Humidity is one of the many things which is dangerous when it is too low and is equally troublesome when it gets too high. High humidity levels can be reduced rather easily by using simple techniques like increased aeration. On the other hand, remedies of low humidity levels are difficult and comparatively expensive.

One of the remedies of low humidity levels is the device called “Humidifier”. It is an electrical device that raises the humidity levels of the indoor air which gets really dry during the winter season especially. There are in total many types of Humidifiers that are employed for increasing the humidity levels of the air. Below we discuss two main types under consideration are:

- WHOLE-HOME HUMIDIFIER

The Whole Home Humidifier is basically a get-it-and-forget-it type of device. Once it is equipped this item will work on its own, requiring very little or no maintenance. This device is connected to the blower system installed on the furnace present in the home. From there it draws water from the main water supply and then automatically injects this water in the whole home via the humid air.

This type of humidifier is cheaper as it reduces the maintenance cost. It is an automatic machine as it maintains the humidity levels by itself to the required levels. It also is a noiseless device making no noise at all.

At the same time, the whole home humidifiers are larger in size compared to any other type. It also requires professional help to install this type of humidifier which is another problem associated with this type.

Every other home in Toronto and Mississauga has a duct system installed in it and it was for a long time that central heating and cooling has remained the most widely used home heating method. However, a shift has recently taken place and people are now preferring ductless system over the duct system keeping the benefits that it offers and also the headache of duct maintenance that it takes away.
Below we discuss the prime reasons why homeowners are preferring to shift to ductless systems.

Energy Efficiency - Saves up to 30%

Starting from a $500 Single Stage Furnace, there is a variety of Furnace models available in the market, the prices of which are up to $3,000. The huge difference in the cost is decided by a couple of factors among which are brand, efficiency, performance and size. Let's figure out in detail how do these factors impact the cost and which factors impacts the overall Furnace installation cost the most.

- Brand

The rapid expansion in HVAC industry has introduced dozens of brands in the market. This has created a sheer competition resulting in brands offering affordable Furnace units. However, there is still a distinction between less known and more known brands. Those having won the customer satisfaction, nonetheless charge more than what less known brands charge even if the quality is almost the same. So while planning a purchase, consider this factor. A brand could be offering quality appliance, good features and charge less and another could be charging several times more while offering the same features. Choosing a very well known brand therefore, is not always the right choice primarily when you are low on budget.

- Efficiency

Furnaces today are advertised mainly by advertising their efficiency rating. That is because the better the efficiency, the less electric bills would be and the more there will be indoor comfort. But this feature comes with a price. Furnace with 60%-70% efficiency ratings are cheaper while the latest ones with 90% AFUE rating are the costliest. Therefore, when planning a Furnace purchase, it is important to consider efficiency rating and this decides the price. If you don't have budget issues, surely go for better efficiency rating Furnaces. Do the opposite if the situation is otherwise.

- Performance

In addition to efficiency, the operational performance of a Furnace also decides its price. There are single stage (units that operate at highest 100% speed), two-stage (those that operate between 70%-100%) and variable speed (those that operate at 60% blower speed most of the times). The single stage units are the loudest and create the least comfortable indoor while the variable speed offer just the opposite. This single feature of blower speed impact comfort level, noisiness and energy bills. This is the reason why single stage are the cheapest and the variable speed the costliest Furnaces available in the market. Hence, when deciding a Furnace purchase, don't forget to consider Performance factor.

- Size

The size is another factor that decides the price. Bigger unit = more dollars. Usually for a 600-1000 square feet home, a Furnace with standard 40,000 BTU size is enough. For larger spaces; 2,300-3000 square feet, units with 120,000 BTU suffice well. Beware to choose the right size of Furnace as choosing a larger unit for a smaller space is also a big mistake that homeowners make.

- Installation

Installation when done with a professional service costs at least $500. The installation cost can vary depending on the unit size and the service you hire for installation. While professional installation cost more, we still suggest professional installation keeping the consequences of unprofessional installation in consideration that later on cost even more.

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Construction or renovation of a home is a messy process that brings sawdust, paint fumes and many other airborne particles that you would not even think to breathe in. These particles are not even suitable for the HVAC equipment either! 

To many people, shutting off the Air Conditioner means unplugging the switch and covering the outside condenser unit. While this is a layman approach towards a heavy duty HVAC system like the Air Conditioner, the professional's approach is all the way different. Since we know little about the heating and cooling system, we should rather rely on professional's advice. So here we bring to you; the professional's recommended way of switching off the Air Conditioner for the season. 

1. What you already do - Switch off!!!

You already switch off. So yes, begin by switching off the unit. In the case it is a Central Air Conditioner, switch off first from the Thermostat and later, disconnect the power supply to the condenser unit from the electrical box located close to it. Switch it to ''off'' position.

2. What you don't (usually) do - Clean filter at the end of season

A lot many people, as the summer ends, forget about changing the filter, not realizing the fact that the same duct work would be used to blow warm air in winters. As a result, the filters are usually very dirty when the Furnace is turned on for the first time in winters. From now on; add this to-do of cleaning/replacing filters at the end of summer in your list. 

3. Let the indoor breathe fresh

Nature has its own way to take us through different seasons. You don't have an abrupt change in seasons. They are very subtle and serene. And this is why, as the summer ends, there is a period of moderate weather that neither requires Air Conditioner nor Furnace. And that is the time when you should allow your indoor to breathe fresh air. Some homeowners continue to use Air Conditioners until they see the first blow of Winter (a little exaggeration). This practice results in a very contaminated indoor. Since the indoor does not get sufficient fresh air and becomes more polluted than the outdoor air. So make the most use of the moderate weather period after summers and use only fans if needed. Keep the windows open and let fresh air circulate.

4. Clean the outdoor condenser unit thoroughly

It is recommended to clean the unit before starting using it but the same is recommended as you bid good bye to your unit. First remove the leaves, dust and debris from the unit using a fine brush. A low pressure vacuum will do as well. After that, use a hose to clean the unit with plain water. During this course of action, if any damage to the unit is inspected, get it repaired instantly instead of postponing it for the next summer. This is because the problem might worsen over time.

5. Cover the condenser unit 

One confusion that homeowners face is whether or not to cover the condenser unit. Some say not covering the unit makes it a home to pests and animals. While others say that covering their unit results in excessive moisture accumulation and eventually causing the unit to rust. So what to do?
The right way is to cover the unit but not just with any cloth. Cover it with insulated covers manufactured specifically for the condenser units. If you wish to keep it cheaper, use vinyl tarp waterproof plastic to cover the unit. Use elastic cords to hold it tight around the unit.

The advice of all advices if to provide your unit with proper maintenance throughout the season. The wise homeowners, even at the end of summer, call a maintenance tech to ensure that they are closing the system with no sickness. Make sure you do the same this time.

A good AC is one that boasts exceptional home comfort by even temperature, reduce the energy bill and deliver the highest or exceptional reliability. HVAC manufacturers keep rolling out the enhanced and competitive product to exceed the expectation and leave no stone unturned to provide homeowners the best of the best HVAC equipment. However, there are still some inevitable consequences of neglecting timely AC maintenance which leave homeowners in an urgent need of appliance repair. But hey! There are things that must not be tried as part of DIY. Read on the article to know what not to do when the Air Conditioner stops working.

Don’t lose the cool and try not to fix it yourself:

Don’t be panic; call Air Conditioner specialists for the fastest emergency service. Tinkering with the AC unit is not as simple as it seems and is best to be left to the HVAC technicians. They can troubleshoot the system to get it up to function smoothly. Meanwhile, you can google to wrap your head around to watch HOW TO VIDEOS or DIY tips to troubleshoot the problem.
Unless you have prior experience with troubleshooting unit or mechanical repair, pass the problem to a pro who can fix the problem in half the time.

Energy efficient homes consider mechanical ventilation as the ideal home building strategy. You may have heard a lot about the whole house fans, whole house ducts, full house ventilation, etc and all these terms possess no significant distinction and somewhat used interchangeably.

It’s hard to sense the effects of failing ventilation system early on. However, homeowners need to keep a close eye to the old or destructive ventilator to pre-avoid any health-related problems. 

Thermal discomfort is something that can severely affect sleep quality as well as general health for
adults and children alike; this particularly impacts babies and young children. If the Air Conditioner has gone for the emergency repair or you don’t just want to fire it up or save energy money, then we have some great tips to keep you and your children protected from the heat when the mercury level on the thermometer rises.

Stay Hydrated:

No one likes to sit around being hot, sweaty, and gross - the first step to mitigating the heat is to reduce the body temperature. And the best way to do that is to fill your body with cooling foods
and fluids. Otherwise, when the Air Conditioner dies or goes out for an emergency repair you will find yourself scrambling to keep your kids cool. Children need to drink more water to fulfill their body's effort to stay cool. Children aren’t as hydrated as adults, so it is your responsibility to make sure they drink plenty of fluids.

Sleep in the basement:

One of the significant drawbacks of life without an air conditioner is having to sleep in a hot, sweaty
room. The higher the temperature, the more difficult it is to get the right amount of night-rest.
If you are lucky enough to live in a multi-story house, then there is an escape: the basements! They are comfortable than the bedrooms on the first or second storey. So, how about letting the children sleep for a night in the basement while the AC is out?

Body’s cooling spots.

Do you know a cold washcloth over your wrist or neck will assist in reducing your body temperature
faster than trying to put it on your forehead? It enables to target cold compresses. You can use wet towels, or ice packs to get the best results.

Make a specialized DIY AC

Need ac for a few days out of the year? Then consider saving money on real things and make your very own air conditioner for free.
· Get a shallow bowl or roasting pan and fill it up with ice and bring it in front of a fan.
· Take a sheet, wet it, and then hang it in front of an open window.
· Roll up a wet towel and attach it to the front of a box fan.
These methods are quick and convenient to keep the children fresh while you are waiting for the completion of an emergency ac repair.

Unplug

How to keep the place cool when the electronic appliances start working against you?
Any home devices and appliances with a standby or sleep mode, consume phantom power, which means they produce heat even when not in use. Some of the biggest offenders are your satellite or cable box, a stereo system, video game consoles, your PVR, computer, and speakers. Therefore, when you try to stay cool without air conditioning, make sure to unplug all devices running standby. It saves energy cost and reduces the excessive
heat loss.

It can be absolutely frustrating to find yourself in the middle of a hot summer day with no cooling at all because your ductless unit has stopped working. And even worse is that, at this time, it is almost impossible for you to find a reliable service which could respond instantly. As a result, the only alternative is to spend a few days in discomfort or use other cooling means; fans, although you know well when it gets extremely hot, fans are not the answer. But why keep waiting for an HVAC saviour and why not do what you can do to fix the problem? It is true that many HVAC professionals strictly abstain homeowners from trying DIY solutions with their HVAC appliances but it is also true that sometimes the issues are so petty that they do not need a technician's help in the first place. For example, if your Split Air Conditioner doesn't turn on and the reason is that the switch is not properly plugged in, do you need a technician to do that for you? Of course, not!
So today, we are going to discuss the AC issues which you can easily troubleshoot on your own. Just some confidence!

The power issue. "My AC doesn't turn on!" 

So you pressed the power button on the remote control and the unit did not turn on? Don't panic! Here's are the possible reasons for that;

• Faulty Remote Controller Batteries

- If you are trying to turn the system on using a remote control, the most probable thing is that the batteries on the remote need to be replaced and that it is the remote which needs fixing. Please note to always keep extra batteries at home in order to save yourself from panicking in such situations. Replace the batteries and try again. Turned on? Great! Did not turn on? Move to the next part.

• Improperly plugged power switch

- You know that a ductless system is directly plugged into a power supply. The switch may have been loosened from the plug and thus may not allow the needed power supply. Or, the circuit breaker may have been tripped.
i. Check the power supply. Unplug it and then replug properly. 
ii. Check the circuit breaker. If it is found tripped, do the following;
a. Always turn it off
b. Turn it back on
Please note to never directly turn on the circuit breaker if is it tripped 

• Faulty Thermostat

If you had begun with trying to turn on the system using a Thermostat, try doing it otherwise; use a remote controller. If the unit is turned on using remote but does not turn on through the Thermostat, you know where the problem exists; it is with the thermostat. Once again, consider checking Thermostat batteries if it is a Smart Thermostat. But since this is a problem that does not affect the supply of cool air directly, you can choose to call a professional technician to help you resolve the Thermostat issue later.

Have you ever tried to troubleshoot a Split Air Conditioner? What methods did you follow and what problem was that which you had identified? Share to help our readers benefit from your experiences.

High humidity may sound unimportant to those who have never experienced the consequences of it in the indoor but those who have, they know that excessive moisture in the indoor can lead to complete distress. Some of the immediate consequences of high indoor humidity are; itchiness, soggy food items, production of mould & mildew and stuffiness. While on one hand, this situation affects the homeowners, on the other hand, it also leaves impacts on the interior of the home, tightening your budget even more by increasing expenses on repair. So there is a need to take immediate action when the indoor moisture goes beyond normal. There are multiple solutions to dealing with this problem unlike what many homeowners think, i.e installing a Dehumidifier. Below we discuss, how you can manage excessive moisture without spending money on purchasing an HVAC add-on.

Figure out the cause 

First thing first; figure out the cause. The indoor moisture could be more than the outside moisture. In this case, it is the indoor producing the moisture; cooking, baking, washing, bathing or other heat and moisture producing activities. Since high temperature increases the humidity, even more, you'd need to find out where the warmth and moisture are being produced. For example, a pipe leak in the basement or attic could be increasing the moisture in the indoor. Not venting the moisture in time could be circulating it in the indoor etc. In this case, the production of the moisture in the indoor needs to be controlled and/or vented in time.
But there are cases in which the weather, in general, is so hot and humid that it is the outdoor weather itself that causes the indoor to develop high moisture content. In this case, proper ventilation and using desiccant can help.

Fix excessive indoor moisture - Here's how 

Whether the moisture is produced within the indoor or is coming from the outside, three practices can help fight with this ghost.

Absorb it! 

In order to stop the spread of moisture in the entire indoor, absorb it! The simplest of ways to do this is to place a desiccant in the indoor, for example, Silica, Calcium Chloride or others. They are cheap chemical materials with the property to suck moisture without causing any harm.to the indoor air quality. Placing a few bags close to the places that produce the most moisture; kitchen, bathroom etc can help absorb the moisture, reducing humidity.

Dry it!

The air gets moist when there is excessive water content in it. And what do we do when we want to dry the water? We dry it with warmth. By using an electric heater or wooden stove, warm the indoor. This will help dry the moisture. This solution is especially good when you are cleaning cupboards, bedsides etc and there is the presence of mould and mildew because of high humidity.

Ventilate it!

The easiest of all solutions has been discussed at the end. And the reason is, most people suffer from excessive indoor humidity only because of not providing the indoor with fresh air. The indoor needs to breathe in fresh to rid itself of the moist air. You could easily fight the moisture problem, in many cases, simply by allowing the indoor to have good air flow. As the fresh air flows in and the moist air goes out, the humidity comes to normal. Make use of windows, Air Conditioner fan and exhaust fans to execute this plan.
Note that ventilation is important on a daily basis. However, do keep a check on outdoor humidity and when on very hot summer days, the outdoor humidity level is high, avoid opening windows for ventilation in the day, except in the early morning time.

Using these ways, you can keep the indoor humidity always in control.

For many people, ductwork is something that does not need maintenance. The truth is; dirty ductworks have been proven to be a primary cause of allergies and bad indoor air quality. Let's begin with what people think and how things actually are. Homeowners assume that ductwork has filters at the openings that supply air to the home; so dust and debris if there's any, gets trapped by the filters. The reality is; this does not always happen this way. The reason is; there are different types of filters and the filters commonly used by homeowners are of such quality so as not to completely filter the pollutants. As a result, whatever dust and debris get built up in the ductwork, begins to circulate with the air that cycles throughout the home. And the duct cleaning reminds equally important even in the case of advanced filters. So whatever the type of air filter, the ductwork does need cleaning. Scheduling a spring ductwork cleaning could be especially very beneficial and here's why;

Reasons to schedule Spring Duct Cleaning 

- Improvement in airflow 

The benefit of getting a spring duct cleaning is that the ductwork becomes clean and this improves the airflow. Usually, in spring, the high presence of pollen and other allergens affect the airflow, further hindering the proper flow in summers when it is much needed. Getting the ductwork cleaned in spring ensures a peaceful summer.

- Odour removal 

In winters, the moisture created as a result of warmth produced by Furnace creates dampness in the ductwork. This moisture gives way to the production of mould and eventually bad odours. Getting the ductwork cleaned in Spring after a long Winter prevents odours from spreading.

- Easy cleaning 

The dirty ductwork, as said above, makes the indoor air dirty. And when it pollutes the indoor air, it actually affects the home as well. So you have more cleaning to do. More dusting, more vacuuming is included as your daily and weekly cleaning. Getting the ductwork cleaned in Spring when there are more pollutants than any other season of the year, a cut-down on routine home cleaning can be ensured.

Dirty ductworks also burden HVAC appliances. The more an Air Conditioner/ Furnace has to push harder to blow the air, the more it gets burdened. And an appliance when it has to push hard comes at a risk of breakdown and wear & tear. This suggests that dirty ductwork can actually increase repairing possibilities so there's no sanity in avoiding duct cleaning in order to save some dollars.

How often should you schedule Duct Cleaning? 

Experts suggest that duct cleaning at residential spaces should be done at least once a year.  And the best time this can be done is the springtime. But be sure, as you invest in Duct Cleaning, to choose the right professionals. Getting service from unprofessional technicians would be synonymous to wasting your hard earned money.

What was the last time you had your ductwork cleaned? What were the changes that you felt after that?

Basic types of central air conditioner:

Split system Air conditioner	Ductless Air Conditioner
The system will have two major components evaporative coil and a condensing unit.	A ductless air conditioner will have a wall-mounted indoor unit and one compressor.
The compressor unit delivers the refrigerant to evaporator coil and removes moisture.	It distributes the air through piping, not from large air ducts.
Split air conditioners are easier to fix and repair.	Ductless air conditioners are comparatively less expensive.
If you have a furnace in the home, it is possible to amend the existing ducts in such a way, that air conditioner can be easily accommodated.	The ductless air conditioner can only be installed in a place that has no pre-existing ducts.
A split air conditioner is larger in size.	It is perfect for small finished attics

Perfect sizing:

Efficiency:

Programmable Thermostat and a maintenance plan:

Noise rating:

Winters can become horrendous with a failing Furnace. In order to prevent yourself from an ice age inside your home, you may need to repair or replace your Furnace as soon as possible. As a responsible homeowner, you should keep an eye on your Furnace and if a malfunctioning is found, get it repaired instantly.
Here are 7 furnace problems you should never ignore. With a little hand, you can save the day!

1. Strange Noises

Ever experienced strange noises coming out of your furnace? If yes, then that’s quite a big sign of a failing furnace. Not paying attention to this problem may cause you a big deal. This failure may need a technician to repair or replace the blower motor as the set screw on the blower wheel may have loosened causing the wheel to wobble on the motor shaft and create noise.

2. Pungent Smell

That awful rotten cabbage smell we all experience is a sign of gas leaking from the Furnace. This pungent smell is actually a component added to natural gas for safety precautions. If your house is becoming smelly like a rotten egg or cabbage, immediately leave your house and call the gas company to fix this problem.

3. Mounting Utility Bills

Utility bills emptying the pockets cannot always be blamed on utility companies because a malfunctioning Furnace can give you chills through bills. If a Furnace is not working efficiently, it consumes more energy to produce the desired results increasing utility fees. To fix this problem, a professional needs to check and repair your Furnace and in some cases even replacing the whole unit.

4. Carbon Monoxide Leakage

Now, this is quite dangerous as leaking carbon monoxide may not be deducted instantly. If a yellow flame appears in your Furnace flame rather than striking blue (a proper functioning furnace has a blue flame), moisture on the nearby surface and no upward airflow from chimneys then it’s a clear sign of carbon monoxide leakage from either exhaust flue or heat exchanger pipes. Cracks and rust in these areas are a sign of dying Furnace too. If any of these signs along with nausea, headache, burning eyes or vomiting are noticed, make sure to leave the house immediately as it is Carbon monoxide exposure which can be lethal and call the gas company to shut your gas immediately.

5. Heat Distribution

When some rooms in the house remain colder than others, that’s a sign of malfunctioning Furnace which is caused by the internal systems not working properly. Call a professional immediately to prevent from greater damage.

6. Frequent Repairs or Replacements

A Normal modern furnace has a lifespan of 15-20 years, however, every machinery depending on its usage and annual inspections may encounter mechanical failure. Any machine beyond its age limit can cause a big deal. If your Furnace requires a repair every few months then you should consider getting a new furnace for your own good!

How old is your Furnace? What was the last time you had your Furnace repaired?