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Frequently asked HVAC questions.
We're here to answer all of your questions. If you can't find the answer you need, send us an email or give us a call. There are no stupid questions, especially in HVAC!
How can I tell if I need to replace my water heater?
There are a few things you can look for to tell if your water heater needs to be replaced. Some of the easiest things to spot are:
- Unit Age: If your water heater is over 6 years old, then it’s time to think about replacing it. Check the manufacturer label to find out how old your unit is.
- Rusty Water: If your hot water has a rusty colour when it comes out of the tap, then parts of the tank have rusted and corroded. The tank needs to be replaced right away.
- Noise: If your unit is making loud noises, that is a sure sign that it is on its last legs and needs to be replaced.
- Water Leaks: If you notice a puddle around your water heater, there is definitely a leak in the unit. If the unit is also old, then it should be replaced. Otherwise, it might be able to be repaired.
- Cold Water: If try to run hot water from any of your taps or shower, and no hot water comes out, then your water heater has stopped functioning and needs to be fixed or replaced.
How often do I need to replace my water heater?
If your house uses a gas water heater, it will typically last 6 to 8 years. Electric water heaters can last anywhere from 8 to 10 years. It is still possible that these units will need to be replaced sooner. You can check how old your water heater is by looking for the installation date on the manufacturer label on your unit. If your unit is old, contact our HVAC professionals right away for an inspection and we can go over your options for a replacement!
How much do HVAC maintenance plans cost?
There is no one set price for a maintenance plan because every system has different parts and needs. This is the same among almost all HVAC companies. We will provide you with a free quote within 24 hours of our visit and will never put pressure on you to buy. A maintenance plan from Sauve Heating & Air Conditioning offers incredible value through:
- System tracking and analysis to find problems before they become expensive fix or replacement issues
- 30% off parts and labour for any repair or replacement work we do
- 50% off diagnostics
- 2 years free maintenance and labour warranty on every new installation
- Flexible payment options
Can I convert a gas furnace to electric?
Gas furnaces can’t be converted to electric. There are different components in each type of system which make this conversion impossible, and a gas furnace will always need a source of fuel to run. You can convert the fuel system in a gas furnace to change the type of fuel it uses. For example, you can change a gas furnace that uses propane into one that uses natural gas. If you would prefer to have an electric furnace, then the gas unit will need to be completely replaced. If you are looking to make the switch, our team can provide all the information you need and help you make it happen!
Can anyone install a furnace?
Installing a furnace is a fairly complicated process. You need to choose a unit that will fit in your HVAC system and then make sure it is properly installed or it won’t work. Furnace installation gets even more dangerous if the unit runs on oil or natural gas. Only licensed HVAC professionals have the training and expertise needed to get the job done properly. Having our team of HVAC professionals install your new furnace will give you peace of mind knowing that you got the right unit for your home, the unit was installed properly, and is backed by our two year no-worry maintenance guarantee!
Why does my furnace smell like it’s burning?
The main cause of a burning smell coming from your furnace is a clogged air filter. If your air filter is clogged, your furnace’s blower motor has to work extra hard and overheat. This overheating can emit an unpleasant burning odour. Another less common possibility is that your furnace is experiencing an electrical issue, which can be a serious fire hazard and should be checked out immediately. If you are not sure what is causing the burning smell, give the Pros at Sauve Heating a call so we can come inspect your furnace and make any necessary fixes.
How often should I change my furnace filter?
As a general rule of thumb, you should check your furnace filter every month and change it at least every 12 months. If you have pets, have a smoker in your house, have done renovations, often leave the windows open or have a dusty house you will have to change your filters more often.
Why do I have to change filters on my furnace?
Changing the filters on your furnace is important for your well wellbeing as well as the wellbeing of the furnace itself. Changing the filter ensures that the air in your home remains clean and clear of dust, dander, and other pollutants which can be floating in the air. If your filter is full, then it will not be able to filter out these particles. Additionally, when a furnace has a full filter, air does not pass through as easily and your furnace has to work harder to heat and move the air throughout your home. This extra work puts stress on your furnace, making it more likely to break down. It also uses extra energy to force the air through the dirty filter, costing you more money to run it.
Do I really need to clean my furnace?
Any appliance that burns any type of fuel should be cleaned on a yearly basis. Having your furnace cleaned ensures proper and efficient operation. It extends the life of the appliance and is now required (as per your manual) to ensure warranty coverage. Not all cleanings are performed equally. Sauve Heating and Air Conditioning perform two visits each year on all HVAC installations and equipment. The main cleaning is a top-to-bottom “preventative” maintenance where our team cleans the insides of the appliance and monitor the individual components for proper operation and critical readings. The second visit is a side-to-side check-up to ensure that all parts are still functioning the same as before and that the readings are the same (or similar). Since we provide these regularly scheduled maintenance check-ups, we are often able to spot upcoming failures before they happen.
When should I get a new furnace?
At Sauve Heating & Air Conditioning, our goal is to give our client’s the most life out of their furnace as possible. We will ask you “how much longer you would like your furnace to last?” and do our best to make that happen. We're focused on developing long-term relationships with you and your furnace.
Our technicians will regularly offer their opinion and recommendations in order to stay on top of your HVAC system and prevent any HVAC emergencies from occurring.
Our team of experts can help you to determine whether it is more beneficial to continue investing in your current HVAC system or replace it with a new one, depending on the cost of the repairs and the age of your furnace.
Can installing a ductless system increase the value of my home?
Yes, it can. Installing a ductless heating and cooling system that covers the entire home can increase resale value for a number of reasons:
- Savvy home buyers tend to be more interested in a home’s functionality (like heating and cooling) than cosmetic features.
- Homes with built-in air conditioning such as a central air conditioning system typically sell for more than homes without it.
- The superior energy efficiency and climate control capabilities of a ductless system compared to traditional systems is an incredibly valuable selling point for financially and environmentally conscious people.
Can a ductless heat pump heat my whole house?
Yes! Using a best-in-class multi-room ductless heat pump and cooling system from Fujitsu, you can install up to eight indoor units throughout your home to give your system full coverage of the house. You will also be heating your home in the most energy efficient way possible which your wallet will love. Our HVAC professionals will help you set up your system in a way which will cover your entire house for optimal heating and cooling.
When is getting a ductless heat pump the best option?
Depending on your circumstance, you may want to get a ductless HVAC system over a traditional ducted system. Ductless heat pumps are practical HVAC choices for a number of situations, including:
- Heating and cooling a smaller space, addition, or outbuilding.
- In rooms which are not regularly used
- For people who have dust allergies
- For those who want to avoid more complex systems requiring installation of ducting
- For people who want to have specific temperatures for individual rooms
My house is always cold, what should I do?
A great first step is to seal any drafty windows or doors. If you continue to experience a chill throughout the house, it is possible there is a problem with your furnace or maybe your ductwork. It could be as simple as adjusting how much air is coming out of certain vents, or maybe adding a couple extra vents.
There are a number of factors that could be at play if your house remains cold:- Is your furnace the right size and is it working properly?
- Are there enough supply vents throughout the house and in the proper locations?
- Are there enough return air vents?
- Are any vents covered?
- Is the thermostat registering an accurate assessment of the home?
Sauve Heating & Air Conditioning has a reputation for finding solutions to the toughest problems, something many other companies don't take the time to do. We take our time to find the issue(s) and offer multiple targeted options, usually consisting of a combination of solutions to keep your home comfortable.
Adding insulation is one of the most cost-effective ways to add comfort to a home. That said, a properly-sized furnace and adequate distribution system (ductwork) should be able to overcome any lack of insulation.
What is eco-friendly heating and cooling? Is it worth the investment?
When it’s time to replace your heating or cooling system, you will inevitably weigh all the options available including more efficient equipment systems. Eco-friendly heating & cooling is a term used to describe heating and cooling systems that use resources more responsibly and efficiently, with both the environment and your wallet in mind.
If you are in the market for a new heating or cooling system, choosing a higher energy efficient system is a good option that benefits the environment and will save you money in the long run. These types of systems include high-efficient natural gas or propane furnaces and heat pumps.
Our gas-burning equipment start at 96% efficient, while our heat pumps are 300-400% efficient. Sauve Heating and Air Conditioning will take the time to go through your options in order to find the system that best suits both your needs and your budget.
What is a ductless heat pump?
Unlike traditional HVAC systems, a ductless heat pump, also called ductless HVAC systems or mini-split systems are HVAC systems which can heat and cool a room, or your entire home, without ductwork. They usually consist of a wall-mounted indoor unit combined with a condenser, which is outside. Ductless heat pumps or mini-split systems ensure that your home is always the temperature you want.
What is HVAC maintenance?
There are, of course, many different types of HVAC maintenance. For starters, there’s proactive maintenance for your heating & cooling systems. Common types of proactive maintenance include:
- Furnace tune-ups
- Air conditioning tune-ups (and top-offs)
- Filter maintenance (ensuring that you change filters at the right intervals, and select the right filters, can save you money and help ensure you’re breathing better air)
How often do I need to service my air conditioner? What maintenance plans and service tune-ups do you offer?
We offer an annual A/C maintenance plan. With the Sauve Heating Family Plan, you’re getting protection that includes:
- Two visits per year (one for comprehensive maintenance and one tune-up)
- Tracking & analysis (looking at your A/C electric bill, detecting potential air conditioning problems, etc.)
- 30% off parts & labour for air conditioning repair service
- 50% off diagnostic fees for A/C repair & service
Still have questions?
Give us a call or send us an email and we’ll be happy to help. Call (613) 258-7173 for Kemptville and surrounding areas or (613) 925-0223 for Prescott and surrounding areas.
