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While your furnace is designed to have a long, useful life, there is a chance that something will go wrong with it. In a lot of instances, a furnace problem is relatively easy to fix. A trained technician can correct the problem quickly, or a homeowner might be able to do some troubleshooting on their own.

Dirty Air Filter

This one is by far the most common furnace problem, but luckily, it’s also one of the easiest to fix! When the air filter in your furnace gets clogged, it makes it harder for your heater to draw air into the mechanical components. This causes your furnace to work harder than usual. Given enough time, your furnace may even shut off to protect itself from damage. This scares homeowners because, at first glance, it looks like the furnace died. Before you panic, try changing the air filter. Simply shut off the furnace, remove the old filter, and insert the new one.

Broken Thermostat

The thermostat is a device that communicates with your furnace to let it know when it should turn on and how hot it should make your home feel. If the thermostat stops working properly, it can seriously impact your furnace’s performance output. You may notice problems like sporadic heating, short cycling, or the inability to turn it on or off. Your home may feel unusually cold or excessively hot. It’s possible that your thermostat has died and needs to be replaced, but the problem could be as simple as dead batteries. Swap out the old batteries for a fresh pair to see if that helps.

Pilot Light Issue

One of your furnace’s most important components is the pilot light, sometimes referred to as the ignition control or the ignitor. When the furnace kicks on, the pilot light produces a small flame that burns natural gas to generate power and heat. Without a pilot light, your furnace won’t be able to produce heat. You may hear your furnace repeatedly trying to turn on over and over again without successfully running through a full heating cycle. Contact Toshack if this issue occurs.

Normal Wear and Tear

Over the years, your furnace will begin to wear out. Components that have gone through years of heating cycles may become dull, bent, slow, or jostled out of place. If just one of these components fails, it can cause the entire unit to stop working. Figuring out exactly what component is damaged is difficult without an untrained eye. Many furnace repairs can be completed in just one visit from a technician.

Lack of Regular Maintenance

Without routine maintenance, your furnace will begin to break down and age much more rapidly than a well-maintained furnace. We recommend performing at-home maintenance like changing the air filter and updating the thermostat batteries once every three months. On top of DIY maintenance, you should have professional maintenance performed annually. During a professional furnace tune-up, a technician will clean, lubricate, and calibrate the entire heating system from top to bottom.

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Furnaces help make your home warm, especially during fall and winter. Unfortunately, your furnace can develop issues during the spring and summer seasons when you don’t use it regularly. Luckily, there are essential tips that you can use to maintain the integrity of your furnace throughout the year. The following are several things you can do now to prevent a furnace repair in the future.

Keep the Supply Vents Open

You might have heard that you can cut costs by closing supply vents in rooms that aren’t used frequently. One can face a lot of drawbacks to doing this. Vent closures disrupt this balance and waste energy. Your ducts’ trapped air pushes outward, which can cause leaks. The furnace and fan will have to work harder since the cold air in the empty room will seep through uninsulated walls nearby.

Keep the Vents Clean

It’s important to keep your vents clean, like air filters. Cleaning them will enable them to run more efficiently and stop the stench of burning stuff. Here are some cleaning tips for your vents:

1. Completely turn off your HVAC system
2. The wall’s vents should be taken out
3. Remove any extraneous things, such as toys or food remnants
4. Clean up your ducts and vents
5. Put them back on the wall
6. Restart your HVAC system

Replace the Air Filter

A dirty air filter can bring on numerous issues in your home. Your indoor air quality will decrease as the heater and fan will have to work harder to maintain heat. The lower airflow through the filter may also raise the expense of heating your home.

When an HVAC filter becomes very unclean, the issue becomes more serious. The blocked hot air might cause the heat exchanger to overheat if it becomes so clogged that it is difficult for air to move through. This can result in a possible emergency furnace repair, or your furnace can completely turn off until you change the air filter and restart it.

Examine the Intake and Exhaust Pipes

Your HVAC system’s intake and exhaust pipes control how much air enters and leaves your house. These pipes can become blocked by debris and accumulation like leaves, pine needles, or a lot of snow, which could lead to your HVAC system malfunctioning. Additionally, it may lead to a buildup of carbon monoxide in your house. Clear away any obstructions surrounding the pipes and keep an eye on them throughout the season when it snows to keep your family safe and avoid furnace repairs.

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Contact us to schedule a service appointment.

Is your furnace causing you headaches instead of cozy warmth? A malfunctioning furnace can quickly turn into a chilly ordeal, leaving you yearning for a solution. Before you panic or start dialling for professional help, it’s worth taking a moment to investigate the issue yourself. Toshack, an HVAC company in Ontario, guides you through the essential steps to troubleshoot your furnace and whether you need furnace repair services.

1. Furnace Filter

 It is important to regularly inspect your furnace filter. When your furnace filter becomes clogged, it can lead to overheating, triggering a safety mechanism that shuts off the furnace. A blocked filter impedes the furnace’s ability to generate and distribute heat effectively. Regularly checking your furnace filter allows you to prevent these issues and ensure the optimal functioning of your heating system. When the filter gets clogged with dust, debris, or other particles, it restricts the airflow, hindering the cooling process of the furnace. As a result, the temperature within the furnace rises, potentially causing overheating.

2. Thermostat

 It is crucial to verify and adjust your thermostat settings correctly, specifically ensuring that it is set to the “heat” mode. If the thermostat is not switched to the appropriate setting, it will fail to signal your furnace to initiate the heating process. To guarantee proper communication between your thermostat and furnace, take a moment to review the thermostat settings regularly. Ensure that the mode is selected as “heat” rather than “cool” or any other setting that might be available.

3. Furnace Switch

It is important to inspect and verify the position of the furnace switch, which is typically located on or near the furnace and resembles a standard light switch. Ensure that the switch is in the “up” or “on” position to activate the furnace. If the switch was previously turned off, allow a few minutes for the furnace to start running after flipping it back on. Locating the furnace switch is the first step in troubleshooting potential heating issues. The switch is responsible for controlling the power supply to the furnace which allows electricity to flow to the furnace, enabling it to operate.

5. Circuit Breaker

It is essential to inspect and assess the circuit breaker associated with your furnace, as it may have tripped and disrupted the power supply. Locate the specific breaker on your home’s electrical panel that corresponds to the furnace. If you find it in the middle or “off” position, resetting it can restore power to the furnace. The circuit breaker serves as a safety mechanism to protect electrical circuits from overloading or short circuits. In the event of an electrical issue, the breaker will trip and automatically cut off the power supply to prevent potential damage or hazards.

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Toshack is proud to serve clients all over the Brockville, Smith Falls, and Kingston areas. For furnace repair services and more, contact us today for a quote!

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

Why You Should Get Furnace Repair Or Replacement 

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

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

Healthier Air 

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

An Even Distribution Of Heat 

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

Operates Silently 

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

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Nothing lasts forever, and over time, the furnace in your Kingston home is going to start having problems. Occasional mechanical issues can be repaired, but eventually, an older or badly-maintained furnace is going to turn into a money pit.

So, is it effective to keep calling for furnace repair in Kingston, or is it time to think about installing a replacement? Here are some factors to help you decide.

Is It Time to Replace That Old Furnace?

1. How old is the furnace?

Generally speaking, a furnace will have a lifespan of around 15-20 years. So if your furnace is in that range, it’s probably nearing the end of its life. Repairs may keep it going for a few more months, maybe a few more years, but it’s going to start giving you more and more problems.

2. Are your energy bills going up?

As a furnace ages, it’s going to become less energy efficient over time. Minor mechanical issues cause it to work harder to do the same job, wasting power.  So, you are likely to see your power bills creep up, even if you don’t change your heating habits.

3. Is your home heated unevenly?

Another sign that an older furnace can’t keep up is if it can’t heat every room evenly – especially if it seems like it’s struggling to heat upper floors. This is an issue that furnace repair jobs probably won’t be able to fix.

4. Is your furnace becoming too noisy?

Increased noise is another sign that the furnace is nearing the end of its life. As minor mechanical issues add up, the noise will increase as well.

5. Do you want new features?

Modern furnaces have numerous advantages over older models, including:

• Much better energy efficiency.
• Quieter two-stage and modulating designs.
• Better humidity control and/or air filtering.
• Improved comfort features and compatibility with ‘smart’ home systems.

Plus, there’s the option to upgrade to a heat pump, which combines heating and cooling into a single highly efficient unit. For many, this is the best option for upgrading their home climate control, with all-around improved functionality.

Whether you need basic furnace repairs in Kingston, or it’s time to look at a new replacement unit, Toshack is here to help! We’ve been a leader in heating and cooling in the GTA since the 1930s, and we still provide some of the best services in the area.

Contact us to discuss your options!

Don’t fret if you have a malfunctioning or non-functioning furnace this winter. Toshack is here to come to the rescue with your furnace repair.

If your heating system has broken down, or is not functioning normally, we can quickly diagnose the problem and offer repair solutions. Our service team operates 24 hours per day!

What To Do If Your Furnace Stops Working

Is your furnace turned on?

All furnaces have a power switch. Look for a standard wall switch on or near your furnace. Make sure it is turned on and the panel door is secure. Many furnaces today also come with safety switches on their front panels that don’t allow the furnace to turn on if it’s not properly closed.

Check your Furnace Filter

If your furnace is turned on but isn’t blowing heat as hard as it usually does, the issue could be dirty or clogged furnace filters. Furnace filters trap dirt, dust and debris, which can restrict or block air flow over time. This prevents your furnace from working properly. Check your furnace filters monthly and change them every three months to ensure your furnace works properly.

Check your Thermostat

The thermostat is the control center of your heating system, so if there is an issue with your thermostat, you could need to troubleshoot it. To do this, set your thermostat to heat instead of cool, then set it to 5 degrees above room temperature and see if your furnace comes on. Also check the thermostat batteries. When the batteries are low, you’ll typically see a “low battery” warning, and if they die, the display will go blank and you won’t be able to operate your heating and cooling system. Replace your batteries once a year to prevent this problem and replace them as soon as possible if the battery is low or dead.

Inspect Air Ducts

If hot air is coming out of the air vents, but you notice your house is still cold, the issue may be your air ducts. Handles that protrude from the ducts are called dampers and they control air flow. Make sure they’re fully open. If entire rooms are still cold, you could have leaking ducts or incorrectly designed ducts. These are serious problems that can skyrocket your energy bills and should be looked at by an expert. Make sure your vents aren’t being blocked by furniture or objects like drapes, rugs or plants.

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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.

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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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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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