How to Prolong the Life of Your Ductless Air Conditioning System

What is great about ductless air conditioning in North Vancouver is that it is comparatively easier to maintain. Unlike ducted Air Conditioning in North Vancouver that requires regular cleaning of the ducts to ensure that no molds, mildew or accumulated dust will occupy it, the maintenance routine for ductless air conditioners is relatively easy.

 

1. Wipe the exterior clean.

If dirt collects on the outside, there is a chance that it will transfer on the inside. So make sure you clean the exterior with a microfiber cloth regularly.

2. Remove anything that obstructs the air conditioning unit and its outdoor exhaust unit. 

Cold air can back up, causing the inside parts to freeze up. Make sure it is not being blocked by a curtain. The exhaust should also be free from debris and shouldn’t be blocked by stray branches or leaves.

3. Clean the filter. 

This is such a basic step for all kinds of HVAC systems. By cleaning the filter, you are removing the collected debris that can prevent the system from functioning efficiently.

4. Get rid of the debris in the condenser and the coils. 

Many ductless air conditioning owners tend to skip this step. But if dirt collects in the coils and the condenser, your air conditioner might fail to work completely.

If these steps are intimidating, you can always call for professional help. Technicians such as Pro Gas North Shore will be able to perform a more thorough check on your air conditioning. Schedule for maintenance at least once a year to ensure that your air conditioner will last for a long time.

Read More

3 Steps to Spring Cleaning Your Heating System

Come spring season, you won’t be using your home system for heating in North Vancouver anymore so it’s important to prepare it for hibernation. In addition to spring cleaning your entire home, also check your home Heating Services in North Vancouver and clean it well.

 
Here are some steps that can effectively keep your heating system in great condition until you need it again in the winter season:

1. Replace old and dirty filters.

Always have your dirty air filters cleaned or replaced. Molds and many other pathogens can easily live in your filters, especially when the heating system isn’t used.

2. Keep your ductwork sealed.

If you won’t be using your ductwork for air conditioning, have it sealed. This prevents dirt and dust from entering the ductwork, which can cause blockage and can prevent the heater from distributing hot air properly throughout the entire house when it will be used next. Molds and mildew can also build up overtime, especially when water seeps in the duct during rainy days.

3. Give your heater one last run and check for any uneven heating function or noise.

It’s a good idea to schedule maintenance appointment. Call professionals such as Pro Gas North Shore to have your entire heating system inspected prior to letting it rest for the summer season. If you schedule for maintenance, you can enjoy a fully-functional heater the next winter. You won’t have to schedule for maintenance as well during winter, which can be difficult when other people also have the same idea.

These three important steps can save your heater from deteriorating during hibernation.

Read More

How to Survive a Hot Summer Night When Your Air Conditioning is Broken

The summer season can be especially grueling. It’s hard to sleep or even function without air conditioning in North Vancouver. This is why it is important to have your Air Conditioning repair in North Vancouver BC regularly serviced by technicians such as Pro Gas North Shore to make sure that it will not break down on you right when you need it the most.

If you do suffer from a malfunctioning air conditioner, schedule for a repair right away. In the meantime, here are some tips that can help you survive a summer night without A/C:

1. Wear loose and thin clothing.

The more clothes you put on yourself, the more likely you are to feel the heat. Choose only comfortable clothes, preferably without sleeves. Expose as much skin as you can. Loose and light-colored clothing are also cooler.

2. Change the settings of your ceiling fan.

Ceiling fans that follow a counter-clockwise direction pulls the hot air in the room upwards and pushes cooler air downwards.

3. Drink plenty of water.

Hydration is key to regulating body temperature. Aside from water, you can also load up on more fruits like cucumber and watermelon.

4. Open your windows.

Let the cool breeze in. Just make sure there are no burglary issues in your area so you are not putting yourself in danger.

5. Avoid using heating appliances.

They add more heat to the room. Don’t use the oven. Order take-out in the meantime.

Choose a technician who can come over and fix your A/C right away so you don’t have to wait a long time without your air conditioning unit.

For more details please visit our website: http://www.progas.ca/

Read More

3 Ways to Light Gas Fireplaces

If you are a novice at gas fireplaces in North Vancouver, you’re probably scared of making a mistake when igniting it. Lighting up Gas Fireplaces in North Vancouver shouldn’t be rocket science. There are three basic methods you can use. 

 

1. Finding the gas source.

You can directly turn on the source of gas. First, find the source of gas. If you are using natural gas, this is the line connected directly to your utility company where a gas meter is stationed outside your house. If you are using propane, there should be a tank located outside your home. For natural gas lines, make sure the valve is parallel to the system’s pipe to open it. For propane tanks, locate the round valve and turn the knob counterclockwise. There should be a gauge that will tell you if gas is already flowing.

2. Turn it on inside.

You can find the fireplace valve inside at the bottom part of your fireplace. There are fireplaces with a switch that you can easily turn on or off. If yours do not have a visible switch, find it somewhere inside the fireplace’s mantel. Turn the valve on and let the gas flow before igniting the fireplace log.

3. Use the controls at the bottom of the fireplace.

It is usually hidden by a grate or a plate. Find the ignition button. It is usually red in color. If there are only on and off knobs, turn the knob to the “on” position.

If you have done these steps and your fireplace isn’t lighting up, call a Heating company in North Vancouver such as ProGas North Shore to help you find the right way to light up your fireplace.

Read More

Central Air Conditioning Tips That Can Save You Money

Most houses are fitted with central air conditioning systems. If you own this type of air conditioning in North Vancouver, you probably know how challenging it is to cut back on electricity costs, especially during the dog days of summer. But with some tips, you can significantly lower down central Air Condition installations in North Vancouver BC costs while still keeping your home appropriately comfortable during the summer season. Here are some of the tips you should do:

1. Your thermostat should be set at 78-degrees Fahrenheit or higher.

If you go lower than that, you are increasing energy consumption by about 8%. Just keep an eye out on your indoor humidity. If you have a central air conditioning system that is too big for your home, the indoor humidity can rise in certain areas of your house.

2. Check the coils.

Dirt and dust can accumulate in the indoor and outdoor coils, which can affect the cooling efficiency of your unit. This routine maintenance can be done by professionals such as Pro Gas North Shore along with other maintenance steps.

3. Make sure the refrigerant is not over or undercharged.

If it is over or undercharged, the air conditioning unit will work not properly. A licensed technician can check the refrigerant charge during the maintenance process.

4. Don’t allow hot air to get in the house.

Your central air conditioning system will only have a harder time cooling down your house. Check to see if the windows are sealed shut. Also draw curtains close or use heavier or darker curtains during the day to prevent UV rays from penetrating.

Try these tips and you can maintain reasonable utility costs during the summer season.

Read More

4 Reasons to Get Gas Fireplace Insert

Old gas fireplaces in North Vancouver are not only notorious for their inefficiency but may also become a source of unhealthy smoke that can stay inside your home, causing any number of illness. This is where the benefits of an insert for Gas Fireplaces in North Vancouver come in.

Here are some of the reasons why you should get one for your existing gas fireplace:

1. It offers efficiency.

This system, which basically operates by placing a pellet insert, offers up to 80% efficiency for many old gas fireplaces. If you can’t afford to change your entire fireplace system just yet, this can be your best and cheapest option.

2. It is greener.

The insert can be operated using alternative source of fuels like dried-up and withered cherry pits. These are not only more sustainable and greener but are also cheaper.

3. It can heat up a good amount of space.

Depending on the heat capacity of your existing fireplace and the size of your existing fuel hopper, an average insert works in heating up to 2,500 square feet of space.

4. It’s easy to use.

It’s basically a no-brainer to use. You just feed the pellets and the system will work in burning it. In some inserts, all you need to do is set your thermostat and the stove will automatically do its work.

But before installing a pellet insert for your existing gas fireplace, make sure you consult an experienced HVAC technician first such as Pro Gas North Shore. This is to make sure that you are using the right kind of insert and that it is installed properly and safely in your heating system.

For more details please visit our website or contact us: http://www.progas.ca/contact/

Read More

Save on Your Water Heating Bill with These Tips!

Did you know that water heating accounts for 12% of your over-all electrical usage? So if you are one of those people dreading their winter season energy bills, you would want to look for ways to lower down your energy consumption.

There are many ways to cut down on water heating consumption. Here are some of the best tips you can use:

1. Use less water and cut down your bathing time.

Save those lengthy bath times for when the season is a lot warmer. This winter, you would want to make your bath time as quick as your hygiene habits will allow. This way, you will use less water and your Hot Water Heating services in North Vancouver won’t spend so much time functioning.

2. Turn down the thermostat.

Turning down the thermostat a degree or two can go a long way in reducing heating costs. It shouldn’t have a huge difference in the temperature of your bathing water.

3. Keep you water pipes insulated.

If the pipes are exposed to cold air, the water that flows through them will be cold and difficult to heat up. But if you insulate your pipes, heating up water to your desired temperature will become much easier.

Investing on more efficient types of hot water heating in North Vancouver such as tankless water heaters is also a good idea. Tankless water heaters that you can find from Pro Gas North Shore are on-demand water heaters that only heat up water as you need them.

For more details About Pro Gas North Shore please visit our website: progas.ca

Read More