Tanks?

November 16, 2022 Team Toshack

Your water heater is an essential part of your home, most of the time running without you having to think about it much. There are a few water heater types though, one where the water is heated by a tank and one where it is heated by the gas directly without a tank. Here are the differences between the two and how to get a tankless water heater in Kingston.

Tankless Water Heaters

Tankless water heaters are typically seen as the better option because they have a number of benefits. They are more efficient in terms of how much heat they produce, meaning you will use less energy overall. They also tend to be less likely to leak, meaning you won’t have to worry about water spilling all over the place. Finally, they are typically more affordable to operate than tank water heaters.

Tank Water Heaters

On the other hand, tank water heaters have their own set of benefits. They tend to be more reliable, meaning they will work even if there is a power outage in some cases since they will retain the hot water for some time. They are also typically more affordable to operate than tankless water heaters.

Which One is Better?

When comparing tankless vs tank water heaters, there are a few factors to keep in mind:

Operating Costs

Depending on the type of water heater you have, operating costs can be different. Tankless water heaters will typically be less expensive to operate in the long run since they will use less energy overall. They also usually require less maintenance. Tank water heaters, on the other hand, will typically be more expensive to operate in the long run.

Limitations

Tankless water heaters tend to have some limitations, such as the fact that they don’t work if there is a power outage. Tank water heaters, on the other hand, tend to be more reliable.

Installation Cost and Life Span

Installation cost and life span can also vary depending on the type of water heater you have. Tankless water heaters can be more expensive to install since they require a larger tank. Tank water heaters, on the other hand, can last longer since they don’t require a tank.

Leaking

Tank water heaters can sometimes be more prone to leaking since the water is stored in the tank which has a few points of weakness at the bottom and at joints. Tankless water heaters, on the other hand, tend to be less likely to leak.

Get a Tankless Water Heater in Kingston from Toshack Today

Ready to upgrade your home with a tankless water heater? It’s time to contact Toshack for your installation. Our team of experts is here to help you choose the right model for your home and install it for you quickly and easily. Contact us today to learn more and request a free quote.

How to Know if It’s Time for a Heater Replacement

November 7, 2022 Team Toshack

‘Heater Replacement is an expensive choice that is best avoided‘ is a commonly accepted yet false belief. Heater replacement is not always a big expense that you should seek to avoid. In fact, in certain cases, timely heater replacement can actually save you money! Here’s how.

What To Do When You Heater Malfunctions?

When your heater fails, there are two possible ways you can go depending upon the nature of the problem. If it is a minor issue, you can schedule a simple repair to deal with it. However, if there’s a need to replace a major part or the repairs become frequent and expensive, it is best to call a Kingston heating service company for a potential heater replacement.

Being able to judge when it’s time for a replacement can save you a lot of hassle and money in the long run. Some questions that can help you decide whether you should schedule a repair or replacement are as follows:

Is There a Sudden Spike in Your Energy Bills?

If you notice an unexpected or inexplicable rise in your energy bills, your HVAC system might be to blame. An inefficient heating system requires more energy to provide the same level of heating for your home, which can increase your energy bill.

Even if you do not notice any obvious signs of malfunction, your heater may not be running efficiently because of underlying problems. You should call in an expert heating service provider for a thorough inspection. They will be able to guide you properly on whether you should invest in a repair or a replacement.

What Kind of Repairs Does Your Furnace Need?

Minor repairs and maintenance are a natural part of any asset’s life. However, if your furnace requires frequent and gradually expensive heating services to heat your house efficiently, then it would actually be more economical for you to just replace it.

How Old is Your Heater?

On average, a heater lasts for about 15 to 20 years. If your heater is older than 15 years and often demands an expensive repair or part replacement, the investment may not be worth it. The chances of it completely breaking down in the near future are quite high, so instead of taking the risk, you should just go for a new heater altogether.

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Maintenance Tips to Avoid Early Furnace Replacement

October 28, 2022 Team Toshack

Getting stuck with a malfunctioning or broken furnace in winter is just about the worst thing that can happen. Luckily, you can avoid the need for furnace repairs and replacement by ensuring you invest in regular maintenance.

While you should always contact a professional for quality checks and repairs, there are also a few minor things you can do yourself. However, when you come across a problem that you can’t fix or are unsure about, it is always best to contact a reliable furnace replacement company since there may be underlying problems that only a pro would know about.

Here are some things to keep in mind to keep your furnace in tip-top shape!

How Often Should I Get My Furnace Inspected?

Ideally, you should get your furnace professionally inspected at least once every year. You may schedule this inspection at the start of the season or when your furnace is malfunctioning. When looking over your own system you should take note of components like the thermostat, gas line, motor, heat exchanger, and air handle. If any of these elements are not functioning properly or seem to be broken, it is best to call in a technician for expert repairs or a furnace replacement. Some other signs that highlight the need for furnace replacement or repair are odd sounds or smells from a furnace, a faulty pilot light, and ineffective heating.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Even if your furnace is working efficiently and shows no signs of issues, you still need to put in the effort to clean and maintain it. A functional furnace can become faulty in no time if don’t keep up with maintenance. Elements like dust, hair, pollen, etc., can accumulate around your furnace over time and affect its overall efficiency.

Experts advise changing your HVAC air filters every three months to avoid poor air quality. Dust and dirt stuck in air filters can irritate your skin and eyes and cause allergies or respiratory problems. Blocked air filters can also lead to a lack of efficiency in the heating service, which, in turn, spikes energy consumption and bills. Blocked air filters can also lead to potential repairs as your furnace will not be able to function properly.

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Is Your Furnace Making Your Allergies Worse?

October 20, 2022 Team Toshack

Yes, it often does! And if you struggle with allergies, you already know how air quality impacts your sinuses and air pathways. Good air quality is a key component in keeping heater allergies at bay. We’ve listed a few key things that you can do to have your furnace system be a help, not a hindrance, in our fight against heater allergies!

Continue reading “Is Your Furnace Making Your Allergies Worse?”

Signs That You Are Due for a Furnace Repair

August 25, 2022 Team Toshack

Repairs are a natural part of the life of an asset like a furnace. However, there is a fine line between a regular furnace repair and an emergency one. While regular repairs can be safely delayed in some cases, emergency repairs need to be fixed ASAP, or they can cause bigger problems.

As an amateur, it isn’t always easy for you to tell when your furnace needs an emergency repair, but with a little homework, you will be able to distinguish when in no time! To help the same, Toshack has compiled some tell-tale signs of furnace issues below:

The Color of the Pilot Light is Unusual

In a typical situation, your pilot light should be blue. However, if you notice the color of the flame to be a shade of yellow, it may be a sign of a combustion problem. A combustion problem can generate unhealthy amounts of carbon monoxide over time which can be poisonous to people. If you notice a change in the color of your pilot light flame, call in a professional.

Take Electrical Issues Seriously

Electricity, while an inherently important part of our life, can be hazardous when it malfunctions. It is not uncommon for electricity malfunctions to cause terrible accidents and losses. If your home’s electric system displays unusual patterns, it may be time to call for help. It is best to get electrical issues checked quickly and by a professional to avoid accidents.

Your Furnace Smells Bad

If you notice a strange odor coming from your furnace, you need to get out of the house immediately! Gas leaking from a furnace can start a fire within seconds and catch you off guard. Additionally, since you cannot see gas, a leak can be very hard to anticipate except for the smell. So, if you smell something like rotten eggs in your house and suspect that it is coming from your furnace, there might be a leak.

Loud Noises from Furnace

If your furnace is noisier than usual, there may be something wrong with it. From unclean ducts to a broken part, there are several reasons why you might notice unusual sounds coming from your furnace. It is recommended to get any suspicious noises checked by an expert.

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Central or Ductless: Buying the Perfect Air Conditioner

August 20, 2022 Team Toshack

From premium performance and durability to energy efficiency, there are a lot of factors to look for in central and ductless units. So how do you take your pick?

Here’s how!

Use these expert insights from Toshack to learn all you need to know about both central and ductless air conditioning before making the final decision.

Central Air Conditioning

Central air conditioning is essentially a centralized cooling system responsible for regulating the temperature of your entire house. It works with the help of a thermostat where you can set an ideal temperature. As soon as your home’s temperature falls below the pre-set level on the thermostat, the cooling kicks in and restores the desired temperature.

Benefits of a Centralized Air Conditioner

A centralized cooling system is best suited for cooling the entire house in a cost-effective and hassle-free manner. This type of air conditioning system is also more durable and easier to maintain than a ductless unit and provides better quality air.

Ductless Air Conditioning

A ductless air conditioner, as the name suggests, is one that operates without ducts. These air conditioners are made to cool the room in which the head of the unit is installed. Using this type of air conditioning requires you to get multiple split ductless ACs for separate rooms.

This system is best suited for more traditional houses or cottages, which lack the proper ductwork required for efficient central air conditioning. The different heads in different rooms allow homeowners to set and achieve unique temperatures in each room, as required. So, the temperatures of a ground floor bedroom and a comparatively much hotter attic can be customized to make the entire house ideally cool.

Benefits of a Ductless Air Conditioner

As mentioned, one of the biggest advantages of ductless air conditioning is the option to have unique temperatures in different rooms. You can also utilize these units to both heat and cool your house in different seasons. Especially in places like Canada, where the weather and temperatures can fluctuate by the day, ductless air conditioning units are a great option.

Find Air Conditioning Repair Experts in Kingston and Brockville!

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Weird Noises Coming from HVAC Ducts – Here’s Why!

August 16, 2022 Team Toshack

Loud or weird noises coming from your HVAC ducts are not normal and can get quite annoying over prolonged intervals. But don’t worry, they can be easily fixed!

Toshack explains some possible causes of the unusual noises and suggests potential solutions in this quick blog. Follow them to enjoy efficient, peaceful heating and cooling in your house!

Adjusting to Temperature Change

It is no secret that HVAC ducts are made out of metal and metal reacts to changes in temperature. So, when you turn on your furnace after a long winter, the cold metal reacts to the heat and expands, which can cause a noticeable noise. The same thing happens in summer when you turn on the cooling after a considerable gap. This noise, however, is momentary and shouldn’t happen more than once or twice a year.

Bugs and Rodents

Another possible cause of unusual sounds from HVAC ducts is a bug or rodent infestation. In this case, you might also notice droppings or hear the rodents. To solve an infestation problem, you need to reach out to a good pest control company for help. Getting your ducts cleaned professionally at regular intervals can help you avoid getting into this situation altogether.

HVAC Malfunction

Noises that you hear coming from your ducts are not always caused by malfunctioning ducts. There is a good possibility that the issue lies in your HVAC system, and the ducts are merely carrying the noise. Getting an HVAC expert to inspect and repair your furnace/air conditioner can help you get rid of these noises.

HVAC Pressure Problems

Your air ducts might be making popping or banging noises because of underlying pressure problems! Some potential causes of pressure problems are a mismatch in the furnace or air-conditioner’s capacity and the space in the vents, improper installation, ill-fitting ducts, etc.

So, how do you fix it?

First, you need to pinpoint the exact cause. It is best to call in an expert for proper inspection. This will allow you to not just understand the problem but also solve it properly and for good.

Get Professional Duct Cleaning Services in Kingston and Brockville!

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When to Repair Your Tankless Water Heater

August 12, 2022 Team Toshack

Like any other household appliance, water heaters also require maintenance and repairs to perform optimally. By ensuring proper and regular servicing, you can boost the efficiency of your water heater and also increase its lifespan!

Toshack lists some common signs that you need water heater repairs here.

Age of the Heater

A typical water heater has a functioning lifespan of about 10-15 years. A tankless water heater older than that is more prone to severe and frequent malfunctions. If you have to repair your old water heater often, then it is best to replace it as the repair costs will usually add up to be more than what a new water heater would cost.

Discolored Water

If the hot water from your heater looks rusty and/or dirty, chances are that the insides of your heater have collected rust or dust. It is best to get it cleaned or replaced as soon as possible to avoid leaks or unclean water.

Visible Leaks

One of the most common problems with water heaters is leaks. If there is a pool of water surrounding your tank then it can be because of a leak. These leaks, if left unchecked for long, can cause monumental damages to your house and other possessions and are best fixed as soon as possible.

Strange Noises

Any out-of-place noises from your machine can be a sign of an underlying problem. If you are hearing knocking or booming sounds from your tankless water heater, there could be a residue buildup or damaged part. You shouldn’t ignore such sounds for long as they can cost you a fortune because of the fuel wastage, increased energy consumption, and possible need for bigger repairs.

Water is Not the Right Temperature

If your water keeps running too cold or too hot, then chances are that your water heating unit is not the right fit for your requirements. Get a professional’s opinion on what can be done and rectify the situation.

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All You Need to Know About Frozen Pipes

August 8, 2022 Team Toshack

It’s no secret that the freezing temperatures of winter can be harsh on your plumbing system. The excessive cold can freeze the water in your pipes, which can lead to problems ranging from tiny leaks to flooding. These problems, if not checked and mended in a timely fashion, can cost you a fortune in terms of repairs and losses.

To avoid the same, it’s important to have basic knowledge of how to deal with frozen pipes. Toshack explains all the main points in this quick blog.

Identifying Frozen Water Pipes

The foremost step to treating the problem of frozen pipes is being able to identify them. There are some common signs that hint toward frozen pipes, such as interrupted water flow from faucets, frost, or lumps on pipes, etc. If you notice any of these problems in your plumbing system, it might be time to call a plumbing professional.

Thawing Frozen Pipes

Thawing your frozen pipes involves melting the frozen water that is blocking your pipes. To do so, you first need to turn off your house’s water supply. Once this is done, use a heating device (such as a heat lamp or hair dryer) to introduce heat around the pipe. As the heat comes in contact with the frozen water, it will start to melt. Be prepared with mops and towels to soak up the water from the pipe.

While you can thaw frozen pipes yourself using this method, it’s usually best to employ professional plumbing services for efficient and smooth work.

How To Handle a Pipe Bursting?

Call for professional plumbing services right away!

A situation like this is best handled by experts. While waiting for the plumber to arrive, you can clean up the water that has leaked from the pipe to safeguard your possessions from water damage. If your house is flooded or the damage is severe, it may be a good idea to call your insurance agent as well.

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The Ultimate Guide to Humidifiers for Your Heating & Cooling System

August 4, 2022 Team Toshack

Who doesn’t like coming home to a furnace-warmed home in the biting winters? But what if we told you that the comforting warmth of your HVAC system might be secretly taking a toll on your home and health?

It’s no secret that regular heating and cooling systems like furnaces and air conditioners strip the air of humidity while changing temperatures. Oftentimes, this leads to your house’s humidity range falling below the ideal levels, which can have negative effects on your house and health.

So what can you do to avoid this? You invest in a good humidifier!

Humidifiers: What Are They & Why Do I Need One?

A humidifier is essentially a machine that lets you adjust and regulate the humidity levels of your home. Some reasons why you should invest in a good humidifier are:

Improves Air Quality: Humidifiers can help you avoid respiratory problems, skin irritations, and other health problems caused by dry air. Additionally, the latest humidifiers are also designed to lessen the number of viruses and bacteria in the air, which reduces the risk of allergies and diseases caused by them.

Savings: Ideal humidity levels boost the efficiency of your heating and cooling system, thereby allowing you to enjoy the same comfortable temperatures with lesser fuel consumption and energy costs. This can mean significant savings on your energy bills over time.

Furniture Protection: Dry air can take a toll on the look and health of your furniture, especially wooden furniture. Getting a humidifier will work to solve this problem as well.

How to Pick the Right Humidifier

Now that we know the top benefits of getting a humidifier, let’s see which of the main two types of humidifiers is well-suited for your home.

Whole-Home Humidifier: Best known for its low fuel consumption and cost-effectiveness, the whole-home humidifier can be used to humidify your entire house in an efficient and economical manner. This humidifier is usually not very high maintenance and also helps minimize the pollutants in the air.

Single-Room Humidifier: As the name suggests, this humidifier can only serve one room at a time and is thus best used to humidify isolated areas. The energy consumption is high, which makes it a costly option.

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Toshack offers expert heating and cooling services and more in Brockville and Kingston. Request a FREE quote today!

Team Toshack

What is the Difference Between Water Heaters with and Without Tanks?

How to Know if It’s Time for a Heater Replacement

Maintenance Tips to Avoid Early Furnace Replacement

Is Your Furnace Making Your Allergies Worse?

Signs That You Are Due for a Furnace Repair

Central or Ductless: Buying the Perfect Air Conditioner

Weird Noises Coming from HVAC Ducts – Here’s Why!

When to Repair Your Tankless Water Heater

All You Need to Know About Frozen Pipes

The Ultimate Guide to Humidifiers for Your Heating & Cooling System

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