General |
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An agent came to our house saying that I have to sign a contract before prices increase, what should I do? |
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Remember It’s Your doorstep, Your Decision
Don’t get burned at the door. Make an informed decision before you sign on the dotted line.
If you feel the agent is employing high-pressure, potentially misleading sales tactics, close the door on them. Take action and tell your family, friends and neighbours to beware of questionable tactics and warn the more vulnerable in your neighbourhood. Visit www.burnedatthedoor.com to learn more and report unwelcome door-knocking or other tactics in your community, so you can protect your neighbours too.
Before you sign on the dotted line…
If you’re satisfied with the agent’s answers and are considering signing a contract, contact your current provider to discuss it. Don’t feel pressured to make a decision right then and there. If you decide to sign a contract, remember under the Ontario Consumer Protection Act, you are guaranteed certain protections when you buy at the door. Those protections may include the right to cancel any contract within 10 days, a minimum warranty on the quality of services and more. So if you change your mind and have ‘buyer’s remorse,’ you may be able to switch back to your current provider. You can learn more online at: www.burnedatthedoor.com. |
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How do I determine the size of system I need for my home? |
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There are many factors that go into determining the correct capacity of heating and air conditioning equipment for your home. These include square feet to be cooled, climate, humidity, size and number of windows, insulation factors, heat producing appliances, and even the number of people who live in the home.
The only accurate way to determine the correct capacity for your home is to have a heat loss or load analysis calculation performed on your home. These figures can then be used to select the appropriately sized cooling or heating system for your home, based on equipment performance data. Holmes Heating and Air Conditioning can do a load analysis on your home and help you decide what the particular needs are for your comfort.
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How often should I get my ductwork cleaned? |
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If you have just had renovations done, you should get the ducts cleaned as soon as the job is complete to eliminate all of the dirt, sawdust, etc. from your ducts. Otherwise, under normal circumstance, we recommended getting a duct cleaning done every three to five years. |
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How often should I change my filters? |
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The most important factor for efficient operation of your heating and air conditioning system is proper airflow. Dirty air filters will severely limit airflow, which can cause the compressor to run continuously – causing your operating costs to increase. Your air filters should be inspected every month and then changed or cleaned as necessary, and the outdoor unit should be free of debris to ensure uninterrupted movement of air. |
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Should I cover my outdoor unit in the winter? |
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Covering your unit during the winter months is a good idea. Even though air conditioning systems are manufactured to withstand all possible climate changes, covering your outdoor unit will prevent snow and ice from damaging fan blades and putting them of balance. Make sure any air conditioner cover you place over your outdoor unit does not restrict proper airflow. |
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How close to the outdoor unit can I plant shrubs or flowers? |
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Most manufacturers will tell you that plants should not be placed any closer than 18 inches (45 cm) to the outdoor unit. Air conditioners need to take in and exhaust air to operate efficiently, and if that air cannot circulate, the unit could build up heat and require service. |
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Do I need a humidifier? |
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Although it depends largely on your personal needs and tastes, a home humidifier is certainly helpful during the coldest weeks of winter. In extremely cold temperatures, insufficient moisture in the air is responsible for a variety of problems, including dry and bleeding noses, sore throats, dust buildup, static electricity, and cracks and dried-out joints in wood furniture.
In the spring, if you have a drum-style humidifier, remember to turn off the water flow, drain and clean the pan to ensure that harmful mould spores and bacteria cannot form over the summer.
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What is the recommended humidity for my home? |
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Click here to view a chart should help you determine the recommended humidity requirements for your home (and therefore, the size and capacity of humidifier you will need. |
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What is a Flow-Through Humidifier? |
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A flow-through humidifier, also known as a bypass humidifier or a wetted media humidifier, is installed directly to your HVAC system. Once installed onto the furnace ductwork, dry air is forced across moist evaporator pads, which delivers an ultra-fine mist of much-needed moisture throughout the entire home.
However, the drawback of using a flow-through humidifier is that that in order to get the maximum efficiency from these units, the furnace fan must be operating constantly. Since the humidifier relies on the furnace fan, if no air is flowing through your HVAC system, then no moisture is being delivered throughout your home either.
For example, a flow-through humidifier that is rated for 18 gallons per day is installed onto a furnace system that is only running 8 hours a day, will actually only deliver 5.8 gallons of humidity per day. |
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What is a Steam-Based Humidifier? |
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Unlike a flow-through humidifier, a steam-based humidifier is not dependent on the constant operation of your furnace fan to deliver moisture throughout your home.
Instead, a steam-based humidifier continuously blows water vapor in the form of steam into your home whenever a need for humidity is detected -- even when your furnace fan is not running. This means that a humidifier rated at 6 gallons per day will actually deliver all 6 gallons of humidity, regardless of furnace operation or air temperature.
In addition, these units are incredibly efficient, using less water and energy than traditional flow-through humidifiers.
The drawback to steam-based humidifiers is that since there is more moisture in the ductwork, there could be a need for more frequent cleaning and maintenance to prevent the formation of mold and mildew in your HVAC system. |
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Should my equipment be serviced annually? |
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Yes! We definitely recommend having your HVAC equipment serviced every year. An annual inspection and tune-up ensures that your equipment is operating at peak efficiency, which will save you money on your energy bills and help you avoid costly repairs to your HVAC system in the future. |
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How effective are HEPA filter systems? |
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A HEPA filter is effective in removing 99.97% of airborne particles, including all polligens and particles, down to 0.3 microns (1/87,000") in diameter. |
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Why does our furnace smell badly when we first turn it on? |
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A bad smell is usually the result of not using the gas furnace very often, which allows dust to settle on the heat exchanger. Then, when the furnace is turned on, the dust is burnt off – producing the bad smell. If you still have this problem even when the furnace is in regular use, consider replacing a filter in your system to prevent excess dust buildup. |
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What does it mean when a product is “ENERGY STAR qualified”? |
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If a product is ENERGY STAR qualified, this means that it is significantly more energy efficient than required under current federal standards. For example, central air conditioning systems with ENERGY STAR endorsed logos exceed existing federal standards by a minimum of 20 percent, while furnaces with the logo exceed minimum standards by at least 15 percent. Essentially, being ENERGY STAR qualified means that the products have a higher level of energy efficiency than standard products found on the market today.
ENERGY STAR qualified products allow homeowners to use energy more efficiently, save money on utility bills, help make their homes more comfortable and reduce air pollution.
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Since they cost a lot more than regular systems, what are the advantages of buying high-efficiency furnace or air conditioning systems? |
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Although it will cost more initially, buying a high-efficiency furnace, air conditioner or heat pump is an economically and environmentally responsible decision. Equipment with high efficiency ratings will:
- Use less energy, which helps conserve non-renewable resources and reduces greenhouse gas emissions;
- Pay for itself many times over as it accumulates savings over its lifetime from lower energy use;
- Cost less to operate thanks to more efficient motors and fans than standard HVAC systems;
- Often have a longer and more comprehensive warranty.
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Is a DC (ECM) motor really that much better than an AC motor? |
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Yes, it is. According to General Electric Corporation, a DC (ECM) motor can save up to $325 per year on electrical usage. |
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Can a fireplace insert be installed into factory-built metal fireplaces? |
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Yes, a fireplace insert can be installed into both factory-built and existing masonry fireplaces. |
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What is carbon monoxide? |
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Carbon monoxide (CO) is a poisonous gas that you cannot see, smell or taste. It is produced by the incomplete burning of fuels such as natural gas, propane, heating oil, kerosene, coal, charcoal or wood. Improperly installed or poorly maintained appliances that run on these fuels may create unsafe levels of CO.
Exposure to carbon monoxide can cause flu-like symptoms such as headaches, nausea, dizziness, burning eyes, confusion, drowsiness and even loss of consciousness. In very severe cases, CO poisoning can cause brain damage and death.
CO warning signs include:- A sharp, penetrating odour when your gas furnace or other fuel-burning appliance turns on;
- The air feels stale or stuffy;
- The pilot light of your furnace goes out;
- Chalky, white powder forms on the chimney/exhaust vent pipe or soot builds up around the exhaust vent;
- Excessive moisture forms on windows and walls;
- Unusual headaches, muscle tightness, disorientation and tiredness.
While CO detectors can warn you about sudden failures of your fuel-burning appliances, they are not a substitute for regular furnace care and maintenance.
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What is the difference between a Limited Warranty and an Extended Warranty? |
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A limited warranty covers specific parts (compressor, coil, heat exchanger, etc.); therefore, it is limited by the language in the warranty. Extended warranties are generally purchased in addition to the equipment, covering all parts and also possibly including labour and service call coverage. |
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