Team Toshack, Author at Toshack

5 Signs You Need Home Furnace Repair

October 25, 2021 Team Toshack

Staying in a freezing home through the winter is more than just uncomfortable, it is also very bad for your health. You can prevent the breakdown of your home heating service with routine maintenance. Often, before a breakdown occurs, there are warning signs your heating services need professional maintenance.

Read on to discover 5 signs you need a home furnace repair.

You Can Smell Gas

A gas leak is the most dangerous problem you can encounter when it comes to your home’s furnace; it has the potential to cause an explosion and fire. Should you ever smell gas coming from your furnace, you need to act on it right away.

After shutting off the gas supply valve, immediately contact an emergency furnace repair service. Toshack offers emergency furnace repairs in the Kingston and Brockville areas, as well as regular maintenance for your home heating services. Once you have contacted a professional service, try to stay away from your furnace until you know it is safe.

You Can Hear Strange Noises

Is there a constant rumble anytime you turn on your furnace? While it is typical to hear a few start-up noises, a constant groaning, or other strange sounds coming from your furnace are signs you need repairs. There are a range of reasons your furnace might be making noises ranging from overheating to rust and debris in the pipes.

Your Furnace Is Blowing Cold Air

The most obvious sign of a problem with your heating services is cold air coming out of your furnace when it is turned on. Although you may feel a short blast of cold air when your furnace first turns on, it should not last very long.

Your first thought may be to try and fix it yourself, however, before starting up your heating services for winter, it’s best to get a service check by calling a Kingston furnace repair specialist.

Your Furnace Constantly Turns On and Off

A properly working furnace turns on, increases the temperature in your home, then turns off and stays off until the temperature decreases. Your furnace should not constantly turn off and on, or struggle to push warm air through your home.

You could be dealing with issues from a clogged air filter to a problem with the thermostat. You could also be paying too much to heat your home due to this constant “cycling.”

Seek the services of a company that can provide you with home furnace repair.

You Haven’t Serviced Your Furnace in Over a Year

As a rule of thumb, you should service your furnace at least once a year. By skipping a year or two, you increase the chances of needing a furnace repair or having to pay for a replacement.

Schedule Your Furnace Repairs Today!

No matter your comfort needs, the Toshack team are experts in heating services and furnace replacements. With winter already here, there is no time to delay! For heating services, maintenance, and repair in the Kingston and Brockville areas, contact us today!

Is Your Heating & Cooling System Up to Code?

October 19, 2021 Team Toshack

Deciding to upgrade your home is not as simple as picking a color scheme and finding a good contractor. Every time you modify your home, you must ensure your renovations are compliant with local building codes. These are regulations that govern the installations around your home. For example, if you were installing a furnace replacement.

Code legislature, however, can exceed 1,000 pages and is frequently updated, so even if your home installations were code-compliant a few years ago, they might not be now. You can contact your local furnace repair specialists to survey your home and inform you of any necessary changes.

For a general understanding, read on to discover more about building codes and what to do when you are out of compliance.

What Is a Building Code?

If you decide to make structural changes to your home, you must follow the laws governing what you legally are and aren’t able to do. Although it can be frustrating to have to ask permission to work on your own home, codes are there primarily to protect the safety of a home’s occupants.

Building codes vary by area, but most stem from models, like the International Residential Code or the Uniform Mechanical Code.

Is My Heating and Cooling System Up to Code?

Your HVAC system is an integral part of your home, however, furnace replacement is an intricate process that is subject to lots of code provisions. Most localities’ codes governing furnace replacement come from the Uniform Mechanical Code, which is updated every three years by the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials.

If you aren’t a qualified furnace repair technician, you should never try to install a furnace replacement on your own. You may unknowingly break the law by violating local codes. It’s also dangerous since you are working with harmful chemicals and combustible fuels.

Get in touch with a Kingston-based furnace repair service to install your new system safely, and in compliance with the current building legislature.

What Happens If I’m Out of Compliance?

If you live in an older home, there are probably a few areas where it violates the current code requirements. Pre-existing homes are grandfathered, meaning you don’t have to update your heating and cooling system to comply with the code while you’re living there.

However, if you plan on selling your house, or completing a project that requires a city permit, your home must comply with current code requirements. In addition, some insurers may decline home insurance for older heating and cooling systems.

Contact us to update your building to code or install a new furnace!

For furnace replacements and repairs guaranteed to comply with local codes, you can rely on the Toshack team. Toshack services the Brockville and Kingston areas and has excellent knowledge of local building codes to keep your home in compliance.

Contact us today to receive your quote.

Should I Hire a Plumber to Install My Dishwasher?

October 15, 2021 Team Toshack

With the variety of home contractors available for different tasks, it is not always clear who you should call for something as specific as a dishwasher installation. Many homeowners in Brockville and Kingston wonder whether this task falls into the category of plumbing services, or whether it is the job of an electrician to perform this type of installation.

Installing a dishwasher should always be done by a professional, and plumbers are in fact some of the most qualified contractors for the job. At Toshack, our team of plumbing experts are here to explain why a plumber is a great person to trust with your dishwasher installation.

Reasons to Hire a Plumber for Your Dishwasher Installation

Leak prevention

One of the biggest risks involved with installing any system that uses water is the presence of leaks. Plumbers are the experts on sealing systems properly so that your home is protected against water damage. Hiring a plumbing contractor to install your dishwasher will therefore prevent expensive repairs going forward.

Inspect the quality of the machine

Once your dishwasher is installed, it is important to have a professional inspect the system to ensure it is running smoothly, and not at risk of any malfunctions in the near future. A plumber is by far the best person to assess the quality of the machine and flag any potential issues. Other contractors may be able to successfully install one of these units, however, they may not be able to give you any further information about the system.

Comply with plumbing regulations

In areas such as Brockville and Kingston, there are certain municipal regulations that need to be met to stay up to code. If you decide to have your dishwasher installed by someone who is not well-versed in these restrictions, you may be fined for failing to comply with a by-law. Avoid the stress of researching these codes on your own by opting for a professional plumbing service.

Responsible disposal

If you are replacing an existing dishwasher, you may not know how to dispose of the old equipment in a safe and environmentally responsible manner. Professional plumbers offer years of experience with these units and will remove your old dishwasher themselves so that you do not have the burden of throwing it away on your own.

If you are thinking about installing a new dishwasher, contact our contractors at Toshack today for top-rated plumbing services in Kingston and Brockville

Common Boiler Noises: What Your Heating Equipment is Trying to Tell You

October 5, 2021 Team Toshack

It is never a good sign when your heating or cooling equipment begins to make noises that you’ve never heard before. This is often the case with a malfunctioning boiler, however, there is such a wide range of sounds that these units make, that most homeowners do not know how to diagnose problems when they arise.

While performing boiler services, our team at Toshack has seen a correlation between certain issues, and the sound that the boiler will make as an indicator. The following is a guide to help you understand what your boiler is trying to tell you based on the specific noise it is making.

How to Interpret the Sound Coming from Your Boiler

Banging

The sound of banging coming from your boiler could indicate overheating, or a problem within the piping. Over the years, your pipes may loosen simply due to the amount of hot and cold water that has run through them. If this is the case, the pipes may begin to move with the heavy flow of water and start making a banging noise.

Humming

If you notice a humming or vibrating noise coming from your boiler, your heat pump is most likely the culprit. When the water pressure inside the system is too high, it can often overwork the pump, causing it to shake and make noise. During a boiler maintenance service, the contractor will test the water pressure and ensure it is running at an appropriate rate. Another possible cause of a humming boiler is a lack of air coming into the system. We recommend inspecting the air intake equipment outside your home to see if something is blocking it.

Whistling

A whistling boiler can be thought of in the same way as a whistling tea kettle. The same process of boiling occurs, causing the steam to generate a high-pitched noise. This is often the case when rust begins to form, causing debris to get caught in the system, creating a slower path for water to pass through. This can begin to overheat the water, causing it to boil.

Gurgling

Thankfully, a gurgling sound is not always the sign of a major problem. If the noise is particularly noticeable, you may want to contact a professional for a boiler service to ensure the water pressure is correct, and that there is no excess air in the unit.

If your boiler is making an unusual sound, reach out to us for a free estimate on boiler maintenance or repair service.

How to Safeguard Your Home Against Electric Furnace Malfunctions

October 1, 2021 Team Toshack

An electric furnace is a reliable heating option that will keep your home comfortable during the cold seasons. However, unfortunately, there is a price to pay for this type of equipment. Electric furnaces are some of the most hazardous heating units on the market. Homeowners are at risk of electrocuting themselves or starting a fire if the equipment is not properly maintained.

At Toshack, our mission is to provide effective heating and cooling solutions that are safe for your home and your loved ones. Continue reading to learn what you can do to prevent electric furnace-related safety issues from occurring.

How to Reduce the Risks Associated with Electric Furnaces

Keep the unit clean

One of the main causes of furnace fires is nearby flammable objects. If you have an electric furnace, we recommend tidying up the area around the unit, so that nothing is at risk of overheating. Additionally, it is important to keep the equipment itself clean by clearing out the furnace filter on a regular basis. If you do not clean or change this element at least once every four months, the buildup of dust and debris could eventually start a fire.

Hire a trusted professional for your furnace replacement

If your electric furnace is coming to the end of its life, you may want to start looking into skilled HVAC technicians in your area. Hiring a contractor to perform a furnace installation without the proper licensing and credentials could lead to shoddy electrical work, putting your family in danger and home at risk of fire. Always hire licensed professionals to perform any electrical installations.

Address furnace issues promptly

If you notice a problem with a large electrical unit in your home, it is always best to call a professional to remedy the situation as soon as possible. Furnace repair can be highly involved and pose a serious threat to homeowners who attempt to fix damages themselves. If you are in the Brockville or Kingston area, do not hesitate to call our furnace repair experts in an emergency.

Maintain the system

One of the best ways to keep all heating and cooling equipment hazard-free is by scheduling regular maintenance checks. By contacting a professional contractor at least once per year, you will be able to flag any potential safety issues in advance and avoid causing unnecessary damage to your home.

Furnace Repair & More

Are you concerned about the safety of your electric furnace? Contact our team at Toshack today for all your furnace repair, installation, and maintenance needs.

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

October 1, 2021 Team Toshack

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

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

Why You Should Consider Replacing Your AC And Furnace Simultaneously

1 – Mixing old and new technology reduces efficiency

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

2 – Replacing both increases your cost savings

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

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

3 – Doing both at once lowers installation costs

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

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

4 – Don’t forget about heat pumps!

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

Call Toshack for Kingston & Brockville Furnace Repair

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

You Need Emergency Plumbing Services… What Should You Do?

September 29, 2021 Team Toshack

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

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

What To Do If You Experience A Sudden Plumbing Emergency

1 – Call professional plumbing services for help

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

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

2 – Shut off your water main

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

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

3 – Mop up what water you can

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

4 – Document damage

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

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

We Can Handle Your Brockville & Kingston Plumbing Needs

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

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

September 26, 2021 Team Toshack

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

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

How The “Emergency Heat” Button Improves Your Heating Services

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

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

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

Warnings About Using The “Emergency Heat” Button

Here are a few other things you should know:

1 – Emergency heat will cost more

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

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

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

3 – Extended use could damage your heat pump

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

Get a Free Quote on Heating Services in Kingston & Brockville

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

What Plumbers Would Like You To Know About Plumbing Services

September 23, 2021 Team Toshack

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

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

Four Facts About Plumbing, From Plumbers

1 – Plumbers hate garbage disposal units

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

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

2 – Plumbing is more dangerous than you realize

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

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

3 – Older plumbers are better plumbers

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

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

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

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

Proper Preventative Maintenance Reduces Your Need for Boiler Repairs

September 13, 2021 Team Toshack

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

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

Here are some checklists to follow.

Daily / Weekly Checks

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

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

Monthly Checks

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

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

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

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

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

Team Toshack

5 Signs You Need Home Furnace Repair

Is Your Heating & Cooling System Up to Code?

Should I Hire a Plumber to Install My Dishwasher?

Common Boiler Noises: What Your Heating Equipment is Trying to Tell You

How to Safeguard Your Home Against Electric Furnace Malfunctions

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

You Need Emergency Plumbing Services… What Should You Do?

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

What Plumbers Would Like You To Know About Plumbing Services

Proper Preventative Maintenance Reduces Your Need for Boiler Repairs

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