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Plumbing Emergency: The Right Time to Seek Plumbing Services

December 20, 2022
Plumbing Emergency: The Right Time to Seek Plumbing Services

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
Debunking 5 Misconceptions About HVAC Services in Kingston

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.

 

  1. 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.

 

  1. 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.

 

  1. 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.

 

  1. 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.

 

  1. 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
shower head

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
tankless water heater

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 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
furnaces

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!

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

November 16, 2022
tankless heater

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
Technician installing a furnace

‘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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Toshack is a leader in heating services in Kingston. Contact us for licensed heater repair and replacement solutions. Request a FREE quote today!

Maintenance Tips to Avoid Early Furnace Replacement

October 28, 2022
furnace repair

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
4 Facts to Know about Your Hot Water Boiler

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
Signs That You Are Due for a Furnace Repair

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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