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A lack of free-flowing air within your plumbing venting system can often result in an air lock. Many times you will notice incomplete toilet flushes or a slow-draining sink due to these issues. Trying to resolve these problems on your own is often a challenge. Contacting professional plumbing services in Kingston is recommended in taking care of this problem as soon as possible to avoid any additional issues.

What Exactly is an Air Lock?
An air lock is any pocket of air that is trapped within a drain line. This often happens due to a blocked vent pipe. An air lock can limit water flow and lead to other plumbing issues. Understanding the common signs of air lock is important in taking care of this problem as soon as possible.

Here is an overview of the different signs of an air lock.

Sluggish Drains
Dealing with sluggish drains is never a fun experience. These sluggish drains are often a sign of an air lock. You may even hear bubbling or gurgling in your toilet due to an air lock, as it’s a good idea to reach out to professional plumbers to investigate the issue as soon as possible.

Incomplete Toilet Flush Cycle
An incomplete toilet flush cycle occurs if the water continues to swirl around the bowl while going down slower than normal. This problem usually happens because of an air lock, as you may also notice gurgling within the shower, sink, or tub.

What Causes Air Locks?
A blocked air vent can cause these problems, as you will need to reach out to a professional to investigate the cause of the issue. Sometimes this happens due to small birds building a nest in your vent opening, which severely limits the flow of air. A blocked air vent can also happen in colder climates due to the moist air from the roof air vent freezing near the opening, which can seal off the entire vent over a period of time.

Contact Professional Plumbing Services in Kingston to Learn More
Toshack offers plumbing services for customers throughout the Kingston area. We also provide HVAC and air quality control services. Always providing top-quality work at a fair price is our priority. Feel free to give Toshack a call to learn more about using our plumbing services in Kingston!

Winters here in Kingston and Brockville can be rough, and you want your heating system to be there when you need it.  But what if it suddenly stops working?  That could be a serious problem!

You can always call in Toshack when you need furnace repair or replacement in Kingston or Brockville – but there are a few things you should check on your own first to assist the technician should you need to call one.

Four Steps to Follow If Your Furnace Stops Working

1  – Check the circuit breaker

Honestly, this is one of the most common reasons for a ‘broken’ furnace.  Homes in the winter tend to use a lot of power, and this can overburden the electrical system – particularly in older homes.  Sometimes the breaker gets flipped, and that’s all that’s wrong.

However, this is something that shouldn’t happen very often.  If it becomes a constant issue, it could indicate problems with your furnace  or with your electrical system.

2 – Check the pilot light

If your furnace is gas-powered, there’s always a chance that the pilot light is the problem.  Any gas furnace will have an access panel that goes directly to the pilot light, although the location will vary depending on the model. It’s always best if unsure to get a certified technician to inspect and relight the pilot light if this is the issue.

Again, this should only be an occasional problem.  If it happens frequently, you’ll want a furnace repair crew to look into it.

3 – Clean or replace the filters

Clogged filters will reduce the efficiency of your furnace, while also causing extra strain.  In extreme cases, a totally clogged filter could trigger a failsafe and cause the furnace to shut down.  This is rare, but if the problem does happen to be the filter, it’s extremely cheap and easy to replace.

4 – Test the thermostat

Finally, before concluding the furnace itself is the problem, fiddle with the thermostat.  If you switch between heating/cooling or turn the temperature to an extreme in either direction, you should hear something happen as your HVAC system tries to work.  If absolutely nothing happens, the problem could be with the thermostat.

Also, some thermostats are battery-powered.  Replacing the batteries would also be quick and easy.

We Provide Professional Furnace Repair & Replacement Services In Kingston & Brockville

However, if none of these tips work out, you need professional furnace repair – from Toshack.  We’ve served the greater Brockville and Kingston area for almost 90 years.  Click here to schedule an appointment.

We have rough winters here in Kingston, which makes it extra important that you keep your heating system in good working order.  If you ever have a major breakdown, professional heating services in Kingston can fix the problem – but you really don’t want to be without heat, even if it’s for a few hours, if the temperature is below freezing this can be dangerous and cause pipes to burst.

So, here are some important tips for keeping your home HVAC system functioning well during the winter.

Four Tips For Maintaining Your Heating System in Kingston

1 – Check your filters at least once a month

This is the #1 most important maintenance you can do on your HVAC system.  Fortunately, it’s also quite easy.  You want to check your air filters at least once a month, and either clean or replace them if they’re dirty.

Dirty filters will create dirty air, and they’ll also increase strain on your HVAC system, increasing the chances of mechanical problems.

2 – Clean outdoor units

If your heating system includes an outside unit, you should keep an eye on it.  During the fall and winter, it’s going to tend to get covered in debris such as fallen leaves.  As these stick to the fans and intakes, they’ll start reducing the efficiency of the system.  If the clog is significant, it could even damage the entire system.

Simply cleaning them off periodically will keep this from happening.

3 – Keep the vents clear

Another thing to keep an eye on are your air vents.  If these become clogged up, they’ll put a strain on the entire system – not to mention failing to properly heat the room.  Periodically make sure they’re clear of any debris that might be blocking them.  Also, never put furniture or other large items directly in front of the vents.  That’s a fire hazard.

4 – Schedule a check-up at least once a year

HVAC systems will tend to have problems over time; it’s unavoidable with such complicated machinery.  So, it’s a very good idea to periodically call professional heating services in Kingston to give your HVAC system a checkup.  The best times for this are either in the spring or fall, when you’re switching between heating and cooling.

Get Kingston Heating Services Today

Since the 1930s, Toshack has provided the very best in heating and cooling systems to Kingston, Brockville, and the surrounding areas.  If you’re ever having trouble with your HVAC, contact us for a free HVAC quote.

For almost a century, Toshack has provided some of the best plumbing services in Kingston, and we’re always here to help.  One question we often hear is “how hot should my water heater be?”  This is actually somewhat of a complicated question, and it depends on both your heater, as well as the people in your family.

If you’re looking to optimize your hot water heater, here are some things you should keep in mind.

How To Find The Perfect Temperature For Your Water Heater

First, just in case you didn’t know: any modern water heater should have a dial on it which determines how hot the water is kept.  Locate that dial, so you know what to do if you want to change the temperature.

1 – Lower temperatures mean lower bills

This seems obvious, but it’s a good starting point: the hotter your water heater is set, the more energy it’s going to use to maintain that temperature.  Most hot water heaters are pre-set to around 140°F (60°C), but that’s actually hotter than most people need.  Lowering the temperature will reduce energy costs.

2 – Never go lower than 120°F (48°C)

However, you can’t set your water heater too low.  120°F is considered the minimum, because any colder, and you can start to get bacterial growth in the water tank or pipes.  This can make the water unsafe, as well as requiring costly repairs to clean and sterilize the equipment.

3 – Lower the temperature to 120°F (48°C) if you have young children

Young kids are much more sensitive to hot water than teens or adults.  A baby can be scalded by 140°F water and receive third-degree burns in only five seconds.  Given how easily accidents can happen, it’s simply unsafe to set your hot water heater higher than 120°F when there are young children around.

4 – Keep the temperature higher if someone in your home has immune issues

A hot water heater kept at 120°F (48°F) will kill most bacteria in the water, but there will still be a small amount.  This isn’t a problem for most people, but it can be dangerous for those with immune system disorders or respiratory infections.  Raise the temperature to 130-140°F.

For the same reasons, keep the temperature higher if your dishwasher doesn’t pre-heat its water.  Otherwise, your dishes may not be thoroughly sterilized.

We’re Proud to Provide Quality Kingston Plumbing Services

If you ever need plumbing services in Kingston, Toshack can help!  From maintaining your existing plumbing services to installing upgrades, just contact us for assistance.

A well-installed HVAC system can provide superior heating and cooling in Kingston for decades – but only if it’s properly maintained.  You should be cleaning the air filters regularly, as well as having the ducts and vents cleaned from time to time as well.  We’d also recommend having your system checked by professionals once a year, to spot any potential problems that wouldn’t be obvious.

This is critical because otherwise, your Kingston heating and cooling system could fail or cause major problems – just when you need it the most.  A poorly maintained HVAC system could even become a source of danger!

Four Problems Caused By Poorly Maintained Heating And Cooling Systems 

1 – Dangerous gas leaks

Many furnaces run on natural gas, which is of course highly flammable.  A gas leak can create a huge fire hazard.  Potentially worse is that furnaces also generate carbon monoxide.  This should be flushed out through the flue and venting to the outdoors, but if those become blocked, it could begin filling your basement with a potentially deadly gas.

2 – Poor air quality

As the air filters in your HVAC system become dirty, and your ducts get clogged with gunk, it will directly affect the air quality in your home.  Poorly maintained heating and cooling systems can cause an increase in allergies, as well as making cleaning more difficult because they end up spewing dust all over the place.

(If you ever notice a buildup of dust on or near your air vents, that’s a big red flag that your ducts need cleaning.)

3 – Wasting energy

Modern HVAC systems are extremely energy-efficient – when they’re well-maintained.  As they begin to get dirty or break down, the machines will have to work much harder than usual to keep the hot or cold air pumping.  This wastes a lot of energy, as well as driving your electric bills up.  Repairs can often pay for themselves, by keeping your power bill as low as possible.

4 – Extending your HVAC’s lifespan

Good Kingston heating and cooling systems could last for decades, but only with maintenance.  Ignoring your HVAC system can cut years off its life, forcing you to buy an entirely new system.  This is far more costly than just getting repairs and check-ups from time to time.

Heating and Cooling Services in Kingston

Since the 1930s, Toshack have been experts in heating and cooling in Kingston.  New or old, we can help you maintain your HVAC system for years!  Contact us to learn more.

Your home’s heating system will last for years, or even decades, with proper furnace repair and maintenance.  However, nothing lasts forever, and furnaces take a lot of abuse even when they’re treated well.  Eventually, your furnace is going to start breaking down and keep breaking down.

Past a point and a certain age, furnace repair jobs won’t last for long.  Then, it’s time to start thinking about getting a replacement.  This does cost some money, but it’s usually cheaper than continuing to pour money into repairing a furnace that is past its prime.  Plus, HVAC systems are becoming more energy-efficient every year, so getting a new furnace can make heating your home cheaper than ever.

What are some signs that your furnace needs replacing?  These are some of the big ones.

Four Signs Your Furnace Is On Its Last Legs

1 – Unusual noises

A typical furnace should be fairly quiet, aside from the sound of the burner and the fans.  If you ever start hearing clanging, scraping, or other loud sounds, that’s a big red flag that it’s about to fail.  If you start hearing them, you should shut down the unit and call for professional HVAC help immediately.  A furnace with major mechanical problems could be a fire hazard.

2 – Yellow burner flame

The burner flame within the furnace should always be blue when it’s functioning properly.  If the flame is yellow, that either means the furnace isn’t getting enough oxygen or – worse – it’s leaking carbon monoxide, which is dangerous to breathe.  We suggest keeping a carbon monoxide detector near older furnaces, just in case.

3 – Rising energy bills

As a furnace breaks down and becomes less efficient, that’s going to cause it to use more energy.  If you find your heating bills are going up without any clear cause, and you know your home is well sealed and insulated, the culprit is probably an older furnace.

4 – Constant small repairs

A furnace doesn’t need that much yearly maintenance.  As long as you clean out the air filter regularly and occasionally clean out the ducts, vents, and other components, it should run on its own for months with little work.  If you find yourself constantly having to call for furnace repairs, that’s a sign it’s become a money pit.

Get Furnace Repair & More

For nearly a hundred years, Toshack has been the go-to source for heating and cooling services in Brockville, Kingston, and the surrounding areas.  If your furnace is giving you trouble, contact us for help.

Choosing to upgrade your plumbing is a great option for many homeowners. Making a few updates can improve efficiency while also improving safety. Choosing to work with professional plumbing services in Kingston is always a smart decision, as they can give your home a much-needed upgrade, and customer satisfaction is guaranteed.

Why You Should Consider Upgrading Your Property’s Plumbing

1) Enhance Safety
One of the advantages of making upgrades to your plumbing is that it improves the safety of you and your family. Investing in a purification and filtration system is a great way to decrease chlorine and eliminate pollutants within your water. You can also make other upgrades if the quality of your water is good, such as updating your plumbing vents if you notice a sewage smell from your drain or toilet. Getting a plumber to inspect your home on an annual basis can also help you identify any problems that need to be corrected.

2) Save Money
Another reason to upgrade your plumbing is that it can save you money in the long term. For example, installing a water softener is an effective option for anyone living in an area with an excess amount of calcium or magnesium in the water. A water softener will remove these minerals, which will help increase the lifespan of your water-using appliances by preventing the buildup of these substances. Upgrading to a tankless water heater can also help you save money, as they are much more efficient than traditional hot water tanks.

3) Improve Convenience
Dealing with low water pressure is always frustrating while taking a shower. One way to take care of this issue is to install a water pressure booster, which is great for a home with several people living in it. You can also upgrade to a tankless water heater to avoid running out of hot water due to its innovative design. Reaching out to plumbing services in Kingston is always a great choice if you are looking to make upgrades to improve convenience.

Contact Toshack to Learn More About Our Plumbing Services in Kingston

Toshack offers a variety of plumbing and HVAC services for many customers. Providing top-quality services while keeping our customers happy is always our top concern. Feel free to give Toshack a call today to learn more about using our plumbing services in Kingston!

A furnace plays a big role in keeping your house warm throughout the winter in Kingston and Brockville. Keeping your furnace well-maintained is also a great way to improve its lifespan and efficiency. However, you will eventually need to replace your furnace, as they often last between 15 to 25 years. Understanding the signs of needing a furnace replacement is important in taking care of this problem ahead of time before it stops working during the middle of winter.

Here are a few of the most common signs that you need to replace your furnace.

1) Additional Noise
A furnace operating louder than normal is often a sign that it’s reaching the end of its lifespan. You may even notice new sounds coming from your furnace, such as rattling, screeching, or popping noises. Contacting an HVAC company to investigate these sounds is a good idea to determine if it only needs some repairs or a full replacement.

2) Higher Costs
Keeping your utility costs to a minimum is always a top priority for homeowners. Unfortunately, a furnace nearing the end of its lifespan will often cause your energy bill to rise higher than normal. Choosing to replace your furnace is a cost-effective investment over the long term that will help you avoid paying higher than average heating bills.

3) Fluctuations in Temperature
Dealing with temperature fluctuations in your house is never a fun experience during the winter. A furnace that’s at least 15 years old will often begin to function less efficiently, which can make it more challenging to keep your home warm. Scheduling an HVAC technician to inspect your system is important, as they can recommend the best course of action.

4) Too Much Dust
An older furnace will often struggle to filter airborne particles, which causes more dust in your home. An excess amount of dust can often lead to more allergic reactions, and it also reduces indoor air quality. Getting your system inspected is essential in taking care of this problem before it gets even worse over time.

Contact Our Team to Learn More About Furnace Replacement in Brockville & Kingston

Toshack offers heating and cooling services for customers throughout Brockville and Kingston areas. We also provide plumbing and air quality control services, as meeting the different needs of our clients is always a priority.

Feel free to reach out to Toshack to schedule a no-cost consultation!

Keeping your home warm during the winter months can often be expensive for many people. Looking at ways to save on your heating bill is a worthwhile option to help you stay within your budget. Following a few simple tips can often play a key role in saving you money during the winter season.

Here are a few tips to remember to help you lower your heating bill.

1) Open Your Curtains
One easy way to warm your home a few degrees is to open your curtains during the day. This extra sunlight can help warm your home, which causes your furnace to work less. Closing your curtains at night is also effective at trapping the heat within your home.

2) Lower Your Thermostat at Night
Another simple way to save extra money is to lower your thermostat a few degrees at night. Simply adding another blanket while you sleep can help you stay warm while saving you money at the same time.

3) Inspect Your Ductwork
Trying to keep your home warm is often difficult if you have leaks in your ductwork. Reaching out to professional heating services in Kingston is a great option for inspecting your entire system. Repairing leaks can make a big difference in lowering your heating bill.

4) Fix Any Leaks in Your Home
Sometimes a home can leak near windows or doors, which makes it a challenge to keep your home warm during the winter. Inspecting your house for any drafts of air is a telltale sign that you are dealing with a leak. Using caulking is an effective way to plug these leaks and improve the efficiency of your heating system.

5) Schedule an Inspection
Scheduling an HVAC inspection before the winter season is a great way to prepare your system. An HVAC professional can take care of any repairs and make adjustments to ensure your system is working at an optimal level during the winter months.

Get Heating Services in Kingston Today

Toshack is an HVAC company that works with customers throughout the Brockville & Kingston areas. Our experienced team offers numerous services, whether you need help with your furnace, hot water boiler, heat pump, or ductless AC system. We even specialize in tankless water heaters.

Contact Toshack today to learn more about our heating services in Brockville or Kingston.