You don’t need to be an HVAC technician to know that your home includes multiple different systems to keep your household’s environment more comfortable. An air conditioner keeps your home cool (although you probably already knew that) but what heats your home? Homeowners have the option to heat their home with a furnace, heat pump, boiler, or geothermal system - but which is best? We break down the difference between the two most common sources of heating: the boiler vs.[...]
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Can you be allergic to air conditioning? We can all appreciate the comfort and relief that an air conditioning unit offers, especially on hot summer days. Have you ever considered whether your cooling system has been contributing to your allergy symptoms or discomfort? Surprisingly, the answer is yes - air conditioning can cause allergies! As your dependable heating and cooling professionals, we're here to shed light on this less commonly recognized facet of indoor air quality and how it may[...]
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Are heat pumps energy efficient? Are heat pumps the eco-friendly solution you've been looking for? Heat pumps may be the answer if you want to optimize your home's heating and cooling while reducing energy consumption. Heat pumps are extremely efficient due to their ability to gather heat from the environment and transfer it indoors. Pretty cool, right? In this post, we will go over the technical details of heat pump energy efficiency. So, if you want to learn more about[...]
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How does a heat pump work in winter? Consider that winter has arrived, and you're relying on your dependable heat pump to keep you snug and toasty. Seems pretty straightforward. But have you ever wondered how a heat pump extracts heat from the frigid outdoor air and transports it into your home during the coldest months? In this post, we'll look more closely at how heat pumps work in winter by uncovering what contributes to their ability to provide efficient[...]
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Heat pump vs air conditioning Choosing the right cooling solution is critical for keeping our homes comfortable during hot summer days. Heat pumps and air conditioning systems are two popular choices, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Understanding the distinctions between these methods of cooling can assist you in making an informed decision that meets your needs, budget, and environmental objectives. In this post, we'll delve into the world of heat pumps vs air conditioning, exploring their[...]
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Are heat pumps worth it in Canada? Are heat pumps worth it in Canada? This is a question that many homeowners consider when upgrading their home's HVAC system. With Canada's diverse environment and differing energy costs, it's crucial to weigh the advantages and disadvantages. In this post, we're going to take a look at the value of heat pumps in Canadian homes so you make an informed decision for your own property! Therefore, if you want to learn more, keep[...]
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What is a heat pump, and how does it work? Offering both warmth during winter and refreshing coolness in summer, these versatile devices have revolutionized the way we, as homeowners, control indoor climate. But what is a heat pump, and how does it work? This is a question we get from our customers here at Wardlaw Heating and Air Conditioning. Therefore, if you're interested in upgrading your home comfort but aren't sure whether a heat pump is right for you[...]
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Let’s face it, the humidity level in your home is just as important as the temperature. A home with air that’s too dry or too moist can make for an uncomfortable environment. Luckily, Wardlaw Heating & Cooling is here to explain how you can control the humidity in your home with your HVAC system. Keep reading to learn more about HVAC humidity control. Can you add humidity control to an HVAC system? Some air conditioning units can dehumidify the air.[...]
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Buying a new air conditioner is a big ticket task. It’s not a quick trip to the store, or a one-and-done visit to a website; it’s not a decision you make lightly. It’s a major investment that will have a long-term impact on you & your family’s home comfort and health. That’s why it’s best to break down buying a new air conditioning system into bite-sized tasks. Focus on the factors that matter, one at a time, such as: What[...]
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Know When It's Time to Let Go of Your Old Home Furnace Homeowner pop quiz: what are the signs to look for when your aging furnace has reached the end of its life? Is it obvious--like when it stops suddenly one cold winter day and no longer has a heartbeat? Or can it be more subtle--with moans or groans coming from the basement, as the furnace's lungs struggle to blow hot air? Not sure? No worries. We're here to help[...]
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A Brand New Furnace & AC: The Perfect Christmas Combo A new furnace may not be the first thing that comes to mind as a Christmas gift for someone on your list - it’s a big-ticket item, but one that will be appreciated for decades to come. And while it may not be as flashy as a trip to Europe (or as expensive!), it will warm your house like a new puppy warms your heart. It is also more affordable than you think - click here to take[...]
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We thought we would skip the furnace protection plan, my husband and I, when we purchased our first home. We were young and poor, we thought. What could happen, we thought? What happened, exactly, was the need to replace the most expensive part of our furnace—out of pocket. The furnace guy seemed sorry to have to charge us—but was quick to point out that it would have been covered under the furnace protection plan. We were sorry to be out a tidy sum of cash. So, who needs a Protection Plan—and what are the benefits? Read[...]
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Why Your Older Furnace May Be a Health Risk If you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning or a leak from your furnace, evacuate everyone from your home immediately. Then contact us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for emergency service. A technician came by my home to examine my furnace for a carbon monoxide leak. "Having a CO leak, that puts you and your family at risk. You have kids, right?" I felt shaken, but relieved, when his gas[...]
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The COVID-19 pandemic has caused many homeowners to re-think indoor air quality. After all, the Covid-19 virus spreads through droplets and aerosols—and people who are indoors or in enclosed spaces close to one another, are particularly at risk. Washing hands, sanitizing surfaces, wearing face masks and keeping 2 metres apart have defined our COVID pandemic behaviour. But what happens when a visitor comes calling to your home? Or when family and friends gather inside your house for the holidays? When the weather turns cold, entertaining company outside on the patio is simply not practical for many Canadians. And it is not always possible to crack open a window to improve fresh air ventilation and air flow. So back[...]
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To buy a furnace or to rent a furnace? A technician comes to your house and gives you the news no homeowner ever wants to hear: the furnace is on its last legs, or even worse, broken. Once the shock sets in, you ponder that replacing that older furnace could be in your near future. With the fall and winter weather here, you clearly have a decision to make. If you are tired of furnace breakdowns and ongoing repair bills, read on to learn some reasons why furnace ownership[...]
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Find out what contaminants you and your family could be breathing in at home and the impact they can have on your health. You may not be able to see them, but the average house is a perfect petri dish for a whole host of dangerous pollutants that many of us breathe in every day without knowing it. These invisible indoor air contaminants can come from a variety of sources, such as pet hair, a pest infestation, a lack of[...]
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With over 40 years of professional residential heating and cooling experience, the team at Wardlaw Heating & Cooling is well-equipped to help homeowners update, repair, and maintain their HVAC systems. If you’re considering installing a new furnace into your home in Sault Ste Marie, Wardlaw Heating & Cooling is prepared to provide you with solutions that will help your home become more energy-efficient. For all your heating and cooling needs, homeowners can count on us to get the job done[...]
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If last summer’s heat was a bit much for your household, it might be time to consider air conditioners available to you. However, not all air conditioners are created equal. Central air conditioning can be the bigger investment for cooling your home, but the value derived in the end can make it well worth it. Compared to other types of air conditioning, it can provide a more consistent level of comfort. Wardlaw technicians have over 4 decades of experience installing[...]
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We are living in very interesting times. COVID-19 has crawled it’s way to every corner of the world, and most of us have felt its effect. For everyone’s protection, physical distancing is being practiced around the globe, causing people to hole up in their homes for the foreseeable future. As we adjust to our “new normal,” how do we help ensure our family, home, and HVAC systems are up for the task? Despite the disruption, Wardlaw is still providing the[...]
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HVAC stands for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. HVAC maintenance can include furnace maintenance, air conditioner maintenance, and air filters. Regular HVAC maintenance can help you avoid costly repairs, make your system more efficient, and help improve both air quality and safety. How Do HVAC Systems Work? Furnaces For homes in Sault Ste. Marie and Algoma, furnaces are typically the core of the home HVAC system. Your furnace connects to a duct system, which carries warm air around your home. [...]
Read MoreIf you’re buying a new furnace or air conditioner, you’ll see SEER and AFUE ratings. So, what is a SEER rating and what is an AFUE rating? SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) measures the cooling output of an air conditioner over a typical cooling season, divided by the energy it uses to do so, in Watt-Hours. AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency) measures how efficiently your furnace can utilize its fuel. The more efficient your furnace, the more heat you will get per unit of fuel. These ratings help you understand how[...]
Read MoreIf your air conditioner seems to be working fine, why should you book a maintenance appointment? Isn’t that just a waste of money? Not at all. In fact, keeping your air conditioner well-maintained will save you money. It’s cheaper than a repair and offers you other important benefits, including: Maintaining Energy Efficiency. As your air conditioner works, it slowly loses efficiency. Small problems, full filters, and general wear-and-tear can make it exert more energy for the same cooling power. Not only will these[...]
Read MoreSet thermostat at one temperature. Constant adjusting can cause higher utility costs. If using your thermostat as a setback type, limit the setbacks to twice a day such as when you are at work and when you are sleeping. Only setback the thermostat 6% of desired temperature.In the cooling mode, try not to set the thermostat below 18 degrees. Besides higher utility costs, this can cause the indoor coil to freeze and cause condensation in the house.Don’t stack things on[...]
Read MoreFollow these tips to ensure your home has a smooth transition to the very welcome Spring Season! Fill your sump pit up to ensure your pump switches on an off correctly. Make sure the discharge line on your sump pump is free and clear of ice and debris. Turn your air conditioner on a little earlier than normal, just to make sure it works, that way if you need any service or repair work, you can beat the rush. Just be sure[...]
Read MoreSave Money on Heating and Cooling in Sault Ste. Marie, ON Fight Climate Change Wardlaw is a proud Authorized GreenOn Dealer. What does that mean to you? A great opportunity to save money. To participate, an energy assessment of your home is required, and Wardlaw can help you with the process. Check out GreenOn.ca for more details. Here are some of the highlights, of what you can save for home improvements, and reduce your carbon footprint. • Rebates up to $5,800[...]
Read MoreHome Comfort News for the Customers of Home Air Care Heating & Cooling. Download Fall 2017 Newsletter
Read MoreHome Comfort News for the Customers of Home Air Care Heating & Cooling. Download Spring 2017 Newsletter
Read MoreHome Comfort News for the Customers of Home Air Care Heating & Cooling. Download Fall 2016 Newsletter
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Your Indoor Air Quality is More Important Than you Think Canada and winter go hand in hand - and whether you love our winter season or are counting the minutes until spring, you can count on a lot of snow, cold temperatures, and an abundance of winter activities. Another thing you can count on? Fluctuating humidity. Sudden dryness is often the first sign that winter is approaching. However, there are ways to keep your home humid and comfortable in[...]
Read MoreFurnace filters are one of the most commonly talked about furnace components, but a lot of people still don’t know how to properly maintain them. Furnace filters catch dust, hair and other debris in the air before the air enters the blower fan in your furnace. This subsequently improves the air quality in your home by preventing debris from recirculating in the air. This all sounds great, and it also makes it seem as though the more resistant the filter is,[...]
Read MoreIf it seems like energy prices are rising every six months, that’s because they are. In May, the prices were set to 16.1¢/kWh during peak hours (11:00 am to 5:00 pm), 8.0¢/kWh during off-peak hours (7:00 pm to 7:00 am) and 12.2¢/kWh during mid peak hours (7:00 am to 11:00 am and 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm). This caused an average increase of $5.71 to the monthly energy line and a 4.6% increase to the total bill. In the winter[...]
Read MoreSometimes a cold shower can be refreshing in the summer, but don’t forget how bad they can be in the winter. It’s hard enough getting out of your warm bed, it’s only going to make it harder if you’re fourth in line for the shower and your kids used up all the hot water. You shouldn’t have to worry about that anymore, and with Wardlaw, you won’t. Upgrading your system to a tankless water heater could mean the end of[...]
Read MoreYour home’s heating system can often be a mysterious machine. Many people choose not to understand them because they don’t believe it’s their concern. They’re not wrong, you can leave that part to us, but when you’re thinking of replacing your home comfort system, you should be aware of the options. To keep you up to date on what’s available and most common, below, we have broken down four common heating systems and their pros and cons: Forced Air Systems[...]
Read MoreWhen’s the last time you considered the state of your furnace/air conditioner. Probably when it was costing you too much money or it stopped working altogether. This is perfectly logical because the two things everyone wants in an air conditioner or furnace is comfort and efficiency. To make sure that your system is always working efficiently to keep you comfortable, there’s only one thing you need to do: Perform regular maintenance. Now is the perfect time to get your furnace serviced[...]
Read MoreAir conditioners are complicated machines, and with complicated machines come complicated problems. That’s why we’re here. In Sault Ste. Marie, Algoma and the surrounding areas, we diagnose your system and provide heating and/or cooling solutions. A common problem we can encounter is problems with refrigerant charge (amount). There is no way to check the charge of refrigerant in your air conditioning system without a licensed technician, but there are definitely signs that you should get your system checked. Refrigerant is[...]
Read MoreSummer has arrived late and with a vengeance in the Sault Ste. Marie/Algoma area. That means that the uncomfortable, force-you-to-turn-on-your-A/C temperatures are here. You may have turned on your air conditioner and it might not be working quite as well as you expected it to. If that is the case, there’s a good chance that your A/C may have fallen victim to one of the following problems: Inadequate Maintenance If you allow your filters and air conditioning coils to become[...]
Read MoreSummer arrived a couple weeks ago, but it’s finally starting to feel like summer. The heat has arrived and it’s already starting to affect our comfort. To combat the effects of a scorching hot summer day, we’ve got some summer cooling tips for you. Take care of these to not only keep comfortable, but to run your home efficiently. Ontario energy prices are on the rise and you’ll need every advantage you can get to keep costs low. Prepare for Summer Storms:[...]
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Your air conditioner is going to spend all of its life outside, so should you be worried about what Mother Nature plans on throwing at it? In a word, no. Air conditioners are built with the elements in mind, and there is a wide range of weather conditions your A/C unit can combat before seeing any problems. However, this doesn’t mean they are indestructible. While a little drizzle here and there won’t harm the A/C, there are other weather[...]
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