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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.

It’s no secret that most manufacturers give the average furnace a lifespan of around 15 years or so, as long as it’s well-maintained. However, it can sometimes take the eye of an expert to determine without a doubt whether you’re in need of furnace repairs or replacement. That’s why the team from Toshack is here to help.

Here are four signs you’re in need of a furnace repair expert or need to replace your current heating equipment.

1. Your Pilot Light is Yellow 

This is an important issue that should never be overlooked. Your furnace’s pilot light should always be blue. If it’s burning yellow, it is a clear sign that your furnace is not burning the gas/propane cleanly; it is not efficient and in addition to costing more to heat, it can also create significant problems over time as the poor combustion can result in a clogged heat exchanger. If the problem is caught early enough, it should be repairable. Toshack’s first goal is always to repair your equipment as ling as it is safe and economical to do so.

2. It Makes Loud Noises 

Of course, furnaces always make some noise when powering on, but loud bumps and clangs should be a are clear warning signs that something is wrong. Don’t wait until it breaks completely because that could make your repair even more expensive if the broken part damages another nearby component. My grandmother used to say that a little prevention is worth a pound of cure.

3. There Isn’t Enough Heat 

Your furnace should be able to easily heat your home in a relatively short amount of time. If it isn’t, it means there’s a problem. If it has always been like that, then your furnace is undersized and is working too hard; it doesn’t need to be repaired but it does foretell a shorter than expected life. If it is older AND undersized, start budgeting for a replacement. If your furnace is simply taking longer and longer to heat your home than it used to, it is an indication of compromised performance. In this case you do need to call a reputable service company.

4. Your Furnace is Old 

As mentioned above, furnaces typically last around 15 years, so if you don’t remember the last time your furnace was replaced, it may be time to do so. A furnace older than 10 years will typically require more and more repairs so keep that in mind if faced with a service issue. As noted above, Toshack’s technicians will always focus on repairing your furnace, but they will also advise you if they think a necessary repair is too expensive. Their experience can help you weigh the pros and cons of repairing versus replacing; it is an important decision and with Toshack technicians you can trust their input. 

Contact us today for more about furnace repair and replacement services!

If you’re in need of a new furnace or furnace repairs in Kingston and Brockville, don’t let the problem grow out of hand. Contact Toshack today online or call 1 (888) 547-6162 (Toll-Free) or (613) 342-9381.

It doesn’t matter if you have a single-family bungalow or a historic home that requires extra special care when it comes to heating it, there are solutions out there for every type of homeowner. As one of the leading heating services and repair companies in Kingston and Brockville, the team from Toshack wants to help make things easier on you, so we’ve collected some insight here into the best heating services.

How to Determine Whether My Furnace/Boiler Needs Maintenance or Replacement 

First, it’s important to determine whether your furnace or boiler is in need of repairs or replacement. Although some issues might be difficult for homeowners to see, there are still some key warning signs you’re having furnace problems, such as:

• Unusual Noises: Your furnace or boiler will likely make a bit of noise starting up or turning off, but loud bumps and clangs can signify a broken part or another major issue.

• Poor Heating: If your furnace/boiler isn’t heating your home properly, there’s likely an issue. It shouldn’t take ages for your home to warm up when it’s turned on. (A boiler system with hot water rads IS slower than a forced air furnace, but nevertheless it should be sized to do the job in a reasonable amount of time.)

• Frequent Breakdowns: Paying for frequent repairs and suffering repeated breakdowns can be costly and inconvenient. In many cases, it’s easier to replace your furnace or boiler system. Toshack will help you understand the costs of repair versus replacement and our technicians will give you honest, reliable advice.

Benefits of Implementing a Heating Service Maintenance Plan 

Whether your Kingston or Brockville home has a furnace, boiler, or heat pump, keeping it well-maintained is essential. With the right maintenance solutions, you can rest assured that all of your heating equipment will be in top shape. Toshack’s Guardian Plan provides a thorough annual maintenance of your equipment, as well as covering the cost of any un-expected breakdowns -both parts and labour costs! Even if you do not choose the full Guardian protection plan, an annual maintenance by itself is essential. (And heads up…most equipment warranties require proof of an annual maintenance in order to remain valid.) So an annual maintenance really is essential!

Contact Toshack for more Kingston and Brockville heating services! 

Learn more about our options and services by contacting us online today, or by calling 1 (888) 547-6162 (Toll-Free) or (613) 342-9381. We also specialize in air conditioning services, plumbing solutions, and air quality services, so get in touch now!

All furnace problems are stressful, and many of them can have a big impact on the comfort you have in your home. But you might be wondering precisely when you need to call for a Kingston emergency furnace repair service. If you’re unsure of the severity of your problem, the Toshack team can help you determine whether you should pick up the phone right now. Continue reading “5 Things to Check When You Need Emergency Furnace Repair in Kingston”

While you might believe that furnace replacement is the best option for your Kingston home, there could be an alternative that will save you money. Our team at Toshack has experience maintaining and installing furnaces, and we’re highlighting something that you should check before deciding to get a new furnace. Continue reading “Check These Things Before Deciding on Furnace Replacement”

During the cold winter months, we rely on our furnaces more than ever to keep our homes warm and comfortable. Our heating systems often work overtime in the cold weather, which means you are much more likely to need emergency furnace repair in Kingston at some point during the winter. Continue reading “5 Reasons to Call for Emergency Furnace Repair”