The cost of gas and electricity is always on the rise, and it is becoming increasingly important to consider the energy efficiency of your home furnace. While the cost of a new furnace is a shock for most people, it is beneficial in the long run. Here are a few reasons why buying a new furnace can save you money.

Repair Costs

Newer furnaces save money as they require less repairs. As with anything that gets older, your furnace requires more repairs as it ages. Over time, constant repairs add up and become expensive. Especially when many call-outs or after-hours calls are required, often these costs will exceed that of a replacement furnace. If you find that service calls are becoming more frequent, it is likely time to purchase a new furnace.

Energy Efficiency

Newer furnaces save money as they are more energy efficient. Not only do old furnaces require more repairs, the cost of running and maintaining older furnaces is significantly greater. Overall, older furnace models consume more energy than newer models. Now that technology is more advanced, energy efficient and environmentally friendly furnace models exist and they are definitely better options. 

It is worth noting that older furnace models may also be heating your home unevenly. Naturally, older models are not as efficient in operation or functionality. Older furnaces just cannot keep up with household demands. They become strained which leads to bill increases. Newer furnaces are able to produce more heat while using less energy, saving you money on your energy bills.

Environmental Benefits

Though the environmental benefits of newer furnaces are not always top of mind, they are surely significant. Using efficient heating systems has a positive impact on the environment. With energy-efficient furnaces, the use of fossil fuels and power stations is decreased. This results in reduced consumption of natural resources and less pollution. If everyone made the switch to a more energy-efficient furnace, imagine the magnitude of impact this would have on the environment. 

Not only will a new furnace ensure more money remains in your pocket, but it will also provide you with peace of mind and a dependable source of heat for your home.

These are a few reasons why buying a new furnace can save you money. Be sure to schedule your routine furnace maintenance to ensure your system is running as it should. If you need any assistance with your furnace or home heating and cooling equipment, do not hesitate to contact our team at JOB Heating & Air Conditioning.

Our Saskatchewan winters are around the corner, and it’s time to ensure that your home is ready to combat the chilly Saskatoon days and frosty nights. One of the most crucial steps in winter preparation is getting your furnace in tip-top shape. A well-maintained furnace not only keeps you warm but also saves you money on energy bills. In this blog, we’ll provide you with 10 tips to prepare your furnace for winter.

1. Schedule a Professional Inspection: Start by scheduling a furnace inspection with a JOB Heating & Air Conditioning Inc. qualified HVAC technician. They will check for any potential issues, clean essential components, and ensure that your furnace is running efficiently and safely.
2. Replace or Clean Air Filters: Dirty or clogged air filters can reduce your furnace’s efficiency and worsen indoor air quality. Replace disposable filters or clean reusable ones before the heating season begins, and check them monthly throughout winter.
3. Clean Vents and Ducts: Dust, debris, and even pests can accumulate in your vents and ducts, blocking airflow and reducing efficiency. Consider hiring a professional to clean them, improving air quality and furnace performance.
4. Check for Leaks and Insulate: Inspect your home for drafts and seal any gaps around windows, doors, and vents. Proper insulation reduces heat loss and helps your furnace work less to maintain a comfortable temperature.
5. Test the Thermostat: Ensure that your thermostat is functioning correctly. Replace the batteries if needed and program it to a comfortable and energy-efficient temperature schedule for winter.
6. Lubricate Moving Parts: Regularly lubricate your furnace’s moving parts, such as bearings and motors, to reduce friction and extend their lifespan. Refer to your furnace’s manual for guidance.
7. Check for Gas Leaks: If you have a gas furnace, it’s crucial to check for gas leaks. If you detect a gas odor or suspect a leak, immediately turn off the gas supply and contact a professional.
8. Inspect the Flue and Venting: Check the flue and venting system for any blockages or damage. Proper venting is essential to prevent carbon monoxide from entering your home.
9. Replace Old or Faulty Thermostats: Consider upgrading to a programmable or smart thermostat if your current one is outdated. These devices offer greater control and energy-saving features.
10. Stock Up on Supplies: Lastly, stock up on essential furnace supplies like air filters, spare parts, and a carbon monoxide detector. Having these items on hand can help you stay comfortable and safe throughout the winter.

The heat exchanger is the part of your furnace that is responsible for generating hot air. To create heat, your furnace burns natural gas. When gas is burned, exhaust byproducts travel through the heat exchanger. As the exhaust passes through the furnace’s exhaust outlet, metal is heated. Simultaneously, this hot metal heats the air. From there, your furnace system distributes hot air to your home through your air ducts.  

In order to function properly, the heat exchanger must remain sealed. That is why cracks are detrimental.

What Causes A Cracked Heat Exchanger?

The air inside your furnace and heat exchanger gets extremely hot. As a result, this extreme heat causes the metal inside the heat exchanger to expand and contract. Though well-maintained heat exchangers are built to tolerate this heat, eventually this stress causes cracks.

If your heat exchanger is several years old, stress cracks are common. However, if your heat exchanger is under 10 years old, there are other causes of cracking. Causes of premature heat exchanger cracking include limited airflow, and your furnace being too large for your home.

Limited Airflow

If they are not dealt with, cracked furnace heat exchangers can pose a serious safety risk. If you notice a strange smell coming from your furnace or signs of rust along the exterior, this may indicate that there is a problem.

Carbon Monoxide Leak

Flame-Out or Fire

JOB Heating & Air Conditioning are Trusted Saskatoon furnace experts. They show up on time, deliver on budget, and leave the work area cleaner than when they arrived! They take pride in their work in this city and surrounding area, so nothing means more to us than testimonials from their clients as their preferred plumber in Saskatoon.

Here are 5 fall plumbing tips to help protect your home this season. 

Tip #1: Disconnect and Store Outdoor Water Hoses

Since outdoor hoses are made from rubber, freezing and thawing weakens the material and causes cracks. Disconnecting hoses in the winter and storing them in an area of your home that does not reach freezing temperatures will ensure the longevity of your hose is maintained. If you leave your outdoor hose connected all winter long, any leftover water can freeze and expand. This causes faucets and any connected pipes inside your home to freeze and potentially burst. 

After disconnecting your outdoor house, it is important to check the faucet for any leaks. Faucet leaks can lead to water damage and cause plumbing issues when temperatures drop and things freeze. Once faucets are checked for leaks, it is a good idea to insulate them for further protection.

Tip #2: Shut Off Outside Faucets 

Tip #3: Inspect Your Hot Water Heater and Ensure Maintenance is Completed

The fall season is the perfect time to drain your hot water heater as it needs to work much harder in the cold months to provide hot water to your household. Maintenance includes flushing your hot water heater to remove sediment build up. The sediment build up is important to remove as it causes rust and can block proper heat transfer. Flushing your hot water heater will ensure it is operating efficiently, saving you money on your hot water bills. 

If your hot water heater is more than 20 years old it may be time to consider a replacement before something goes wrong. You do not want to be stuck without hot water, especially heading into winter.

Tip #4: Insulate Your Pipes

Be sure to insulate any pipes that may be exposed to cold temperatures such as those in your basement and garage. Insulating your pipes properly will prevent them from freezing in the winter. 

It is important to note that it is common for gaps to develop in the areas where pipes enter your home. These gaps between the pipes and the walls allow for cold air to get through. Cold air seepage can lead to pipes freezing and thus increase your heating bill. Luckily these gaps can be sealed using caulking and weather stripping, and taking the time to seal them can prevent larger issues down the road.

Tip #5: Inspect Your Sump Pump

A working sump pump is extremely important to prevent flooding as it removes excess water from the foundation of your property. If your sump pump is left exposed to extreme temperatures it can freeze. Freezing prevents your sump pump from operating correctly and can compromise its ability to protect your home. Be sure to inspect your sump pump this fall to ensure it is working as it should, or have it inspected by a professional if you are unsure.

Though furnaces do not cause allergies, they can be a culprit for making them worse. When summer ends and you switch your heat on for the first time, all the dust and allergens that have built up in heating ducts end up traveling through the ventilation. This impacts air quality in the household. In keeping allergies away, good air quality is key. Here are a few tips to keep your furnace from triggering your fall allergies.

1. Replace Your Furnace Air Filter

HVAC filters are designed to collect allergens. In order to do their job properly, they need to be replaced regularly. A clean filter is more effective at catching allergens and will improve the overall efficiency of your furnace system. Replacing your HVAC filter regularly is one of the best ways to reduce allergies and ensure everyone in your household can breathe easily.

2. Clean Your Air Ducts