The Home Comfort People

Its time for your fall heating check up!

The cool fall evenings are here!
If you haven’t turned on your furnace yet, it will be very soon.
A couple things you can do before you turn your heat on
1. Clean or replace your filter, and
2. Vacuum all registers and cold air returns. This includes taking them off or pulling them up and vacuuming down into the duct as well – you may be surprised how much dust and dirt can get trapped down there!
Why is a fall heating check up important?
Having your equipment cleaned and serviced is preventative maintenance and can catch a problem before it even begins. This is especially important for the overall operation of the appliance, to ensure it is working as it is designed to. The benefits to having your system serviced is when it is clean the appliance works much more efficient – thus saving you money on your utilities!

Some helpful tips for this fall !

• Headings away on holidays? Save energy by adjusting your thermostat 2-3 degrees.
• On sunny days keep your curtains or blinds open to take advantage of the “free” heat.
• Replace or clean your furnace filter.
• Ensure your outside exhaust vents are free from debris such as bushes, trees, leaves.
• Find your comfort zone within your home, set your thermostat and always keep it within 1-2 degrees of this temperature (unless going away on holidays) this helps your home maintain a constant comfort level and does not cause the system to over work from each day.
• Have your unit serviced yearly by a professional.
• Check doors and windows for any air leaks and caulk if necessary.
• Clean your dryer vents – including the lint trap and vaccuum very well.
• Cover your Air Conditioner for the winter.

Please remember that unless you are trained and licensed to work with fuels it is very important that under no circumstances should you tamper with your heating system or any other fuel appliance. If you need to locate a Qualified Heating Contractor in your area please check www.tssa.org.

Fall Plumbing Tips From The Pro’s

• Check all outdoor faucets for any leaks and have them repaired before the temperature drops. 

• Shut off the water supply to your outside taps from inside and then open the taps outside to ensure the water has properly drained.

• Check around the base of each toilet for moisture – over time the seal can breakdown and may need replacing

• Check your tub and shower for any caulking that may need to be replaced to prevent water leaking down behind your walls

• Have any toilets that are running checked – one toilet can waste gallons of water!

• Check water connections and drains under your kitchen and bathroom sinks – if your pipes froze last year install insulation against the outside wall to help keep the heat in.

• Check your washing machine water connections – many are hidden behind the machine and out of sight

• If you have a septic – when was the last time it was pumped? If it has been a while the ideal time to pump is in the Spring, Summer and Fall. Schedule your service before the snow flies!

• Ensure your eavestrough drains away from your home.

• Have you been experiencing any slow drains? Gurgling toilets? Saturated lawn (by your septic)? Best to have the pro’s check it out before winter arrives!

Plumbing Preventative Maintenance is not as common as HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning), however just as important.

When is it important to have your home or business plumbing system checked?

• What is the age of the home or building?
  Many older homes have old piping, over the years the pipes build up and your water pressure will slowly decrease. You may notice small particles in the water which could be from the pipes.

• Are You Buying A New Home or Building… Did you just move in?
  Having a professional walk through to check the plumbing system before moving in or closing on a purchase could save you $!

• What is the age of the equipment? Ex. Water Heater, Pump, Pressure Tank, Water Softener, Expansion Tank

Are you in the market for a new water heater?

We now offer a very affordable option to purchase a water heater and be covered with a 10 year parts and labour warranty for the same or less than it would cost you to rent!

Natural Gas Water Heaters – Buying and Renting Tips from Union Gas

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