Tuesday, 19 December 2017

Benefits of a WiFi Thermostat

A WiFi thermostat allows you to have maximum convenience and efficiency when heating or cooling your home.

Whether it be your home or your workplace, heating and cooling takes up a decent chunk of the owner’s expenses on their monthly utility bill. A WiFi thermostat allows you to access your heating and cooling controls and settings through the internet to make for the most efficient use of energy and dollars spent on your utility bills. These small gadgets have a multitude of benefits that will make your life just that much easier than before.

The Benefits of a Having a WiFi Thermostat:

  • Adjusting the temperature in your home or office is made easier than ever

With a WiFi thermostat you can control the temperature in your home or office without standing up or moving towards your thermometer. You can be in the room next door or on a different continent and still have the access to your temperature settings with the click of a button on your Smartphone. This will allow you to be aware of any possible problems with your heating system while you aren’t there, such as a damaged or malfunctioning furnace. You will be able to prevent any heating or cooling problems from escalating further without having to be physically there to notice them.

  •  Receive weather alerts via email

Many WiFi thermostats give the user the option to receive weather alerts to their email whenever there is a change in the area of their property. With this feature you can change the internal temperature of your home or office to accommodate for the weather changes ahead and maintain optimum efficiency.

  • Receive notifications when it’s time to change the air filter

Some WiFi thermostats have the feature of alerting you via email or text message when it is time for maintenance, such as changing the air filter. This means that you will now know exactly when the right time is to perform maintenance. Changing the air filter will keep your HVAC system running efficiently and prolong its operational life. Performing regular maintenance on your heating and cooling equipment will keep it in great condition and remove the need for frequent costly repairs down the line.

  •  Save both time and money

A WiFi thermostat makes it possible to alter the temperature in your office or home, as long as your device has an internet connection. Having this type of control means that you can change the temperature at home when nobody is there to save both energy and money.

  •  Smart WiFi Thermostats that don’t need to be programmed

There exists a type of thermostat called a “smart” WiFi thermostat or learning thermostat which keeps track of your preferred settings and automatically alters the temperature according to that information. This type of thermostat will collect data over a period of time and creates a schedule for when it is time to adjust the temperature to the liking of its owner. This removes the need to program your thermostat and saves you time.

 

If you have any more questions or concerns regarding WiFi thermostats or any of your other HVAC needs, DeMark Home Ontario is more than willing to provide you with a solution to your problem. Our experts will provide you with quick and efficient furnace Air Conditioner service and replacement performed by our highly experienced and trained technicians.

Call us at 647-847-2998 or fill out online request form and we will be happy to assist you with your request.

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get total piece of mind with our High Efficiency Furnace and Air Conditioner Rental Program.

 

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Friday, 8 December 2017

HVAC problems?

Do you have HVAC problems? Get comfortable finding a contractor

It keeps you warm in icy winter and cool in the summer heat, but how much do you really know about your HVAC? Sure, you control it with the thermostat on your wall, but let’s face it, there was also a time you weren’t entirely sure what HVAC stood for. Don’t worry, you’re not the only one (it’s Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning, by the way).

While the ‘heat’ and ‘cool’ options are simple, your HVAC is actually quite a complex system. That’s why it’s important to choose a qualified professional when it comes to installation, replacement, and upgrades. To help give you the edge on finding a contractor, we asked Warren Heeley, president of the Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada (HRAI), what homeowners need to know.

What’s the difference between qualified and unqualified contractors?
With the complexity of the equipment and the training requirements dictated by the province, qualified HVAC contractors must have proper licenses to cover both the business and their individual technicians, as well as insurance to protect themselves and their clients. Certified contractors can also offer energy-efficiency rebates to help offset some of the costs for upgrading to new equipment.

How can homeowners make sure they’re dealing with a qualified professional?
A little research goes a long way. When you talk to potential contractors, explore their qualifications to ensure they can get your job done right. The performance level of your HVAC system is directly related to how well it’s installed, so it’s good to learn what needs to be done to your HVAC system, the range of available systems, and what you should be looking for. Then get a quote from at least two or three contractors and make sure these companies provide you with thorough information about their recommendations and qualifications.

What problems do you face using an unqualified contractor?
If you use an unqualified contractor, you take the risk that your HVAC won’t operate properly. This can result in a variety of problems from uncomfortable temperatures to increased energy use. In addition to making your dollar spend worthwhile, it’s comforting to know that qualified heating and air conditioning contractors must comply with a range of different regulations related to energy, safety standards, and environmental requirements on an ongoing basis.

What does price have to do with finding the right HVAC contractor?
There can be a significant cost involved to ensure an HVAC system is installed and operating properly. If you get quotes from qualified contractors, they should be in the same price range. If one of the prices is significantly lower than the others, remember that ‘if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.’ And don’t be afraid to ask questions and negotiate if you don’t think the price is right.

What’s ultimately at stake here?
When it comes to your HVAC, you’re investing in a core piece of your home that will last between 10 to 20 years – if it’s installed properly. By taking the time to find a qualified contractor, you can be confident the hard stuff was taken care of by a pro and focus on impressing everyone with your comfortable home.

 

If you have HVAC problems and you need an assistance with a furnace repair or are looking for a replacement in Ontario, DeMark Home Ontario is here at your service. We provide quick and efficient furnace service and replacement performed by our highly experienced and trained technicians.

Call us at 647-847-2998 or fill out online request form and we will be happy to assist you with your request.

Look for a qualified HVAC contractor at www.hrai.ca and visit saveonenergy.ca/hvac for more information on energy efficiency rebates.

Read more – Toronto Star

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get total piece of mind with our High Efficiency Furnace and Air Conditioner Rental Program.

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Wednesday, 6 December 2017

Holiday home energy savings

This holiday season, don’t blow all your money on your electrical and heating bills, learn about energy savings today and spend those extra bucks on the people you love.

Whether it be the holiday lights or the overnight house guests, the holidays are often when people see a big jump on their utility bills. Lucky for you, it is possible to keep the holiday cheer alive and make room for energy savings by making a few smart moves ahead of time. This holiday season you can save some cash with these ten energy savings tips below and have a few more bucks to stuff in the stockings:

  • Check for any furnace problems – It’s easy to neglect your furnace over the summer when it isn’t needed, but over the holidays when it’s getting more use than ever you want to make sure it’s in its ideal operating condition. Something as simple as changing your furnace filter every three months can save you up to 5 percent on your heating bills. If you suspect that there are any problems with your furnace that need to be taken care of, now would be the perfect time to solve them, especially if you have an old furnace unit (10 + years old). Rid yourself of all your heating problems now, so that you know for sure that your heating system won’t give out while you and your 20 house guests are celebrating new year’s eve.
  • Use a timer for your Christmas lights – Christmas time is always met with christmas decorations, such as trees with ornaments, bright lights, and christmas wreaths. Christmas lights are one of the most recognizable symbols of Christmas and they help to bring out the holiday cheer in us all. Many people keep their christmas light on all throughout the day, every single day during the holiday season, but that isn’t necessary. Not only is it unnecessary, but it also makes for a ton of wasted energy which can easily be avoided. Put your christmas lights on a timer so that they only come on when the sun goes down and they can be in plain sight. Also, if your christmas lights are decades old it may be smart to invest in some new energy efficient LED lights. LED lights are up to 90% more efficient than your old christmas lights and are result in far more energy savings.
  • Check for leaks – The cold and frigid Canadian weather is already here and I bet we all want to keep our homes as warm and cozy as possible yo avoid the cold this holiday season. Check the windows and doors around the house for drafts. Make sure that there is proper caulking around all of your windows, particularly on top of the window. The top of windows is typically where you’ll find a gap in the caulking and is how all the cold air gets in your home. When you’re paying money and using energy to heat your home all winter, you wanna know that it’s the home that’s being heated and not the outdoors.
  • Ensure that your ceiling fan spins in the right direction – In the summertime you use your ceiling fan to produce a nice breeze which cools you off, but in the winter it can be useful to distribute heat throughout the room. Make sure that your ceiling fan spins clockwise in the winter time which pulls the warm air down from the ceiling and will make the room feel warmer. So, instead of bumping up your thermostat a few degrees you can try using your ceiling fan to distribute warm air and promote energy savings.
  • Use your programmable thermostat – Many people own a programmable thermostat but forget to actually put its features to good use. A simple way to create energy savings is to program your thermostat to be a couple degrees cooler at night when you’re asleep and during the day when you’re at work. If you have a lot of people in your home you can also turn down the heat a degree or two, more people means more body heat. Your furnace fan can also be programmed to not turn on during the day which will allow you to save some energy that way as well.
  • Replace regular light switches with dimmers – Swapping out the regular light switches you have in your home for dimmers allows you to extend the lifetime of your lightbulbs while also saving energy. Dimming a light by just 10 per cent will extend the lifetime of a lightbulb by more than double.
  • Buy Energy Star certified products – Your loved ones deserve what’s best, so, when buying them an electronic gift this holiday season try to make it an energy efficient one. I’m sure that your relatives or friends will be appreciative that their new Energy Star certified gadget will also save them some money on their energy bills unlike the generic alternative.
  • Use low-flow showerheads – During the holiday season it’s expected that relatives and friends will stay overnight. These overnight stays lead to more showers which also means more water usage. Installing low-flow showerheads and aerators for the taps will extend your hot water supply and cause for energy savings as well.
  • Check the insulation in the attic – The attic is more often than not an ignored space in the household where little to nothing ever happens. You may have not been in your attic in a very long time, but you might want to have a look some time soon if you want to ensure that there is no wasted energy in your home. Have a look in your attic and see if there is an adequate amount of insulation. There should be at least 12 inches of insulation in your attic so that no cold air is coming in and no warm air is sneaking out.
  • Keep watch over your energy usage – To see exactly how much and when the energy in your home is being consumed, purchase an energy monitor and see all of your energy statistics. An energy monitor is connected to your home’s electricity meter and shows exactly when and how much electricity is being used in your home (in kilowatts or dollars). This useful tool can help you create energy savings to the best of your abilities by showing you the true cost of your energy usage minute by minute.

 

If you have any more questions regarding energy savings, furnace repairs or replacement, or any of your other HVAC needs, feel free to contact DeMark Home Ontario. Call us at 647-847-2998 or fill out online request form and we will gladly provide you with the answers you need.

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get total piece of mind with our High Efficiency Furnace and Air Conditioner Rental Program.

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Tuesday, 5 December 2017

Furnace Repair vs. Replacement

The winter season is the time of year when furnace problems and complications may become an issue in your household, so, is it better to choose furnace repair or replacement?

Most people are able to withstand the Canadian winter by having the comfort of  a working furnace in their home, but if that isn’t the case then you’re most likely in need of a furnace repair or replacement. But which one do you choose? There are a variety of factors in determining which choice is best for your home. When making this decision you need to ensure that the choice you’re making is the right one for your current HVAC system and is the best long-term solution.

When Furnace Repair is the Right Choice

The majority of furnace problems can be solved by a trained and licensed HVAC technician. If your home’s furnace is less than 10 years old then it is very likely that your problem can be solved through a furnace repair. Another good indicator of a furnace that still has many years of operating life ahead is if it is still heating your home efficiently, which can be determined by an HVAC technician. If there is no consistent increase in your heating bills and no issues regarding uneven heating, then your furnace unit is operating correctly. If your furnace unit is relatively new and a repair will cost less than one-third of a new system, then a furnace repair should be the right call to make. If you’re experiencing a drop in your furnace unit’s efficiency you can talk to an HVAC technician about the possibility of a new thermostat or improvement of your home’s ductwork being a solution to the problem.

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When Furnace Replacement is the Right Choice

Your home’s furnace, just like most things out there, is not indestructible and will deteriorate and fail as it reaches the end of its useful life. The expected lifetime of a furnace is 15-20 years, so, if your system is approaching or past the 15 year mark, then a furnace replacement may be necessary. If your furnace is less than 15 years old, but is still needing constant repairs to keep it running then that is another clear sign that a replacement should be the right choice. Repairs cost money and although the costs for a repair is less than that of a new furnace system, repair costs add up once they become recurrent and can quickly sum up to be more than a new furnace system would cost you in the first place. A furnace replacement can be necessary when it was improperly installed or if your current furnace unit is undersized for your home and does not provide you with enough heat. In this case, switching out your current undersized unit to a brand new higher capacity unit would provide your home with the amount of heat you need.

 

If you have any more questions or concerns regarding furnace repair or replacement, DeMark Home Ontario is more than willing to help solve your problem. Our experts will provide you with quick and efficient furnace service and replacement performed by our highly experienced and trained technicians. Call us at 647-847-2998 or fill out online request form and we will be happy to assist you with your request.

Easy Rentals...

get total piece of mind with our High Efficiency Furnace and Air Conditioner Rental Program.

The post Furnace Repair vs. Replacement appeared first on DeMark Home Ontario Furnaces, A/C, Water Heaters.

What To Do If Your Air Conditioner Runs All The Time

It’s perfectly normal for an AC to run frequently during a hot summer day, but if your air conditioner runs all the time then that’s a sign ...