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Tips on Preparing Your Furnace for Spring

It’s getting to that time of year where you’re looking at preparing for the coming spring. That’s why we asked one of the top furnace companies in Calgary, Rapid Furnace Repair, for their top tips on preparing your furnace for spring. Here are their tips for best maintaining your furnace for the spring season.

Replace Your Furnace’s Filter

Your furnace’s filter plays a vital role in maintaining the air quality of your home; that’s why you need to change it on a regular basis. Check your air filter regularly and change it when it starts to become too dirty. It’s essential to remember that your filter removes dust, moulds, pollen, and other air-borne contaminants, so changing it as we move into spring will help – particularly as allergy season begins.

Check Your Ducts

It’s essential that you check your ductwork on a fairly regular basis, to ensure there are no leaks or damage that could be costing you money. If there’s a problem with your ductwork, it could have an impact on your heating and cooling bills, as your home is being heated or cooled as effectively as it should. Make sure you have your ducts checked on at least an annual basis to ensure that they’re in top working condition.

Install a Programmable Thermostat

Having a programmable thermostat in your home can help you keep your home at just the right temperature for you. Plus, it makes it super easy to adjust it when you need to. You can even program it with the right temperatures to keep it warm or cool enough when you’re away to save you money. Additionally, many programmable thermostats on the market today are compatible with your smartphone, making them a great addition to keeping your home perfectly warm or cool – whatever the weather outside may be.

Preparing your home for spring can be a somewhat daunting task, especially when it comes to getting your furnace ready for the changing season. That’s why one of the top furnace companies in Calgary, Rapid Furnace Repair, is here to help you. Give us a call today!

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Top 4 Benefits of Having an Annual Furnace Inspection

In any cold climate like Calgary, regular furnace maintenance is vital to keeping your furnace running smoothly and keeping you and your family warm and comfortable. Furnace maintenance in Calgary should be an annual appointment you make to keep your furnace running efficiently and help save you time and money. Here are the top benefits of having a yearly furnace inspection.

Prevent Your Furnace from Breaking Down

Having your furnace undergo routine maintenance via an annual furnace inspection ensures that your furnace is running at peak efficiency. Additionally, regular furnace maintenance can catch problems before they could potentially cause a breakdown – which is especially vital in those cold winter months.

Extend the Lifespan of Your Furnace

The better your furnace runs and the cleaner it’s kept, it’ll last longer. Professional furnace maintenance will include ensuring that your furnace is running efficiently as it should – and will catch any issues before they become a significant problem – and include cleaning to keep it running smoothly.

Regular maintenance is essential if you want to extend the lifespan of your furnace, which puts more money in your pocket as you get the most out of the original cost of your furnace. After all, if you don’t have to replace or upgrade your furnace, that’s more money you save!

Maintain Air Quality

Keeping your furnace well-maintained and running smoothly is also vital for maintaining your home’s indoor air quality. Furnaces include air filters, which need to be changed regularly – matter of fact, it’s recommended that you change your furnace’s filters every 90 days. Dirt and debris can build up in your furnace, which can significantly impact your home’s air quality.

Regular furnace maintenance will take care of that buildup. So if you’re experiencing allergy symptoms or an increase in dust and debris building up in your furnace, it’s time to schedule a service appointment for your furnace.

Maintain Your Manufacturer’s Warranty

Having annual service appointments for your furnace is a requirement for keeping your manufacturer’s warranty active. Good-quality furnaces that are well-maintained can generally last for as long as twenty years – and furnaces usually come with a ten-year warranty. That’s a big reason you’ll want to have an annual inspection to ensure that your furnace still qualifies for the contract.

Regular furnace maintenance in Calgary is vital to keeping your furnace running in tip-top shape. You need to call the experts at Rapid Furnace Repair today to schedule your annual inspection now.

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Why You Should Have Your Furnace Professionally Installed

When seeking out quality companies that offer furnace installation in Calgary that can provide you with access to professionals in the furnace business who have the experience and skills to get you what you need. How do you ensure your heating system responds accordingly to what you require? You trust experts in the heating and cooling business that can back up their business with high-quality results!

The Perks for Hiring Professional Installers

What makes calling a professional furnace installer the best choice for you? Among the myriad of reasons, here are four that stand out! You will:

  • Receive untold benefits from the professional installer’s surplus of knowledge
  • Simplify your workload because they have access to special equipment required for installation
  • Receive comfort in knowing that professionals have the skills and experience to perform their tasks at the highest level
  • Gain peace of mind as they follow safety protocols to keep all involved protected

Read on to find out how these reasons make sense for you!

First-Hand Knowledge is Peace of Mind

Furnace installation is complicated without trustworthy resources at hand. Your professional installer will determine what size and type of furnace will best suit your individual needs. To create an energy-efficient and comfortable environment in your home, trust a professional installer who understands how to provide that for you.

What Machinery is Necessary?

Home improvement projects typically require special equipment. This equipment can increase your cost margins and deplete your budget. With a professional installer on the job, no equipment rental is necessary. They already have the right tools on hand to ensure your furnace installation goes smoothly. All you have to do is make the call!

Experience and Skilled Workmanship

With expertise from years of serving others to provide them with comfort and peace of mind, professional installers will know how to use their skills to service your furnace better. They will have covered all the licensing and permissions necessary to ensure your furnace meets any expectations required.

Safety First!

What safety protocols are necessary to secure you and your loved ones during and after the installation process? With installation professionals, your security comes first! They ensure and implement safety procedures so that your furnace (and the installation process) will not be a hazard to you! If you seek quality furnace installation Calgary offers a quality installation company that keeps safety first and costs down! Call today and find out more!

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What are the Different Types of Furnace Filters?

Synthetic, Pleated, Electrostatic, oh my! What furnace filter is best? And, what does HEPA even mean?! When you’re wondering about furnace maintenance in Calgary, you’ve come to the right place.

First, you need to understand why filters are so important and when you need to replace or clean them over time. It’s a furnace filter’s job to keep the furnace unclogged. Air needs to move freely through the system, but dust and other particles can make your furnace’s components dirty. A dirty furnace doesn’t function efficiently. Frankly, your furnace’s lifespan could be shortened by missing or dirty filters, and you’ll need more repair visits from you local furnace maintenance company in Calgary.

Let’s sort out what kind of furnace filters are best for you:

Synthetic Filters

Synthetic filters are also known as fiberglass filters. Their mission is to catch larger particles so that your furnace’s parts (like the motor) stay clean.

Here are a few pros and cons of synthetic-type filters:

  • They’re inexpensive.
  • The filters are disposable.
  • They don’t catch smaller air particles, so your air isn’t as clean and healthy as filter types that remove allergens or some viruses.

HEPA Filters

HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Arrestance) filters are a pleated mechanical air filter. A true HEPA filter will remove an astounding 99.97 percent of dust particles (0.3 to 10 microns in size). But beware of false advertising: Manufacturers may indicate their product is HEPA when it’s below the 99.97 percent rating.

Also, HEPA filters:

  • trap allergens from the air
  • are the most efficient type of filter
  • can be washable so you can save money
  • last the longest (but are the most expensive)

Pleated Filters

Pleated filters work better than non-pleated filters, because this filter type has more room to catch particles. This kind of filter works hard since it catches more contaminants than non-pleated, so you’ll need to replace it about every 30-90 days. The MERV ratings for pleated filters are usually 6-12.

Electrostatic Filters

Electrostatic filters use fibers that charge themselves to attract particles. Filters can be disposable or washable depending on which your particular furnace calls for. Washable ones need to be washed with soap and dried completely so they don’t become moldy.

Synthetic, HEPA, Pleated, and Electrostatic filters all have pros and cons. Choosing efficient filters and routinely replacing or washing them can extend the lifespan of your furnace. If you still have questions about furnace maintenance in Calgary, give Rapid Furnace Repair a call today!

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4 Questions About Furnaces

Are you furnace shopping for your new home? Are you a homeowner that needs to maintain the furnace you already have, or maybe it’s just so old you’re wondering if an upgrade is necessary? Calgary furnace company can help answer your furnace questions:

1. What do numbers and ratings mean on furnaces?

Don’t let all of the percentages and acronyms scare you:

  • The Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) rating refers to how energy-efficient the furnace is. The higher the number, the more energy savings you should expect. However, the AFUE may not be as efficient as listed if your home has poor insulation, outdated ductwork or thermostats, leaky windows, etc.
  • The SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) rating indicates how efficient the unit cools in all the other seasons.

2. How often should my furnace be serviced?

Your furnace needs to be serviced annually. While a check up seems like another chore or just another bill, it can actually save you money in the long run. Many issues can be caught during an inspection — before they turn into majorly expensive issues.

3. What kind of furnace filter should I use?

Your furnace filter size will depend on your system, and you’ll find the filter dimensions on the filter cabinet. Pleated filters are more efficient. And, you’ll want to pay attention to a filter’s MERV rating. According to BobVila.com, “The higher the MERV rating, the better the filter is at blocking airborne pollutants. In fact, filters with ratings of 11 or 12 will block not only dust and pet dander, but can also block some types of microscopic viruses and fumes. This is because higher-rated filters have smaller holes so fewer particulates can get through.”

4. How often should I change my furnace’s air filters?

Generally, you can expect to change out your furnace’s air filter every 90 days. In Calgary, your furnace works hard for many months, so your filter may last 30-60 days.

A clogged filter makes your furnace work less efficiently, diminishing your home’s air quality. When your furnace filter needs replacement:

  • You’ll notice a build up of dust in your house (even after recent house cleaning).
  • The filter looks dirty.
  • There’s a musty odor when the furnace runs.
  • The furnace is firing up more often than normal.

Your local Calgary furnace company is here to answer all of your furnace questions. Let us know what else you want to know! Give us a call at Rapid Furnace Repair today!

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What are the 3 Common Types of Furnaces

Did you know that there are three common types of furnaces? Will oil-burning, electric, or natural gas be the best option for your specific situation? After all, each has its benefits and drawbacks. Depending on where you live, your fuel choices may be smaller if you don’t have access to natural gas lines. Also, different types of fuel will fit your budget better. When you need Furnace Installation Calgary, we can help you choose the best option for your residence.

Oil-Burning Furnaces

Do you live in a locale where you don’t have natural gas access? Then, an oil-burning furnace may be right for your home. Oil-burning furnaces cost about 25 percent less than the cost of a new natural gas furnace. However, there are a few drawbacks to using an oil furnace:

  • Oil is quite expensive.
  • According to HouseholdAir.com, “It produces tons of soot and dirt, resulting in wasted energy while necessitating intensive maintenance. As a result, many homeowners consider a dying oil furnace an opportune time to replace the unit with a more efficient, less maintenance-intensive heating system.”
  • New models are now much more energy efficient.

Electric Furnaces

Electric furnaces are an option if you don’t have a natural gas line to connect to. These units aren’t as large so they fit in smaller spaces.

  • Installation is fairly easy, but you’ll need a large enough electric panel to handle more electric usage.
  • They offer more accurate precision when setting the temperature.
  • Electric furnaces should last about 10 years longer (though monthly energy costs will be higher).

Natural Gas Furnaces

Today, natural gas furnaces are the most popular option. They’re usually more efficient than other furnace types. And, a higher efficiency furnace equates to less energy costs!

Natural gas furnaces:

  • create even heating
  • usually cost more upfront but offer energy savings each month compared to other options
  • are fairly economical to run since natural gas prices are competitive (versus other fuel types)

The right furnace for your home will depend on many factors including your location and budget. Other factors like home size, the number of windows your home has, ceiling height, and availability of fuel types will need to be considered, too. When you’re looking for Furnace Installation Calgary, don’t be anxious. Our professionals will help you make a no-stress, well informed decision. Give Rapid Furnace Repair a call today to discuss options that will meet your own unique needs.

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How to Know When to Call for an Emergency Furnace Repair

Calgary’s winters are incredibly brutal. It’s essential to have reliable access to professional, 24 hour furnace repair Calgary. However, emergency calls do cost more. When is it safe to wait, and when is it time to call us for emergency furnace repair?

Difficulty Starting Your Furnace

Before putting in an emergency call, here are a few things you can check on when your furnace doesn’t start:

  • Check the fuse box.
  • Is the pilot light on, and is there sufficient fuel?
  • Is the filter clogged?
  • Does your thermostat need reprogramming? (It may not be kicking in if the temperature is set too low.)

Is the drain pan full of water? Empty it, and see if you can get the pump working. This may get your furnace working temporarily, but give us a call as your furnace will likely have future issues.

Carbon Monoxide Alarm Alerts

A properly functioning heating system pushes the carbon monoxide it produces through venting to the outside. Carbon monoxide is colourless and odorless, so carbon monoxide alarms are imperative. If an alert goes off, open windows. Shut off gas-powered appliances. Reset the alarm. It may stay off with fresh batteries. Perhaps it’s malfunctioning due to age. If neither is the issue, get outside, and call 911.

Then, give us a call; carbon monoxide may be attributed to a:

  • cracked heat exchanger;
  • blockage in the venting system;
  • dirty air filter obstructing air flow

Uneven Heating

Uneven heating can result from a lot of factors. Your furnace may not be the proper size. Leaking ductwork and insufficient home insulation can be problems, too. Also, furnaces lose efficiency over time. If your unit is 10 years or older, it may be time to make an appointment during regular hours to talk about repairs versus replacement.

Gas Leaks

Are you smelling an odor like rotten eggs? Are you, pets, or family members nauseous and suddenly fatigued? Leave home immediately. Leave doors open, and don’t turn light switches on or off. Call the gas company and 911 to check the leak — better safe than sorry. When the leak is resolved, give us a call.

Remember to change out your furnace filter regularly to keep the system’s air flow moving. Make an annual furnace tune-up appointment to find potential problems before they turn hazardous. However, when you need 24 hour furnace repair in Calgary, Rapid Furnace Repair is ready to take your call.

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3 FAQs About Furnaces

There is a lot of information about furnaces, so you probably have many questions. No one knows more about furnaces than your local Calgary furnace company. Here, we answer three of the most commonly and frequently asked questions about furnaces.

What types of furnaces are available?

There are four main categories that furnaces are divided into by the fuel they require to function. These are:

  • Natural Gas
  • Oil
  • Electric
  • Propane

Each one has its own unique set of pros and cons to weigh when deciding which one is best for your household. However, here in Calgary, the most common types of furnaces are powered by natural gas or electricity, simply due to our colder climate.

What is a furnace filter?

Furnace filters provide a vital role in maintaining your home’s air quality. Furnace filters are made to catch debris, allergens, and dust that collect in the return duct. They help to protect your furnace’s blower fan while also keeping potentially dust and allergen-filled air from being cycled back through your home.

It’s vital that you know what size of filter your furnace takes, as well as what variety of filters works best for you. So, it’s essential to know the dimensions of your furnace so that you can shop for the appropriate filters.

What’s a MERV rating?

MERV, or Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value, is a rating system that rates how efficient a filter is at trapping unwanted particles on a scale of 1-16. The higher the MERV rating on a filter means that the filter will trap more particles. The most common filter ratings for a household are those between 8 and 13.

Hopefully, this has helped answer some of your furnace questions. If you have more, give your local Calgary furnace company a call, like Rapid Furnace Repair. We can answer your questions about your furnace and get you feeling more comfortable with it. Call us today!

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4 Signs Your Furnace Needs Repairs

It’s vital that you keep your furnace up and running, particularly during those cold Calgary winters. But keeping your furnace working isn’t just about having heat; it’s essential to keep it in good shape because it can also impact the health of you and your family. Your local Calgary furnace company, Rapid Furnace Repair, is here to help with their top four signs that your furnace needs repairs.

Unusual Smells Coming From Your Furnace

If you notice that your furnace has a smell – particularly one that appears randomly and lingers – then that’s a sign that you should have your furnace serviced. The pungent smells coming from your furnace’s exhaust could mean that it’s not combusting correctly. You might not be able to smell the carbon monoxide that this produces, but you can smell the aldehydes produced by poor combustion.

Gas Leaks

If you can smell gas from your furnace, you need to call an HVAC specialist immediately. The first step you need to take is to turn your furnace off as gas is highly flammable so that a single spark could mean an explosion of fire. For extra safety, it’s best if you and your family vacate your home until the leak has been fixed.

Carbon Monoxide Alerts

It’s essential that you have a carbon monoxide alarm since if your furnace leaks carbon monoxide, it will warn you. Given that carbon monoxide is odourless and tasteless, this is a vital system to have installed. If your alarm goes off, evacuate your home immediately and call an HVAC professional.

Increased Energy Bills

If your energy bill is increasing every month, it’s likely a sign that your furnace isn’t operating at peak efficiency and needs servicing. However, your bills might fluctuate each season or month, which is typical if there are sudden spikes or increases; that could be a sign that your furnace needs servicing.

Your furnace is an essential appliance in your home and needs to be serviced regularly. If it isn’t properly serviced, then it can cause problems that could be potentially deadly to you and your family. If you need a Calgary furnace company, then Rapid Furnace Repair should be your first choice. Call us now if you’re experiencing any furnace issues!

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How Often Should My Furnace Be Serviced?

Your furnace is a critical appliance in the home here in Calgary, particularly during the cold winter months. It’s essential that you have your furnace maintained and repaired annually to make sure that you and your family stay warm and comfortable. Furnace maintenance in Calgary is necessary, and here we answer why.

Why does a furnace need maintenance?

There are three important reasons to have your furnace serviced regularly. The first is to make sure that your furnace is clean and the filters are changed regularly. Keeping the furnace clean keeps the components in working condition, letting your furnace run smoothly and as for the filters, changing the filters is key to maintaining the air quality inside your home.

One of the most crucial reasons to service your furnace is that it could leak carbon monoxide into the home. By having regular furnace maintenance performed, a licensed technician looks over your furnace to ensure no cracks that might lead to a carbon monoxide leak.

Lastly, furnace maintenance gives your furnace a longer lifespan. Unfortunately, a new furnace can cost several thousands of dollars. Thus, it’s essential to have your furnace inspected on an annual basis; to ensure that it’s functioning correctly and repair any breaks that could cause issues. And here in Calgary, the last thing you want is a broken furnace in the middle of winter!

How often should I have my furnace serviced?

The majority consensus among furnace technicians is that you should have your furnace inspected and serviced at least once a year. Regular furnace maintenance extends the lifespan of your furnace and keeps it running smoothly and efficiently.

Even if your furnace is still under warranty, annual furnace maintenance is essential. If your furnace isn’t properly maintained, it could void your warranty. Annual furnace inspections are essential. We at Rapid Furnace Repair are here to help you with furnace maintenance in Calgary. So call us today to book your service appointment!