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As the winter draws closer and the temperatures start to drop, our home's heating systems will be relied upon to keep us warm, cozy, and comfortable. During the upcoming winter months, especially as more and more of us are working from home, it is essential that our home heating system is working as efficiently and effectively as possible. In this blog post, we will highlight how often you should get your heating system checked. We will also look at what a routine service should involve and the benefits for your heating system's efficiency and longevity. Keep reading to learn more. How Often Should You Get Your Heating System Checked? There are a number of factors that determine how often you get your heating system checked, including climate, type of heating equipment, and the age of the system. Generally, an annual heating inspection is recommended to ensure that your system remains in good condition and lurking problems do not go unresolved for too long. The best time to get your HVAC system checked is before you use it. For example, with an air conditioning system, the best time to have it serviced is before the start of the warmer summer months. In the case of a heating system, the best time is around now, before the cold weather really takes hold. What Does a Heating System Check Include? Our expert technicians can conduct a comprehensive check of your heating system to ensure that it is working efficiently and ready for extended use over the coming months. Our team of heating system experts will perform a comprehensive service on your system, ensuring that it is working efficiently and ready for extended use over the coming months. Depending on the system, this includes checks on the thermostat, filters, ductwork, temperature and pressure, circulating pump, combustion chamber, and radiator. If you notice any issues between service checks, it is important that you contact a qualified HVAC expert in order to resolve the issue. Regular checks will lower the likelihood of needing emergency service. Benefits of Routine Checks Heating system maintenance helps to mitigate against disruption and inconvenience during the cold winter months. Routine annual inspections help to: Increase comfort and reliability Improve efficiency and energy savings Enhance air quality Extend the lifespan of the heating system Lower the cost of future repairs Improve safety. For your next heating system check, our team at Problem Solved Plumbing has you covered. Get Ready for Winter With a Heating System Check As we turn towards the end of the year and the start of the cold season in Alberta, now is the time to ensure that your heating system is working as effectively and efficiently as possible. The best time for an annual inspection is just before the start of the cold months when any issues can be resolved. Problem Solved Plumbing is your No. 1 choice for heating system inspections in the wider Cochrane and Calgary areas. In addition to routine inspections, we are available 24/7 for emergency services. Contact our team today for your next heating system check.

The day-to-day use of your heating system can, over time, result in leaks, unusual noises, and other issues that can end up being costly. For that reason, regular boiler maintenance is essential if you want to keep the typical issues to a minimum. So what does good boiler maintenance look like for the average householder? Read through our top 5 tips to learn more about maintaining your home’s boiler system. 1. Get It Serviced Annually If you are looking for a guaranteed way to reduce boiler issues, you can't do better than an annual maintenance service. Your boiler heating system can easily suffer from small faults over time. However, conducting proper boiler maintenance will mean you can prevent problems from becoming larger issues that are costly. To get the best from your annual service, booking an appointment in the fall can be a good time to resolve any issues before colder temperatures arrive. Spring maintenance can also be beneficial after a long winter season to ensure everything is working. 2. Under Pressure It is natural that over time your boiler may become less efficient. One such culprit of this fall in performance is having low water pressure in your system. How can you tell if your boiler has low water pressure? It is important to familiarize yourself with the pressure gauge, as well as the manufacturer’s recommendations for what is required of your system. The professional plumbers at Problem Solved Plumbing & Heating can inspect your boiler and check the pressure during your next service visit. 3. Bleed Your Radiators Do your radiators not heat up as they used to? Or are some parts cooler than others? If so then it is likely that you have air in them. Fortunately, it is rather simple to bleed radiators. All you need to do is slightly open the air valve found on the side of the pipe. Be sure to put a towel or cloth underneath as once all the air is released water will start to seep out, signaling that it is time to tighten it up. 4. Clean Your Heating System As a natural consequence of water passing through metal pipes, debris, dust, and rust can build up in your heating system and decrease its efficiency. For that reason, boiler maintenance needs to include having regular cleaning carried. Professional plumbers can flush out the system of any debris or buildup. 5. Correct Ventilation While there may be a lot of extra space in your boiler room, what most people don't realize is that boilers need space and a good flow of air around them to be most effective. Try to keep the area around your boiler clear and follow any specific manufacturer’s instructions regarding ventilation. Regular Boiler Maintenance Pays Off Paying close attention to regular maintenance for your boiler is a great way to ensure your heating system is ready when you need it. For all your boiler maintenance and repair needs, the technicians at Problem Solved Plumbing & Heating are ready to help. Contact us today to schedule boiler maintenance for your home in Cochrane and the surrounding area.

Imagine getting yourself geared up to enjoy a hot, relaxing shower, only to get in and realize you're dealing with lukewarm water. Hot water isn't just vital for your showering comfort; it is important for other needs like cooking and cleaning. Whether you're washing your hands or setting your washing machine to cycle, you need your water heater to work. If you've realized your hot water is not working, read to discover five common causes of hot water issues. 1. Tripped Breaker If you have an electric water heater, a tripped breaker could be the culprit if it's stopped working properly. Just like any electrical appliance in your home, your water heater is vulnerable to power surges or shorts that can cause a breaker to trip. Check your electrical panel for any switches flipped to the off position, and then see if the corresponding label indicates the water heater. 2. Sediment Buildup No hot water can also result from high levels of mineral buildup from hard water. This sediment buildup gathers at the bottom of the tank and can prevent the water in the tank from reaching the heating element. Regular maintenance of your water heater, which includes flushing the tank, can help prevent this sediment buildup from becoming a problem. 3. Failing Heating Element At the bottom of the tank, there are one or more heating elements that work to raise the temperature of the water. Over years of continued use, these elements can wear out and need replacing. Two issues can present when the problem is a failing heating element. You could experience consistent lukewarm water or a short supply of hot water. In either case, a heating element needs replacing. A professional plumber can determine the faulty element and complete the necessary repair. 4. A Broken Dip Tube The dip tube is a component that pushes the cold water toward the bottom of the tank, where the heating element can heat it. A damaged or defective dip tube causes the cold water to remain at the top. Here, it mixes with the heated water causing it to become lukewarm. A new, functioning dip tube, installed by a professional plumber, ensures that the cold water is directed properly to the heating element. 5. Worn Out Water Heater It may be that your water heater has simply reached the end of its lifespan. If you've had to call for multiple repairs, or your water heater is over eight years old, a replacement may be the best consideration. You might find that a more efficient model is available to suit your needs. Get Help With Hot Water Don't experience the letdown of lukewarm water in your home. If you aren't experiencing the hot water you want, it may be due to one of these top five reasons. The good news is, that they're an easy fix for a trained professional. Let us help with your water heater issues today. Contact Problem Solved Plumbing and Heating knowledgeable and experienced staff for water heater repairs and installation in Cochrane, Calgary and surrounding areas.

Over 66% of people who died during the 2021 British Columbia heat dome did not have AC. With such shocking statistics, an air conditioning system is now a necessity. But many homeowners with ACs hesitate to replace systems until it is completely necessary. So, how do you tell that your unit is at the end of its useful life? When should you replace it? Below are some of the tell-tale signs you need an air conditioner replacement. Your Unit is More Than 15 Years Old Although some air conditioning systems can last up to 20 years, this only holds with proper scheduled maintenance over its lifetime. The average unit will start to show signs of wear and tear from the 10-year mark. If you are using your AC toward the end of its useful life and it’s constantly in need of repair, it needs replacement. A new air conditioning system will be the best choice for your comfort, wallet, and health. The AC System Constantly Requires Repair Are you calling your HVAC specialist every other week? It may be time to replace your unit. While regular upkeep is important, your system should not be in constant need of service. You are better off getting a new AC replacement instead of churning out cash for repairs. As a rule of thumb – if the AC repair cost is more than half the price of a new system, get a new one. Your Space Feels Humid An air conditioning functions by absorbing warm air, removing the excess moisture from it, cooling it, and then sending cold air into your home through the return vents. If you get humid air, the airflow of your unit might be blocked, or you may have a clogged condenser line. If you have had scheduled maintenance and your unit still blows out humid air, you might need to replace your air conditioner. Electrical Air Conditioner Issues If weird odors like burnt wire come from your unit or you notice frayed wiring, call your local HVAC technician to check the problem. If you are constantly having electrical problems with your system (especially for old units), it could turn out to be a potentially hazardous situation. In this case, a new air conditioning unit is your safer bet. Increased Energy Bills Although HVAC expenses account for up to 46% of the typical homeowner's electric bill, this doesn’t mean you should be overpaying for an ineffective air conditioning system. If your energy bills are constantly high, your air conditioner may be the problem. Inefficient ACs use more energy to maintain the conditions in your home. If you can’t solve this issue, you may need to replace your system. Use your residential energy audit to monitor the energy use in your home. Do You Need an Air Conditioner Replacement? Do you think you require an air conditioner replacement or an AC repair? Problem Solved Plumbing & Heating Ltd is available to assist you with all of your air conditioner problems. Whatever the type or brand of your HVAC system, you can trust us to get the job done fast and professionally. Get in touch with Problem Solved Plumbing & Heating Ltd. for a quote on our AC services. We serve Cochrane, Airdrie, North Calgary, South East Calgary, Arbour Lake, Brentwood, and surrounding areas.