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Q&A: Will An A/C and Furnace Replacement Increase The Value Of My Home?

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A: Replacing your outdated HVAC system can certainly improve the value of your home. This is especially important when living in climates with extreme weather conditions - hot summer days and cold winter nights. Here in Toronto, where we most definitely experience both ends of the weather spectrum, it may be a good idea to consider some of the ways an air conditioner and/or furnace replacement can be beneficial for your home:

Lower Energy Costs: It's no surprise to find out that on average, heating and cooling costs account for more than half of utility costs in Canadian homes. And therefore, it is imperative for homeowners to make energy efficient decisions when it comes to their home's heating, ventilating, and air conditioning system. Replacing older heating and cooling systems that often operate around 60 to 65 percent AFUE with new high efficiency systems currently on the market that operate well over the 90 percent mark will save hundreds and thousands of dollars in fuel …
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5 Easy Ways to Extend The Life Of Your HVAC Unit

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For more info please visit: www.1st-Air.ca
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Q&A: The Ideal Indoor Humidity Level In The Winter

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Q: I have the humidifier set to the highest setting of 45 percent but the highest the humidity level I can get in the house is a reading of 35 percent. The house feels dry and I would like to increase the humidity in the house but I am unsure how to do this?

A: That's completely normal and expected.  And actually with the current outdoor temperature, you should not set nor expect to reach more than 35%. Here's why. Below, please see the chart by the manufacturer. The outdoor temperature is in F. Currently it is close to -6C, 21F and in fact feeling much closer to 10F and based on this outdoor temperature, it is never recommended to go any higher than about 35%. 


Going any higher than the above table numbers is strictly not recommended due to high chance of condensation on the windows, which will then be grounds for formation of mold and bacteria. Basically any humidifier is designed not to reach higher than the above numbers, based on outdoor temperature. And please keep in mind…
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Save Up To $1700 With Lennox!

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Purchasing a new furnace or air conditioning unit is now made easier! 1st Air, our sister company and Lennox premier dealer, is now offering: Mail In Rebate of up to $1700 with the purchase of a qualifying Lennox Home Comfort System. AND  Receive up to $2000 in Enbridge RebatesReceive up to $650 in IESO (OPA) Rebates
Buying a new furnace or air conditioning unit may be necessary — and often times a great way to save money long term — particularly if you experience any of the following signs we have briefly pulled together to help you know when it’s time to replace your heating and cooling equipment. 
Your heat pump/air conditioner is older than 10 years and/or furnace is older than 15 years. These are the average life expectancy and if your furnace or air conditioner is older than 15 years, it may be a good idea to begin shopping! Most homeowners will prefer to replace their HVAC equipment after much research and planning has been done, rather than a panic replacement due to system fail…
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How To Extend The Life Of Your HVAC System!

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There are a few steps you as a homeowner can take to ensure the air flows efficiently in your home for many years to come. 
1. The first thing you want to do is to make sure the HVAC system installed in your home is properly sized. The size of your furnace and air conditioner will play a fundamental role in how efficiently the system will operate. 
Say you purchase a high efficiency furnace (with 98% efficiency), you should only expect it to perform to peak efficiency if it is right-sized. Finding the right sized gas furnace for your home requires the knowledge of the proper criteria where the orientation of a home needs to be examined. The right HVAC professional will not only help you to select the right heating and cooling system for your home, but they will have received the appropriate certification and training required. In this way, the capacity of the furnace to put out heat compared to the electrical input based on the size of a home, window efficiency, etc must be considered…
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Choosing The Right HVAC Company: Be Aware Of Misleading Tactics

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For you to recognize which Toronto HVAC company you should confide, there are a few misleading tactics we want to share that a number of practicing Heating and Cooling contractor companies make use of to close a deal with you. So next time you come across an advertisement or run into an HVAC sales representative, hopefully you can apply these tips to decide on whom you can rely.
1. Is the potential contractor an Accredited member of the Better Business Bureau, with a decent BBB rating?
Nowadays, with many quick money-making scams in every business, it is always recommended by authorities to deal with businesses that are accredited members of the Better Business Bureau, so that the company would have a transparent record of interactions with previous clients. This is especially recommended when dealing with contractors. In fact, being a BBB member, brings about a unique sense of responsibility for the company to try and put its best foot forward in all endeavours.
2. Are you offered a m…
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Spring Cleaning Starts With Your Home Comfort System!

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With spring just around the corner, spring cleaning is a tradition that should extend to your HVAC system to ensure your home is running in top shape! Here are some fast and easy things you as a homeowner can do to give your home system the checkup it needs:


Check the controls of your heating and cooling equipment at the beginning of every new season: Examine the starting cycle to see if the system starts, operates and turns off properlyCheck your furnace and air conditioning filters monthly and replace if dirty. A dirty filter can cause early system failure and increase energy costs.Inspect the condensation drain in your air conditioner, furnace and heat pump. Make sure it is kept clean and clear as a plugged drain will cause problems (water damage, impact humidity levels).Take a look at your thermostat settings. You want to maintain a comfortable temperature in the home and save energy and money while away.Clean blower components. You want to avoid airflow problems.Remove the housing…
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