Fireplace Remote

It seems there is a lot of confusion when it comes to replacing batteries for thier fireplace remote controls. There is batteries in the handheld remote control , but also batteries in the remote control receiver in the fireplace.

Here’s is a video from Regency Fireplaces website showing how to change your batteries.

Repair Or Replace

Determining whether or not to replace your home central air-conditioning system or repair it can be a difficult choice. There are some things that you can do that can help to ensure you are making the correct decision whether or not to replace it or to have repair work done. We’re going to take a look at some of the things you need to consider if you’re having trouble with you’re A/C system. These simple questions should help you to determine what the right decision will be.

One of the first things you need to ask yourself is whether or not you have had the proper maintenance done on your system. There is lots of evidence that properly maintaining your system can prolong its useful life. It should have maintenance conducted on it annually.

The next thing you need to ask yourself is how old your system is. The average life of this type of unit can run anywhere between 8 and 12 years. If your unit happens to be older than that then it is going to generally cost much more to fix it than it would to just purchase a new system. This is one of the most important aspects to consider if you run into problems with you’re A/C unit. Another thing involving the age is whether or not it is still under the manufacturer warranty. Some units come with up to a five year warranty and it will definitely be much cheaper to have repair work done during a breakdown if it still is under warranty.

The last thing that can be helpful, when trying to make a decision, is to determine what the repair costs would be versus the cost to put in a brand-new system. If you are starting to have frequent breakdowns and need repairs done on a regular basis, then it is probably time to put in a brand-new unit. If it is the first time it has broken down, but it is an older system then it may be more beneficial to just have some repairs done to fix it.

 The majority of cases as long as your central A/C system is still under 10 years old then there is a good chance it is going to be more cost-effective to repair it than it is to buy a new unit. You can use this as a general rule to help you determine what is the best decision for your specific situation.

A Quick Word On Fireplaces

Here’s some questions I get almost on a daily basis.

1. Wood VS. Gas
2. What kind of gas installations are available.

Here’s some info found on the Natural Resources Canada website.

Gas VS. Wood

Gas fireplaces, when compared to traditional wood burning fireplaces, offering homeowners many benefits as secondary heat sources:

• They are easier and less work than traditional wood-burning fireplaces.
• They offer the convenience of an on/off switch and a steady fuel supply. With a gas fireplace, when he gas supply is shut off, the fireplace goes out immediately.
• There is no need to clean your hearth, only the glass, and the home doesn’t get the same mess – ashes, wood chips, bark, smoke and other residue – that it would get from a wood fire.
• Because direct vent gas fireplaces are sealed combustion units, there is little chance for toxic combustion gases to spill into the home, and efficiency is improved because they use no room air.
• When vented to the outdoors, they produce much less carbon monoxide and particulate emissions than wood fireplaces.

What types are available today?

Much progress has been made in gas fireplace technology in recent years. What you choose will depend on your situation and personal preferences.

Three basic types of gas fireplaces are widely available in Canada: inserts, zero – clearance units and free standing designs. Your biggest challenge will be sorting through the wide range of models available to select a unit that is as efficient as possible that suits your particular needs.

• Gas fireplace inserts are meant to be installed in an existing fireplace cavity, to convert a wood-burning fireplace to use natural gas or propane. The gas burner and simulated logs are contained in a special metal housing that fits into the existing fireplace cavity. The unit has a glass front for viewing and a decorative metal trim. Existing chimneys must be relined with an approved vent when a gas insert is installed.
• Factory-built (zero-clearance) gas fireplaces are installed when there is no existing fireplace, typically during new home construction or as part of a renovation project. The simulated logs and burner are inside their own firebox, around which is an inner and outer shell. This type of gas fireplace can be installed inside the house envelope, even against an outside wall. The manufacturer’s instructions must be followed carefully in regard to proper clearances from combustibles and approved venting materials.
• Free-standing fireplaces resemble wood-burning stoves. All surfaces are exposed, so these fireplaces tend to be more effective in supplying heat to a home since heat is not lost up the chimney or in wall cavities.

The glass fronts on all of these gas fireplaces can be manufactured from tempered or ceramic glass. Ceramic glass is slightly better at transmitting infrared heat into the room. However, it’s principal benefit is that it can better withstand higher temperatures associated with sealed units.

6 Tips as we head into A/C Season

1. Before you turn on the Air Conditioner, remember to remove the cover and debris such as leaves or sticks.
2. Make sure the breaker is turned on at the panel 12 hrs before you turn on the AC (for units over 10 years old).
3. Consider green cooling options: close curtains during the day, plant trees to shield the sun, and replace old appliances that heat the home. For more green tips, go here.
4. The 13% HST is coming – if your furnace or AC needs replacing, installation before July 1 avoids the HST. Email us to get started.
5. Clean your filters and ducts to ensure efficient air flow and help control allergies.
6. Now is the time to have your AC inspected and a Performance Tune Up to ensure peak performance with no breakdowns.

Green Tips

Back Print Page Email Page   Green Tips to help you along your way. Upgrade your furnace! If your heating system is more than 15 years old, it’s costing you too much in energy and you run the risk of an inconvenient breakdown. Contact us to replace it. Set your thermostat as low as is comfortable in the winter and as high as is comfortable in the summer. Clean your air registers and make sure they’re not blocked by furniture, carpeting, or drapes. Install timers on kitchen, bath, and other exhaust fans. Reduce your use of garbage bags by using reusable blue boxes and a composter. During the winter, keep the draperies and shades on your south-facing windows open during the day to allow the sun to warm your home. Repair leaky faucets promptly; a leaky faucet wastes gallons of water very quickly. Insulate the first six feet of the hot and cold water pipes connected to the water heater. Set up a hanging clothes drying system in the basement or outdoors, even for just some items such as sheets and towels. If you haven’t installed a programmable thermostat yet, what are you waiting for? It will save you energy and money. Install timers, photo cells, or occupancy sensors to reduce the amount of time your lights are on. As much as you can, plan your tasks to minimize your need for lighting after dark. Use outdoor lights with a photo cell unit or a motion sensor so they will turn on only at night or when someone is present. Check for holes or cracks around your walls, ceilings, windows, doors, light and plumbing fixtures, switches, and electrical outlets that can leak air into or out of your home. Check for open fireplace dampers. Install exterior or interior storm windows; storm windows can reduce heat loss through the windows by 25% to 50%.