How Often Should Your Gas Furnace Be Cleaned?

With the hustle of daily life, it’s easy to overlook the need of keeping our HVAC systems in good working order. An annual cleaning is required for your furnace to preserve its performance and lifetime. You don’t want to find yourself in a situation where you have to fix or replace your furnace.

We recommend doing it at least once a year or every six months if you use it too frequently or have pets in the house. You can clean your furnace independently or contact a professional like heat pump repair Edmonton to handle it for you.

How Often Should You Clean Your Furnace?

Experts recommend having your furnace serviced before the cold weather arrives to maintain it in good working order and stop it from breaking down when you need it most. Manufacturers recommend inspecting and servicing furnaces once a year, in the spring for AC and the fall for heating and furnaces.

Is Time Taken to Clean a Furnace?

A professional furnace cleaning takes about 1.5 to 2 hours on average. However, depending on the state of your furnace, the technician might require additional time to clean your furnace thoroughly.

The following things are included in a furnace cleaning:

  • Examining and cleaning the heat exchanger.
  • Ascertain that the natural gas pressure is set according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
  • All safety controls should be tested and ensured to be in functioning order.
  • Inspection and replacement of air filters.

What are The Benefits of Getting a Furnace Cleaned?

  • According to some experts, lack of maintenance is to blame for up to 75% of no-heat calls in the winter. A poorly maintained furnace can abruptly stop working, leaving your family in the cold.
  • It could potentially damage your health.
  • A furnace inspection can detect a carbon monoxide leak, otherwise difficult to detect as this gas is colorless and odorless.
  • Your furnace might be red-tagged if it’s in a dangerous state, which means the furnace can’t be used until it’s fixed.
  • If you don’t maintain your furnace, whether it’s gas or electric, it will run less efficiently, work more, and cost you more money in the long run.

Is Furnace Cleaning Cost-Effective?

Furnace cleaning’s primary goal is to keep your furnace from breaking down, saving you money on repairs, parts, or, worse, a new furnace. A furnace clean also alerts the expert to any potential future problems with your furnace.

Maintaining the energy efficiency of your furnace can also be accomplished by cleaning it. Furnace cleanings not only save you money on repairs, but they can also protect you from dangerous situations. The air quality in your home might be harmed by not cleaning your furnace.

If you want to save money on furnace maintenance in Edmonton, call us at (780)-463-5063 or drop us a mail here. We at Mobil Heating and AC can help you clean your furnace correctly.

Average Cost of Installing A New Furnace

The energy efficiency and size determine the cost of installing a new furnace in BTUs of the heater, the size of your home, ductwork changes, labour, permits, and the intricacy of the installation.

Installing a furnace can cost anywhere from $600 to $3,100, depending on the system type, efficiency rating, size, model, variety, brand and task complexity.

Installers of furnaces charge between $70 and $100 per hour, and the installation takes around three to four hours. Along with that, with each technician, the charges increase.

The typical cost of installing a new furnace and ducting is $3,400 to $11,000, and the cost of replacing air ducts alone ranges from $1,400 to $5,600 on an average.

The Average Cost of Replacing a Furnace

  • Gas furnace – $2,000 to $5,200, depending on the model and size.
  • Electric furnace replacement in Edmonton – $1,900 to $5,600.
  • Oil furnace – $2,500 to $6,000, depending on the model, size, and efficiency.
  • Propane furnace – $2,200 to $5,700.
  • Geothermal heating systems – $10,000 to $35,000.
  • Coal furnace – $4,500 to $10,000.

Factors Affecting The Cost of Furnace Installation

The total cost estimate for installing a new furnace is relatively straightforward to break down into line items. You are in charge of the cost of the new furnace unit, as well as any local service charges or labour costs, as well as the disposal of your old furnace, equipment, and any applicable local permits. If your new furnace isn’t working correctly, you may need to rebuild the ducting.

  • The cost of a furnace unit will account for roughly 60% of your total installation costs.
  • Local labour charges are typically around 25% of total installation costs.
  • New costs like removing an old furnace, purchasing additional equipment, and obtaining municipal permissions account for about 15% of your total installation costs.
  • You should anticipate paying an extra $300 to $585 per duct run replaced if you also need ductwork redone.

Additional Factors to Consider Before Furnace Installation

  • Energy sources to be used
  • Furnace efficiency
  • Furnace size
  • Installation cost
  • Warranty Plans
  • Furnace brand

Points to Keep in Mind Before Furnace Installation

  • Get multiple offers from local furnace companies. Always be wary of going with the lowest bid, as you can end up with subpar service and equipment.
  • Inquire about the contractors’ equipment markup. A lower labour cost could include hidden equipment markups.
  • Have a new thermostat installed by your furnace contractor. Newer technologies necessitate the use of more recent gadgets.
  • Request a thorough estimate that includes the total cost of the furnace installation job, the manufacturers and model numbers of the equipment, and projected completion dates.
  • To avoid purchasing an undersized or oversized gas furnace, double-check their estimations.
  • Request equipment from a reputable manufacturer. Low-cost knockoffs may fail, leaving you out in the cold.

Suppose you are searching for an HVAC professional like furnace repair in Edmonton. We at Mobil Heating and AC can help you in saving money. Call us at 7804635063.

8 Causes of Furnace Short Cycling Problems

Winters can be indispensably intense, especially in cities like Edmonton. Thankfully, HVAC systems like furnaces do the job of keeping us warm. However, like all machines, a furnace can have a bad day too! One of the most common issues you might face is short cycling.

Short cycling means when your furnace turns on and off without reaching the set temperature. While in most cases you need to call furnace maintenance in Edmonton, look at these eight causes behind this issue.

8 Causes of Short Furnace Cycling

1. Overheated Unit

Your furnace’s temperature control mechanism cools down the system when the temperature exceeds a specific limit. However, if this mechanism starts to fail, your unit will overheat, causing it to shut down. Other reasons for overheating are faulty or cracked heat exchangers. In worst cases, a cracked heat exchanger can overheat the other internal components leading to short cycling.

2. Malfunctioning Pilot Sensors

As your furnace grows older, small amounts of moisture produced in the system can corrode the hardware. When this corrosion spreads across the internal elements, the furnace is most likely to cause short cycling. Thus, it’s important to ensure the safety and cleanliness of the system by scheduling regular furnace maintenance in Edmonton.

3. Oversized Unit

If the furnace is too large for your home, it will heat up quickly while distributing the heat unevenly. This excess heat is most likely to escape through holes and crevices. The furnace loses so much energy and heat that it will start short cycling to maintain a constant temperature.

Thus, it’s always best to consult a professional furnace installation in Edmonton as they suggest the right-sized unit.

4. Malfunctioning Thermostat

A malfunctioning thermostat is often a cause of short cycling. Check your thermostat to see if the temperature and mode settings are fine. There have been instances when homeowners forget to switch on the heating mode, leading to short cycling.

5. Dirty Air Filter

If your furnace’s air filters are full of gunk and debris, it will block the airflow. As the warm air cannot flow out, the furnace’s internal temperature will rise, causing it to shut down. In such cases, you can expect excess short cycling.

6. Damaged Starting Mechanism

If the starting mechanism (igniter) gets damaged, it will heat up and shut down the pilot light. In such cases, the furnace will turn off immediately to prevent gas accumulation.

7. Blocked Flue Pipes

There are many instances of small birds and rodents getting into your furnace’s flue pipes. It can lead to a blockage, and the furnace in response will shut down as a safety mechanism. This will immediately cause short cycling,

8. Poor Insulation

As soon as you go for a furnace installation in Edmonton, the first step is to check your home’s insulation. Check for open windows, cracked seals, etc. Poor insulation prevents your furnace from heating your home adequately, which in turn causes short cycling.

Has your furnace been short cycling lately? We can fix it. Speak to one of our experts today at 780-463-5063.

How Do I Know If My Furnace Is Dying?

Increased utility bills, inefficient heat, and a broken furnace in the middle of the winter season are just some of the annoying consequences of keeping an old furnace. And having a broken furnace is not an option, especially in the freezing cold of Edmonton.

A dying furnace can lead to increased costs, and it will give you a signal of its imminent death using various tell-tale signs. Old furnaces require expensive repairs to keep them going, and it is a sign to get your furnace replaced with newer models efficiently.

Here are Some Visible and Apparent Signs That Show That Your Furnace is Dying.

  • Uneven Temperatures: As your furnace begins to age, it does not produce the quality air it used to. If you notice a stark change in temperature when moving from one room to the other, there is probably an issue with the furnace. This might lead to constantly adjusting the thermostat, while there is no issue with it in reality. This needs to be checked out by HVAC technicians immediately.
  • Age of the Furnace: The average lifespan of a furnace is 15-20 years. If your furnace is approaching that phase, you need to consider replacing it as soon as possible. We know you don’t want to spend too much of your money on repairing the old furnace. So, it’s better to get it replaced and invest in a more efficient furnace.
  • Too Many Repairs: Another prominent sign of a dying furnace is that it requires a lot of repairs when it reaches the old-age phase. You might need to spend a lot of money on new components and parts that might be costly. Hence, to avoid those costs, consider replacing your furnace with a better one.
  • Unusual Sounds and Odors: If you hear unusual noises like banging or clanking coming out of your furnace, then chances are that the furnace components have an issue. It might also signify a gas issue. Similarly, if you smell strange odors coming out of the furnace, then it might be possible that there are gas issues with the furnace, et cetera. Both of these signify a dying furnace, as the components of the unit are failing.
  • Dry House: An old furnace has issues in cleaning up the air of your house. This can lead to mold and pollen allergies that can be harmful to your family. This is because old furnaces aren’t able to humidify or clean the air, rendering a feeling of staleness in the house.
  • Leaking Carbon Monoxide: If your furnace is getting old, cracks might develop in the heat exchanger, which can lead to Carbon Monoxide leaking out. Carbon Monoxide is a poisonous gas and can cause serious health problems. Some of them are headaches, burning feelings, and nausea. Get this immediately checked out by HVAC technicians, as it can be dangerous for you and your family.

Apart from these tell-tale signs, several other issues like a yellow flickering flame, a pilot light, et cetera are visible signs of an old furnace.

If you need your old furnace replaced, contact Mobil Heating & A/C, as we have the best furnace replacement Edmonton team who are experienced and skilled at what they do. If you wish to know more or connect with us, contact us on 780-463-5063.

When Your Furnace Can Trigger Your Allergies?

When the furnace is turned on, it circulates warm air throughout the home and expels all of the dust, mildew, and insect parts accumulated in the heating vents. If left untreated, this issue can cause headaches, sneezing, and coughing throughout the whole season. Timely furnace replacement and repair are a must to prevent such allergies.

How To Prevent These Allergies?

It has been noted that the indoor air quality of your house has a direct impact on your family’s health. Poor indoor air quality causes acute discomfort, long-term impacts of inhaling indoor air pollution for lengthy periods can result in persistent and chronic diseases. Living in a house with filthy air has been related to a variety of respiratory illnesses and allergies. To prevent such discomfort, do try the following methods.

1. Cleaning your ducts is a good idea
The air passing through your ducts is more likely to induce an allergic reaction if they are filthy. It would help if you had your ducts cleaned by a professional at least once every five years. If you have allergies, it’s advisable to err on the side of caution and have this service done every three years—especially if you have dogs or have had issues with mold development in your house.

2. Install a Dehumidifier in your home
Indoor humidity levels that are too high might exacerbate allergies. Mold thrives in humid environments, and dust mites love it as well. Your interior air will be considerably healthier if you add a dehumidifier to your HVAC system. As the air flows around your home, these gadgets eliminate any extra moisture. A dehumidifier may be readily integrated with almost any existing forced-air system by an HVAC professional, such as those at Mobile Heating and AC. Once installed, it will automatically turn on and operate as needed. Whole-house dehumidifiers operate silently in the background and may even help you save money on electricity by reducing the load on your air conditioner.

3. Invest in a HEPA filter
Another thing you can do to make forced air heating more allergy-friendly is to make sure you’re using the correct kind of air filter. Fiberglass filters are inexpensive and effective at keeping dust out of your furnace, but they don’t always catch tiny particles like pet hair and pollen. A HEPA filter will capture these allergens and prevent them from recirculating through your ducts. “High-efficiency particulate air,” or HEPA, is an acronym for “high-efficiency particulate air.” These filters catch 99.7% of particles with a diameter of 0.3 microns or greater. Because the federal government controls the word, you can trust that a filter labeled as a HEPA air filter will satisfy these system requirements.

Call Mobil Heating and Air Conditioning to learn more about their HVAC maintenance services and set up an appointment for installation, replacement, or furnace repair in Edmonton. This is the only method to ensure that the air quality in your house does not contribute to allergies or disease. In the Edmonton, Canada region, we provide a comprehensive variety of HVAC services. Please make an appointment with one of our professional staff members at a time suitable for you.

What are the Symptoms of a Bad Limit Switch on a Furnace?

For a place like Edmonton, furnaces and heating systems are very important. It is not easy to find good heating contractors and furnace maintenance in Edmonton. But not to worry, as we have a team of professionals that will take care of all your heating contractor needs in Edmonton.

In a furnace, when the elements are boiled, Carbon and oxygen are reacted together. It releases Carbon dioxide and heat as the reaction is exothermic- it releases toxic heat-generating particles. The Limit Switches is used because:-

  • Limit switches are used to keep toxic heat particles from spreading. The limit switch turns off the burner because if the temperature near the heat exchanger grows excessively, the heat exchanger can break, releasing hazardous combustion remnants into your house.
  • It will not enable the fan to operate until the air generated within the furnace is sufficiently heated.

Limit Switches or “high limit switch” is a machine, and there are chances of machine malfunction.

Symptoms of a Bad Limit Switch on the Furnace

Some of the symptoms from where we can check the malfunctioning are:

  • The constant operation of your furnace’s compressor seems to be the most typical symptom of a faulty limit switch. Even as the limit switch prevents the fan from turning on until the warm air reaches a particular temperature, it also prevents the fan from turning off when the air cools to a given temperature. Whenever a limit switch fails, it may not turn off at the end of a cycle, culminating in a blower that runs continuously.
  • A second typical issue with a limit switch is that it will not enable the furnace to run.

Ex:- If the airflow in your system is considerably decreased due to a blocked air filter, there will be insufficient air moving through the system, which might lead the heat exchanger to overheat. When the limit switch detects this, the burner is turned off.

  • A blower fan that does not turn off occurs when the switch merely fails to turn off the fan. After that, the burners have been turned off, and the air exchanger has cooled sufficiently.
  • Automatic Tripling of the Reset button in the machine is one more symptom for the same.

Repair and Maintenance

A faulty switch might potentially prohibit the furnace from working at all. The furnace will not run if the breaker has totally failed and is trapped in the open circuit (off) configuration. Frequent overheating can have the same result.

If your machine is not working correctly, keep a close eye on the repairs and maintenance of the Machinery. You must reset the device after a given period.

Conclusion

Furnace serves multiple purposes for homes and industry. It needs to be repaired and maintained regularly. Some symptoms show the system is not performing well. Some of the symptoms are listed above.

Do not hesitate to contact our team of experts at mobilheating.ca for smooth furnace maintenance in Edmonton. It may cost you a couple of pennies in the short term but will save money, keep you comfortable for a long time.

How To Reset the Limit Switch of my Goodman Furnace?

Winter is just around the corner, and you must be getting your furnace all set for the weather. However, suppose you are looking forward to a new installation or furnace replacement in Edmonton. In that case, it’s pretty essential to choose a high-efficiency furnace to save money in the long run.

Thankfully, Goodman furnaces come to the rescue due to their energy-efficient technology and durability. Founded in 1982, Goodman is an American company that manufactures superior heating and air conditioning equipment for residential and commercial sites.

Nevertheless, before you start using your furnace in a full-swing, you need to perform some simple steps to make it all set, such as resetting the limit switch.

What is a Limit Switch?

A limit switch is a crucial part of a furnace that is responsible for turning off/on the furnace fan depending upon the room’s temperature. It ensures the safety as well as cost-efficiency of the unit.

All Goodman residential furnaces contain limit switches to enable the safe operation of the unit while saving energy. These limit switches can be divided into the following types:

  • Primary Limit Switch: This limit switch prevents the furnace from reaching super high temperatures that can be dangerous. It is programmed to reset automatically after a malfunction.
  • Rollout Limit Switch: This limit switch is activated only when the burner flames are not adequately drawn into the heat exchanger. Unlike the primary limit switch, the rollout limit switch is reset manually. But you don’t need to be concerned at all because resetting the rollout limit switch in a Goodman furnace takes only seconds!

However, if you find any difficulty resetting the limit switch or observing any malfunction, leave it to a professional furnace repair in Edmonton.

Steps For Resetting a Goodman Furnace’s Limit Switch

Step 1

Before handling any component of a furnace, it’s essential to turn off any power supply. Locate the circuit breaker switch corresponding to the Goodman furnace and flip it to the “Off” position.

Step 2

Remove the furnace’s access panel to reach the internal components. Just hold and lift the sides of the panel straight up. This will make sure the retaining tabs at the bottom of the furnace cabinet are clear.
Please note that some Goodman furnace models might require you to remove some screws to open it. After you successfully remove the access panel, set it aside. However, if handling these components seem confusing, do not hesitate to call a professional furnace repair in Edmonton.

Step 3

Locate the rollout limit switch, which you can find on the burner assembly. It usually looks like a rounded component with a distinct red button in the centre.

Step 4

Press and hold this red “Reset” button. Just hold the button for one to two seconds before releasing it.

If you find any difficulty while resetting the Goodman furnace, do not proceed further without a professional around. At Mobil Heating & AC, we provide the best quality repairs, installation, and furnace replacement in Edmonton.

Call us at 780-463-5063 to schedule a service today!

What Are The Maintenance Services Required For An AC?

Plenty of time, your system will alert you about a problem before it fails. The air conditioner’s filters, coils, and fins must be maintained regularly for the unit to perform successfully and efficiently over the years.

Neglecting basic maintenance ensures that the air conditioning performance deterioration while energy consumption continues to rise.

You can save a lot of money and avoid the frustration of a full system breakdown if you fix the problem early with the help of ac installation in Edmonton. The following are some of the AC services to look for :

Filters for Air Conditioners

To ensure the efficiency of your air conditioner, the most important maintenance activity is the regular cleaning of the filters.

Clean filters allow normal airflow and significantly improve the efficiency of the system. This also prevents dirt from directly entering into the evaporator belt and reduces the heat-up efficiency of the spiral.

If the air conditioner is continually used or is exposed to dusty circumstances, the filters may require more attention.

  • Remove Any Debris From The Area Around The Air Conditioner

    The condenser fins are the first place to look for dust and debris that has become lodged. Examine them well and clean them with a rough paintbrush or other tools. Clean up any residual particles using a vacuum cleaner.

    Ensure that the area surrounding the condenser is free of plant growth and other obstacles to ensure that enough air reaches the outdoor unit.

    Make sure there are no items within a 2-foot radius of the unit for the best results.

     

  • Remove The Condenser Fan and Clean it

    The condenser and ventilator are placed outside your house, where many specks of dust, falling leaves, and other waste are collected.

    When the condenser is caked in dust and debris, it has difficulty dissipating hot air and heat, which causes the condenser and compressor to heat up.

  • Drain Unclogging

    The drain is likely clogged, and you’ll need to unclog it. If the drain remains clogged, the humidity inside the house rises, making the environment uncomfortable.

    All you have to do is locate the back drain and use a stick or other item to unclog it. Make sure you don’t harm any other parts of the air conditioner while doing so.

  • It is Important to Clean The Coil Fins

    The metal fins on the evaporator coils and condensers are immediately visible, and any dust or debris that has formed on them may be easily seen.

    You must clean them if this is the case. The best approach to clean the fins is to use a garden hose to spray them with water. Attach a hose nozzle to the garden hose if the hose is spraying too hard and damaging the fins.

    We can assist you in saving money and time on routine air conditioner maintenance. If you are looking for an ac repair in Edmonton, or call us at 780-463-5063 to make an appointment with one of our experts.

 

Steps Involved In The Servicing Of Your Air Conditioner

You may have called an HVAC company for air conditioner repair in Edmonton for your home or workplace, but have you ever observed what the technician does? Do you know the steps that a technician follows for the proper servicing of your air conditioner?

Many air conditioners owners wish to know what a technician does while servicing their air conditioners, but they hesitate to do so. They may feel uncomfortable asking, and they do not want to stare at the technician while they work. Even if you are not interested in knowing this, you should know the basic steps to ensure that the technician serviced your air conditioner correctly.

Here is a Small Guide to Help You Understand What Happens During The Servicing of Your Air Conditioner:

 

Filters and Fin

With time, the filters and fins of the air conditioners accumulate a lot of dirt and dust. Dirty and clogged filters and fins affect the overall performance of the air conditioner. During the servicing, the technician cleans the filters and fins to improve the performance of the system. This cleaning ensures that there are no bacterial or fungal remains on the filters and fins.

Condenser and Evaporator Coil

Dust and dirt affect many parts of the air conditioner, and condenser and evaporator coils are two parts that get damaged. The technician ensures proper cleaning of the condenser and evaporator coils. If they wear out, they can cause the whole system to break down, and you will have to call a company for air conditioner repair in Edmonton to fix the issue.

Evaporator Fan

The technician also cleans the evaporator fan, like the filters, fins, condenser, and evaporator coils. There should not be any dust or mold on the evaporator fan.

Drain Line and Leakages

The drain line carries away the water from the system to the outside of the house. If the drain line has any blockages, water may drip into the house and cause water damage. There may be a foul smell and increased humidity level in the home due to drain line blockage and leakage. The technician thoroughly checks the drain line and removes any blockages so that you do not face such problems.

Coolant Level

The coolant level should be adequate in the air conditioner so that the system can absorb heat from the indoor air. If it is less than required, the air conditioner will not cool the house efficiently. The technician checks the level and refills it to maintain the needed amount.

Final Inspection

The technician may advise the owner of some replacement or repair work. The repair is usually not a part of the servicing schedule. If there is some repairing or replacement in the air conditioner, the owner should book an appointment with an air conditioner installation company in Edmonton.

Regular servicing of an air conditioner is necessary but can be costly. Let Mobil Heating help you in servicing your air conditioner at minimal rates. Look for an air conditioner installation in Edmonton, or contact us at 780-463-5063.

Why Does My Air Conditioner Stop Working When It’s Hot?

Imagine coming home from a long day at work only to discover that your air conditioner is broken. Your house is hot and stuffy, and you’re already a sweating mess! It’s an issue that can be avoided with routine maintenance, but even then, despite your best efforts, unanticipated problems can arise. Your system could freeze, overheat, or cycle incessantly—and, as luck would have it, these problems could occur on the warmest day of the year.

When summer arrives, and the air conditioner overheats, this is a common scenario. It will trip the circuit breaker if it overheats, and it will continue to do so until you address the problem. So, look for air conditioner repair in Edmonton. These common issues need to be addressed.

  • Dirty Filter

The air filter is like a safety net that keeps dirt and pollutants out of your air conditioner. When it’s covered in dirt, though, it transforms from ally to antagonist. A clogged air filter restricts airflow in your home’s air ducts, causing your air conditioner to work harder and longer to cool it. This will continue until either the air conditioner stops working or AC overheats, thus leading to circuit tripping.
You can avoid this scenario by changing the filter once a month, and if you want to install a new AC instead, then look for the air conditioner installation in Edmonton.

  • Low On Refrigerant

Condenser coils are refrigerant-filled tubes that travel through the exterior unit of your air conditioner. If these coils become dusty, your air conditioner will operate longer, causing it to overheat. The exterior unit and the inner unit make up a basic split air conditioner. To chill your indoor air, the internal unit uses refrigerant to absorb the heat. The heated liquid refrigerant travels to the exterior unit, where it releases the heat into the atmosphere.

However, if dirt covers the coils, the refrigerant will struggle to release the heat since dirt acts as an insulator. It’s the same as wearing a sweater on a hot day. Your body wants to let off steam, but the wool would keep it trapped within (talk about overheating!). As a result, the refrigerant can no longer absorb further heat from your air, leading your air conditioner to blast lukewarm air. Or even worse. So, look for air conditioner repair in Edmonton.

  • Dirty Condenser Coils

If you don’t have enough refrigerant, your air conditioner will constantly run, causing it to overheat. If the home is not getting cool as fast as it used to be, or AC is having a hard time cooling your home, and the outside unit is covered with AC, then it is high time that you look for air conditioner repair in Edmonton.

If you are looking for an air conditioner installation in Edmonton or air conditioner repair services, Call us at ​780-463-5063.