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As winter approaches, you want to know that your furnace is going to be able to keep you warm.  But what happens when you turn on your furnace, and all you get is cold air?

Your first impulse may be to do some  troubleshooting yourself which if it’s a simple setting issue can be solved quickly.  But, before you start up your heating system for the season it’s always good to get a service check done by calling in a Kingston furnace repair specialists. If you’re a diehard do it yourselfer though, below are a few potential causes for the problem that you could fix yourself, without needing to call in a repair crew.

Here’s what you do.

How To Troubleshoot A Furnace That Isn’t Heating

1 – Check your thermostat’s blower settings

Most thermostats have an option, usually called ‘Fan’ which simply blows air without any heating or cooling.  You might be surprised how many people accidentally have this setting activated, without realizing it.

Make sure the thermostat is set to “auto” or “heat” instead.

2 – Clean or replace the air filter

If your furnace is unable to pull in enough air to heat up, it won’t be providing much heat to your HVAC system.  The most common cause of this is a clogged air filter.  You should always clean or replace the filter before first turning on the furnace in autumn or winter, and then clean it roughly once a month after that.

Keeping your filter clear will ensure that you get full-strength airflow, while also reducing strain on your furnace.

3 – Check the pilot light

If you have an older gas-powered furnace, it probably relies on a pilot light to provide the initial flame needed to get the heating process going.  If the pilot light has been blown out, the heater will be unable to heat anything, but will most likely continue blowing air anyway.

Now, the pilot light should not blow out very often.  If you find this happening frequently, you probably do need furnace repair services.

4 – Blocked condensate line

As your furnace creates heat, it also generates a certain amount of condensation.  This is trapped within the system and sent through a small tube to flow out onto the ground.  Should that tube become clogged, and the water backs up high enough, the furnace will automatically shut down to prevent water damage.

Clearing the block will fix the issue.

Get Furnace Repair in Kingston & Brockville Today

Of course, if none of these troubleshooting steps help, Toshack is here for you!  We’ve been the heating and cooling experts for the Kingston and Brockville areas since the 1930s, and we’re always available for furnace repair jobs.  Click here to schedule an appointment!

Purchasing a heating or cooling system for your residential or commercial space is a serious financial investment. When problems arise, you want to make sure you have access to quick and affordable repair services.

To protect and maintain your equipment, our team at Toshack has developed an insurance package called the “Guardian Plan.” Continue reading to learn everything you need to know about this great protection plan.

The Toshack Guardian Insurance Plan Q&A 

Q: Why do I need coverage? 

A: When you purchase a heavy-duty piece of equipment like an HVAC unit, it is difficult to predict when repairs will be needed and how much they will cost. Problems may be solved by minor part replacements or by expensive re-installation of a complete system. With the significant inflation that we are seeing in our economy right now, the plan is a valuable hedge against parts price increases. We worry about them, you don’t!  The best way to avoid unexpected expenses is to prepare for all types of repairs with a comprehensive insurance plan. 

Q: What’s included? 

A: With our Guardian Plan, you will not only have peace of mind knowing that any potential HVAC system repairs and replacements are already covered, but you can also enjoy additional benefits. Included in this package is one annual HVAC inspection and cleaning service (we call it a performance tune-up!) to ensure there are no current problems within your unit and to reduce the risk of in-season breakdowns. By signing up for this plan, you will not have to think about calling a technician for regular maintenance. We will sort out a schedule that works for you. 

Q: How is it priced? 

A: At Toshack, we are committed to pricing our products and services in a highly accessible way. We have created two methods of payment which include a single annual fee or a monthly ‘easy pay plan’. For gas furnace coverage, customers can purchase their Guardian Plan for an annual fee of $256.25 or enjoy a low monthly payment of $24.15. For gas boiler owners, the annual payment is $301.85 or $28.55 per month. For those who wish to insure a second piece of equipment, Toshack offers a 10% discount on your second plan. 

Q: Are there any add-ons? 

A: While gas furnaces and boilers are commonly insured, many homeowners do not think to have their air conditioners and heat pumps covered. At Toshack, you can add these valuable pieces of equipment to your payment plan for an additional annual charge of $228.60 each or a monthly charge of just $21.55.

Get Brockville Ductless AC Installation & More HVAC Services

Toshack is your one-stop shop for ductless AC installation and repairs in Brockville. Contact us for more details on our Guardian Plan.

Even the most durable appliances will eventually need to be replaced, which means you’ll have to invest in furnace replacement services. Determining when it’s time to switch out your old furnace is often easier said than done. That’s why Brockville and Kingston’s HVAC experts are here to help.

At Toshack, we’ve helped hundreds of homeowners determine when it’s time to install a new furnace, and we’ve collected some of the most common warning signs here.

1. Decreased Air Quality 

Have you found that the air in your home feels stuffy or dusty? If regularly replacing your furnace’s air filter doesn’t fix the problem, it may be time to invest in a new furnace or HVAC system that will improve the air quality of your home. Using a modern, efficient furnace model will make a difference for your indoor air quality.

2. Spiking Energy Bills 

If you’re paying more and more on energy each month, it could be because your furnace is working overtime. Often, older and less efficient furnaces will try and make up for inefficiency by running nonstop, costing you an arm and a leg. A knowledgeable professional will be able to tell you if it’s time to replace or repair.

3. Bumps in the Night 

It’s not uncommon for furnaces to make a few noises when turning on and off, but if yours is constantly bumping and clanging, your furnace has likely seen better days. Repair or replacement may be called for in certain cases, so it’s always best to book a service appointment, allowing a qualified technician to inspect the unit. 

4. Uneven Temperatures 

If the rooms of your home appear to be different temperatures, it could be a furnace issue. Often, as furnaces age, they have more trouble distributing air throughout your household, making them less effective at heating and cooling the entire home.

5. More than 15 Years Old 

Some furnace manufacturers recommend furnace replacement after fifteen years. However, depending on how much use your furnace receives, this number may vary. The best way to determine whether it’s time for furnace replacement is to have a professional inspect it and provide a recommendation.

Contact Toshack today for first-rate furnace replacement services! 

The team at Toshack will help keep your furnace in great shape for many years, and help you find a quality replacement when the time comes. If you’re not sure what type of furnace is right for your home, contact us online today or call 1 (888) 547-6162.

Your Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system is one of the most important systems in your house.  It keeps you cool in the summer, and warm in the winter.  Your HVAC performs important health functions, maintaining air quality and protecting you from extreme temperatures. It’s vital that you pick the right HVAC experts to provide service, repairs, and support. Continue reading “How to Select the Best HVAC Experts for Your Home”

Heating and cooling equipment must be selected and integrated effectively to ensure the ideal return on investment. Our team at Toshack has many years’ experience in the heating and cooling field and in this new post, we’re highlighting the questions to consider when buying heating and cooling equipment for your Brockville home. Continue reading “4 Questions to Consider When Buying Heating and Cooling Equipment for Your Brockville Home”

The process of heating and cooling your Brockville property requires a significant investment throughout the year. But there are now many ways in which you can reduce your heating and cooling costs. In this new post, our team will explain how to save money on heating and cooling your Brockville property. Continue reading “Saving Money on Heating and Cooling in Your Brockville Home”

You have a lot of options for heating and cooling in Kingston and Brockville, but not all HVAC companies are equal.  It’s a booming field, and a lot of newcomers have entered the market.  Many may over-promise, and not have the capabilities to fully deliver the services you need.

However, it’s not hard to find a company providing superior heating and cooling in Kingston – you just need to do a little research and ask the right questions!

Five Questions to Ask Before Picking a Kingston HVAC Company

1 – How Much Experience Do You Have?

Often, this is the only question you need to ask.  A well-established and competent HVAC company should have years – if not decades – of experience under their belt.  The more the better!  A well-experienced company will be much more likely to do their work on time and within budget.

2 – Can I Have Some References?

When an HVAC company has been in business for years and has a track record of success, they’ll have plenty of past customers willing to speak to their competency.  Be wary of any heating and cooling operation which can’t produce some testimonials on demand.

3 – What Are Your Credentials?

A successful HVAC operation needs to be certified through groups like HVAC Excellence, as well as almost certainly belonging to major trade organizations.  Get the details on their credentials and memberships, and don’t be shy about following up with those organizations directly if you doubt the credentials’ legitimacy.

4 – What Review Websites List Your Company?

Sure, you can Google this for yourself, but it’s a nice check to see how honest they are.  If they willingly point you towards websites like Yelp, you’re probably going to find solid reviews there – but take a look anyway, just to be sure.

5 – Can I Get An Estimate?

You shouldn’t ask about price until you’ve already narrowed down your choices to contenders that look good based on the other questions.  After that, when it comes to estimates, you want details and breakdowns.  A very specific estimate generally indicates you’re working with a company that understands their costs well.  That greatly increases the chances that your final bill will be close to the estimate.

Toshack: Providing Heating and Cooling in Kingston For Over 80 Years!

Large or small, we have truly handled every type of job.  Contact us for a free estimate!