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Preparing and Prepping for the Winter

After a brief slow down back in the Spring of 2020, the trades recovered and ramped up quite quickly with so many people spending more time within their homes. Naturally, people began investing within their home space to make improvements but also spending more time at home, our systems have truly been put to the test!

I understand being in the office of our HVAC and Plumbing office, as well as at the time, I myself was in the midst of our own major renovations on our own home! Trust me when I say patience is a virtue! 

With so many trades with full schedules it is now a great time to ensure you, and your loved ones are prepared in your home. Please ensure you check in on your loved ones living on their own too! Especially the seniors in our lives.

  • Check and change smoke detector and co-detector batteries 
  • If you are on a septic – do you know where your septic tank is? Locate the lids and it is recommended to check and pump as needed every 3-5 years – depending on how many people are living in your home.
  • Whether on septic or town sewers – any packaging that states it is “safe to flush” – please ONLY flush toilet paper and human waste. These “flushable wipes” have caused SO many issues including backups so please beware!
  • Change the furnace filter at least 3-4 times a year
  • Locate your furnace shut off Switch. If your power goes out, sometimes the power needs to be reset, this switch can do that. 
  • Ensure you have a back up source of heat. Permanent examples would be a fireplace on each level of your home. The nice thing about a gas fireplace is they will work when the power is out, except for the fan. Another great and very affordable option is little household space heaters that can be plugged in and moved where needed. If you are comfortable with wood, that is also an option too. 
  • Be sure you know where your main water shut off is located in your home. Along with any other plumbing equipment. 
  • Ensure you have a back up supply of water, in case you are without power or your pump stops working. Even if just for 24-48 hours.

If this past year has taught us anything (I can say this personally),  it’s also that our mental health is a key factor in everyone’s lives. As much as we truly would love to help everyone, we must be realistic and ensure we are able to support our loyal customers while also ensuring to avoid burnout! This is a good reminder for all, and not just those of us in the trades!

So, hopefully these tips will help you feel confident if you find yourself with a furnace, water or plumbing issue that you could handle it to a certain extent before your professional can attend in the morning or next business day. 

Spring Specials for your Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Cooling System

Is it time to update your heating, ventilation and air conditioning system at your home or business? We have the right options for you! We provide sales and service, so if your system has any issues at anytime after we’ve installed it we will be available for you – whether its during the week, in the evening or on the weekend! We service what we sell and more.

Is your system simply in need of a cleaning and servicing? We can help with that too! For any systems which are still covered under the manufacturer warranty they recommend having your system serviced yearly to ensure the warranty is still valid. A clean and service can ensure the system is operating as it should, could possibly pick up on a potential wear and tear issue on the appliance and by having it cleaned to ensure its operating efficiently this will also save you on your energy bills!

Any questions contact Mike at our office to discuss the various options we have available!

Home Of The Week | August 20, 2015

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From small repairs to custom new build or renovation plumbing and heating system design and installation.

Whether you require HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning) or Plumbing Mechanical work look no further than the Mechanical HVAC Contractors at JJ McLellan and Son to provide whole home comfort for all your Plumbing and Heating needs big or small, new or repairs!

Did you know we also service and clean Septic Systems!
A Royal Flush Is Better Than A Full House!

We Are The Home Comfort People We Service What We Sell As Well As All Other Makes & Models!

Save On Your Utilties This Summer! | JJ McLellan Heating and Cooling Contractor

Get ready to save this summer (and fall, winter, spring – for many more years!)!!!

Our Summer Promotion begins on Monday June 22nd and we have 5 amazing reasons why now is the time to upgrade your heating and cooling system!

1. Receive up to a $1500 Rebate From Lennox.

2. Receive up to a $650 Rebate from OPA.

3. Do NOT Pay until 2016!!!

4. Save $$$ on your utilities with new energy efficient equipment.

5. You will experience an even temperature throughout your home or business whether its heating or cooling!

* Bonus – The equipment is amazingly quiet !!! *

At JJ McLellan and Son Plumbing and Heating in Mount Forest whether you require HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning) or Plumbing Mechanical work look no further than the Mechanical HVAC Contractors at JJ McLellan and Son to provide whole home comfort for all your Plumbing and Heating needs big or small, new or repairs!

LEN_15705_Search_DT_4C_H03620_v1 (3)Lennox… What Perfect Feels LIke!

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We Are The Home Comfort People Who Service What We Sell & More!

For All Your Home Comfort Needs ~ Give us a call at 519-323-2000

Home Buying and Selling – Heating, Cooling and Plumbing Inspection

Buying a home is quite possibly the largest single purchase anyone will make in their lives. With such a large purchase you want to ensure you do your own homework as well as working with a reputable realtor to find the perfect house to make your home!

Having a home inspector is important, however having a qualified, experienced, licensed and insured technician to inspect the home’s heating, ventilation and cooling system is highly recommended to ensure you are fully informed with the condition of the HVAC and Plumbing system before firming up on your purchase.

The technician will inspect the equipment to ensure they have been properly maintained and are working efficiently. If the tech notices anything which may potentially go wrong or has failed due to normal wear and tear, not having the system maintained or simply due to age; as the buyer, you will know before signing the papers if you may need to invest money on repairing or replacing any part or the entire HVAC system. Typically if there is something serious found with the system this can be negotiated within your purchase for repair, replacement or a credit to the buyer to repair or replace at their discretion after taking possession.
An experienced plumber can inspect the home’s plumbing system to check for any leaks or evidence of previous leaks, water pressure in the toilets and faucets, water softener and if there is a well at the home the plumber can complete a well flow test. If the home has a septic system this is important to know the age, location and maintenance history. The plumber can do a walk around the yard to visually inspect the area around the septic system and weeping bed. Visually walking around the home and looking for any signs or evidence of water leaks can indicate a previous or ongoing plumbing issue. Things to look for are water stains on the walls, ceiling or floor, a musty smell, sagging floors (by a water source – ex kitchen and bathroom), mold or mildew near water sources, cracked or missing caulking in the bathroom around the tub. Toilets which do not flush properly can also indicate a potential problem within the drain lines or within the septic if you have one.

The important factors to look at when buying a home.

1. HVAC and Plumbing – As mentioned above it is highly recommended to have a qualified, licensed, insured and experienced technician inspect your HVAC and Plumbing System. Is the system the proper size for the house, what is the age, is there any warranty, any maintenance records. What are the monthly utilities costs? Could a newer system be more efficient and affordable? Has there been any plumbing repairs? How old is the well or septic? How old is the softener, water heater… Do you require any water treatment? Has a water test been performed to ensure the water is safe to drink and use for bathing, cooking etc.

2. Roof – Look for any missing, curling, broken shingles. Ask the age of the roof, if there is any warranty on the shingles, if the current owners still have the original paperwork.

3. Attic – Take a look up in the attic to see the amount of insulation, any evidence of water damage, if there is any mold or mildew, any evidence of animals in there, holes etc.

4. Basement – Typically if there has been water issues in a home the basement will smell very musty. Look for water spots on the floor, wall, trim, and ceiling. If you have a moisture meter this is a good idea to take with you to check for moisture levels in the basement. Check to see if the current home owners are running a dehumidifier this can be an indication of having dampness or water issues.

5. Septic – Ask the home owner for a diagram of where the septic is located, when it was installed and the last time it was pumped. Typically with home purchases one of the conditions is to have the septic pumped the month prior to closing. When having the septic pumped it is very important for the health of the tank to ensure both the liquids and solids are pumped out. If only the liquid is pumped out, sludge will build up and if not properly monitored could potentially cause a blockage in the outlet to the weeping bed or within the weeping bed.

6. Electrical – Is the home’s electrical system up to date and legal. Many old home’s have smaller panels which must be upgraded to handle the demand of many people and their lives today. This can also pose a safety risk depending on the age of the home if the wiring has never been updated.

7. Exterior, Doors and Windows – Take a walk around the home, is the exterior in good condition, note any damage. Is the grading of the soil around the property sloping away to keep the water away from the home or is there potential for pooling near the foundation. How old are the doors and windows? Note any damage. Open and close the windows and doors.

8. Garage – Is the garage insulated, heated, are the doors insulated, check to ensure the garage door(s) work properly.

Before you buy give us a call at JJ McLellan and Son Plumbing and Heating to complete an HVAC and/or Plumbing inspection on your home purchase. Call us at 1-866-565-5513 or 519-323-2000 or EMAIL US. We are the home comfort people who service what we sell and more!

Enjoy This Gorgeous Sunshine! | Plan For The Cold Weather With A Heating System Tune Up!

We are going to be spoiled with a week of gorgeous warm sunny fall weather!

Just perfect for the 1st week of Fall – my personal fav time of the year!

Don’t let this warm, sunny weather fool you – as much as it is great to be here… the cold weather will return and we do not want you caught out in the cold!

Book your Fall Clean and Service for only $95* for one appliance or $129* for two you can rest assure that you will be breathing clean air and potentially ward off costly repairs! Also with a bonus of dealing with a locally owned and operated company which has been around since 1948 – you can rest assured we will be here for many more years to ensure your Complete Home Comfort!

We Are The Home Comfort People Who Service What We Sell and More!

For All Of Your Plumbing and Heating Needs!

*HST and any required parts or filters are extra.

Contact Us Online | We Are Experiencing Phone Issues Today

Unfortunately our phone provider is experiencing wide spread issues today and our phone services are extremely intermittent!

If you are in need of our Plumbing or Heating Services please contact us online on Facebook or our website www.jjmclellan.ca.

We apologize for any inconvenience and hope that our provider has the issues resolved asap!

Areas We Service for Plumbing and Heating: 
Wellington County including Wellington North, Mapleton and Minto.
Grey County including Southgate and West Grey.
Mount Forest, Clifford, Harriston, Palmerston, Arthur, Drayton,
Moorefield, Durham, Ayton, Holstein

The Plumbing and Heating Services
offered at JJ McLellan and Son in
Mount Forest and the Surrounding Area

Hiring – Licensed and Experienced HVAC Gas Technician | Mount Forest

We are hiring a licensed and experienced Gas Technician to join our team at JJ McLellan and Son.
Air Conditioning, Plumbing and/or Sheet Metal license and experience preferred but not necessary.

We are located in Mount Forest and serve the Mount Forest, Arthur, Durham, Drayton, Palmerston and Harriston areas for Plumbing and HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Services).

Regular business hours of 8am – 5pm Monday to Friday with some after hours and weekend hours as required.

The Applicant Must Possess The Following:

  • Possess a current Gas license (G1 or G2)
  • The ability to work as a team with others as well as independently.
  • Possess the ability to provide excellent customer service.
  • The applicant must have a clean driving record and ability to drive company vehicles.
  • The applicant must maintain and ensure their license is updated and renewed during the course of employment.
  • The ability to read and write english and fill out all required paper work with relation to service calls or installs.
  • Technicians must be able to work flexible hours as required (evenings and/or weekends).
  • Responsibilities will include service, maintenance, installation of various HVAC equipment including Furnaces, Boilers, Infloor Heating, Fireplaces, Water Heaters, Gas Stove, Gas lines.
  • Must be able to perform heavy lifting, bending and twisting as required with the related responsibilities.
  • Ability to read blue prints.

If you are interested please fill out the form below with your resume and licenses. Only those applicants which posses the above requirements and licenses will be contacted. Thank you!

[contact-form to=’service@jjmclellan.ca’ subject=’Reply to job posting on blog’][contact-field label=’Name’ type=’name’ required=’1’/][contact-field label=’Email’ type=’email’ required=’1’/][contact-field label=’Phone’ type=’text’/][contact-field label=’Resume’ type=’textarea’ required=’1’/][contact-field label=’Licenses’ type=’textarea’/][/contact-form]

www.jjmclellan.ca

Why JJ McLellan and Son?

  1. We’ve been in business since 1948. Over 65 Years and 4 Generations!

    2. Licensed and Trained Technicians (Plumbers, Gas Technicians and Operators) to handle Service, repair and installations for Heating, Plumbing, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, Septic System, Septic Pumping, Confined Space.
  2. We Service What We Sell and More!  Service, Repair and Installation.  Renovation, Retrofit and New Build. You never have to worry about calling us if you have a problem, we install and service all of our equipment and any existing equipment you may have!

    We will be here for the long run and that includes after hours or weekend emergency service!

  3. Trust and Honesty – We are Home Owners. Between the ladies in the office, sales and our technicians we take pride in our job and care about our customers. As home owners ourselves we can all in some way relate with many, if not all problems our customers run into! We wouldn’t sell you anything or advise a repair we would not do in our own homes!
  4. We Offer True Home Comfort Service – Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning ( HVAC ), Plumbing. JJ McLellan and Son goes beyond the heating and air conditioning equipment to look at the whole house as a system.
  5. Our Heating Options  – Hydronic Radiant Heat – Boilers, In Floor Heating, Gas / Propane Forced Air Furnaces, Gas / Propane Fireplaces, Unit Heaters, Geothermal Heating.
  6. Our Air Conditioning Options – Central Air Conditioning, Mini Split, Geothermal Cooling.
  7. Our Plumbing Options – Repair, Fixtures, Water Treatment Systems, Pressure Systems, Water Pumps, Sump Pumps, Sewage Pumps, Back Flow Water Prevention, Water Well Services, Septic Systems.
  8. Our Specialty Options – Camera for Drains, Sewers and Wells, Flushing Equipment for Drains, Sewers and Wells, Confined Space Work Certification, Backhoe and Dump Truck, Septic Pumping, Vacuum Truck.
  9. Financing and Extended Warranty available.

We are the home comfort people for your Plumbing and Heating needs!  

The HEAT is back! But… your A/C could still freeze up!

The heat of the summer is back and in full force!

The hydro grid will be feeling the force today with all the air conditioners being turned back on to cool the homes after the fall-like weather we have had.

Even with this hot humid weather, your air conditioner can still freeze up!

Why?

If you only turn on your air conditioner when its very hot out or if your system is dirty. Both can cause the system to run continuous or cycle on and off too quickly and could over work the system which would eventually freeze up or a part could burn out within the furnace.

How?

When the air moves over the A-Coil, which is located above the furnace, the A-Coil cools the air with the freon from the condenser. When the system does not get a chance to rest and is continuously running the A-Coil will eventually ice up causing the system to not work properly.

This is an A-Coil. The freon runs through the copper tubes. It really does have an A shape!
IMG_20140726_135341-2

Looking down on the case A-Coil.
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What Should I Do?

To avoid the air conditioner system freezing up there are a few suggestions.
1. Keep the temperature in your home set at a consistent temperature all the time. If the home requires cooling, the air conditioner will turn on.
2. If you only use your air conditioner when it gets very hot – begin by setting the thermostat just 2-3 degress less than what the current temperature is in the room. Once the house reaches that temperature, let it sit for 30 min and then lower it again by 2 degrees. By allowing your home to slowly be brought down to a comfortable temperature your equipment has a chance to rest and will avoid freezing up that constant operation can cause.
3. Set a realistic cooling temperature. On very hot humid days, your system will have a very hard time cooling your entire home or business after not being on for a day or more.
4. Ensure your filter is clean! A dirty filter will block air flow causing the system to over work.Filters are not expensive. Buy a few at a time and have them on hand ready to change!
5. Is your heating system clean? If your furnace and air conditioner are dirty this can cause your system to over work.

If you are doing all the correct things and its still not working properly, it could be low on freon or there could be a more serious issue. In which case you should call a professional!

Stay cool 🙂

A Visual.
An A-Coil and Furnace ready for installation in a customer’s home. The A-Coil is cased so it comes like this with the coil inside. The front of the case comes off to check or clean. A-Coils which do not come in a case have duct work built around them.
IMG_20140726_135404-2

Its Time For Your Annual Check Up | Heating, Cooling and Ventilation Mount Forest

Now is the time to have your Heating, Cooling and Ventilation equipment checked before the rush of back to school and the cool evenings of the fall!

Read the information below provided by HRAI of the importance of annual cleaning and servicing of your HVAC Equipment including your furnace, boiler, water heater, air conditioner, and hrv.

Did you know that many home insurance companies have annual inspections as part of your home insurance clause

Any questions feel free to give us a call. We service Mount Forest, Conn, Arthur, Alma, Drayton, Moorefield, Palmerston, Teviotdale, Rothsay, Harriston, Clifford, Ayton, Holstein, Varney and Durham.

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