Frequently Asked Questions

Small tasks like changing the air filter and keeping your equipment clean can go a long way in improving energy efficiency. Check out our full guide for savings you can earn by keeping your HVAC system healthy.

Central air conditioners are ducted HVAC products that extract heat from your home. There are also heat pump air conditioners, which draw out heat with a reversible flow of coolant, as well as ductless mini-splits.

The right sized air conditioner depends on the size of your home, the local climate and many other factors. You need to properly size the AC system to ensure maximum energy efficiency.

British thermal units are a form of measurement used in air conditioning to illustrate how much energy your AC system needs to absorb heat. If it mentions 10,000 BTUs, the model is capable of absorbing that much heat each hour.

Routine maintenance is extremely beneficial for your air conditioner. While it’s not strictly required, it’s an excellent investment in the energy efficiency and overall performance of your HVAC system. In most cases, having regular maintenance and service also keeps the manufacturer’s warranty valid.

Ductless air conditioning doesn’t use air ducts to transport cool air through a building. Instead, indoor air units blow the conditioned air directly into the room or area they’re installed in.

SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, which measures how efficiently your air conditioner is cooling over its busiest season.

Heat pumps are extremely energy efficient, but may start to lose efficiency in severely cold weather. Check out our guide for figuring out if a heat pump or air conditioner is right for cooling your home.

The cost of air conditioning services depends on the make and model, the severity of the problem and other factors. For many common repairs, you might expect to pay a few hundred for parts and labour.

The cost for AC installation largely depends on the size of the home and the replacement air conditioner unit the homeowner chooses. The installation amount can be well over $12,000, depending on the size of the home and the replacement AC that is chosen for the home. Our Advantage Program helps homeowners get access to the AC systems they need for one low monthly payment.

It’s often less expensive to replace your furnace and air conditioner at the same time. Plus, you’ll also take pleasure in greater energy efficiency year-round. If your systems are older than 15 years or you need a high-efficiency model or smart thermostat, you should have a new AC and furnace installed together.

We install all types of air conditioning systems, including central air conditioning systems, geothermal, heat pumps and ductless mini-splits. Schedule a quote to find the right fit for your home by calling Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing at 866-397-3787.

We offer the HVAC Advantage Program, which covers everything from new systems to repairs* and maintenance for a low monthly cost

Some of the work during an ac tune-up includes a basic AC maintenance checklist:

• Tightening electrical connections. This ensures your system is working safely.
• Lubricating parts. When your system isn’t lubricated, friction from moving parts can cause it to break down more often.
• Cleaning the condensate drain line. Cleaning this line takes care of mold and clogs, which can cause leaks.
• Cleaning the condenser coil and evaporator coil. These coils become dirty over time, reducing airflow and its ability to absorb heat.
• Straightening coil fins. Aluminum fins on the coils can bend and decrease airflow.
• Examining system controls. This makes sure your system is starting, running and shutting down properly.

There are often various types of maintenance plans and pricing. Check out our memberships page to learn about our tiered maintenance memberships.

Regular air conditioner maintenance is important to keeping your equipment running efficiently, and it can reduce the need for unexpected replacements.

Some key tells that you need AC maintenance service on your unit is if your home has poor airflow or hot and cold spots, leaks, unusual noises or warm air coming from the vents.

Check this full guide to AC maintenance for various things you can do. One of the main things homeowners can do to help maintain their system, other than having annual yearly or seasonal maintenance done, is to change your AC unit’s air filter every 60-90 days, or 30 days if you have family pets. Changing your filter on a routine basis can prolong the life span of your system by reducing wear and tear on the unit, preventing clogs and improving airflow. Using a higher quality HEPA filter can also help maintain the AC unit’s efficiency and reduce instances of sickness in your home.

Yes. Our Experts are just a short trip away to assist with an AC repair or replacement during an emergency.

• AC leaking water. This is usually the PVC pipe going out of the AC unit. Leaking refrigerant can cause ice to collect on the coils and drip water. AC repair is necessary when this happens and should be treated as an AC emergency.
• Air conditioner won’t turn on. Homeowners can first check the thermostat settings and look for a tripped breaker on the electrical panel. If the breaker is tripped, it may not require a repair call.
• AC not blowing cold air. Double check the thermostat settings are on the correct temperature and that your thermostat has power. Then replace the filter. You can also make sure the AC unit isn’t obstructed with debris, and that it isn’t leaking refrigerant. If you find a leak or your AC is still blowing hot air, call us at 866-397-3787 for emergency AC repair.
• AC making strange noise. Screeching, banging or clicking sounds coming from your AC could indicate a serious problem. If you’re noticing weird air conditioner noises, shut off your AC and call Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing for prompt AC repair at 866-397-3787.

Most companies will recommend an AC replacement when the cost to repair your system is more than half the cost of a new system. For more factors to consider, visit our blog covering more details on whether to repair or replace your AC.

We service and install all types, including central AC, ductless mini-splits and central heat pumps. (Conditional content: As an effort to promote sustainability practices, we also install geothermal and solar HVAC.)

Heat pumps work by transferring heat in or out of the building rather than creating it. The flow of heat can be reversed, allowing heat pumps to provide both heating and cooling.

Homeowners should have their heat pump system serviced at least once a year. This will help prolong the system’s life span and help to reduce repair and utility costs.

Keeping your systems maintained will help bring costs down. Check our helpful in-depth information about keeping your systems healthy. This will tell you about proper maintenance and why it’s important.

Yes. Our Experts are just a short ways away, whether you’re in need of a heat pump repair or replacement on a weekend day or in the middle of the night. Give us a call at 866-397-3787 for prompt service.

Heat pumps can provide both heating and cooling, and air-source heat pumps tend to be ideal in moderate climates where temps don’t dip below 10 degrees Fahrenheit.

A heat pump system can replace a heating system in areas where the climate is moderate. Check our more in-depth guide on different heat pump uses in the U.S. Generally, the answer is yes. Because heat pumps transfer hot air rather than making it from a fuel source, they provide more efficiency than furnaces in most cases, and homeowners can expect 30-40% savings on utility expenses when switching.

This depends on varying issues that are causing the need for repairs, which our ACE-certified technicians can help determine.

We install all different types of heat pumps systems, including air-source heat pumps that utilize central ductwork, ductless mini-split systems and ground-source heat pumps–also known as geothermal heat pumps).

Heat pump maintenance is important for the system to perform efficiently and have a long life span. A heat pump should go through routine maintenance at least once a year. Trust the Experts to handle this with a maintenance membership.

Your home’s air filter should be changed on a regular basis, which is typically every 30 to 60 days.

Seasonal maintenance plans are worth the investment for several reasons. Consistent maintenance keeps everything working as seamlessly as possible, which helps lower energy bills while extending your equipment’s life span.

HVAC tune-ups can often be covered in most cases under a labour warranty if your system is still under warranty, but we can check to see if tune-ups are covered. Through the Advantage Program™, key services such as heat pump maintenance are included! It’s one of the most comprehensive HVAC plans around.

Many customers pay between $250 and $600 for a heat pump repair, but this is based on what the problem is when the HVAC technician arrives to determine the issue.

Heat pumps have a slightly reduced life span than furnaces do because they’re used all year, but with adequate, many heat pump systems last about 10-15 years.

Yes. Our Experts are just a short drive away to assist with a heat pump repair or replacement during an emergency.

Packaged HVAC units are all-in-one HVAC systems that house an air handler and unit parts in one metal cabinet system. This is used to maximize space in a basement or garage, or on rooftops in multifamily buildings.

We install all types of packaged HVAC systems, including packaged air conditioners, packaged gas/electric systems, packaged heat pumps and duel-fueled packaged systems. Give Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing a call to find the right one for your home.

Popping sounds are common if there’s a flaw or damage in your ductwork. The actual sounds appear when there’s more airflow than your ductwork can manage. Trouble with your ductwork can lead to other ventilation and air quality concerns, such as:

• Constant or unpleasant noise
• Greater energy waste
• Premature equipment failure
• Inconsistent heating and cooling
• Damage to the AC’s compressor
• Overheating
• Mold and mildew growth

A whole-home zoning system helps you fine tune where heating and cooling is directed. With additional thermostats and dampers installed in the ductwork, each zone’s temperature can be individually adjusted.

The concentration of indoor pollutants average 3-5 times higher than outdoor air. In fact, EPA studies have found that exposure to contaminants can be 100 times higher indoors compared to outdoors. Allergens, microorganisms and even household cleaners can contribute to contamination and lower your indoor air quality. You can receive a comprehensive Home Health® Report Card by contacting the air quality specialists at Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing.

Indoor air quality refers to pollution in your Canada home or business. The concentration of airborne pollutants can be 2–5 times greater than outdoors. Since most people spend 90% of their time inside and breathe roughly 3,000 gallons of air daily (according to the American Lung Association), this can eventually lead to problems.

Depending on your specific air quality concerns, solutions include:

• Air filtration systems capable of trapping 99.97% of particles
• Germicidal UV lights to sterilize microbes like bacteria and mold
• Whole-house humidifiers and dehumidifiers that balance moisture levels
• Ventilation systems to keep air refreshed and flowing smoothly

Some of the most common sources of pollutants include Volatile Organic Chemicals (VOCs) such as cleaning or personal care products, fuel-burning utilities and appliances, and particulate matter like dust, pollen and smoke.

Absolutely. Pollutants and particulate matter can expose you to illnesses and worsen respiratory conditions, especially for children and the elderly. For certain contaminants like CO, the effects may even be fatal.

Resolving indoor air quality concerns can result in a host of benefits to your health and well-being, such as:

• Lower risk of illness
• Fewer or less-intense asthma/allergy symptoms
• Relieve sinus irritation or sore throats
• Healthier, moisturized skin

If you find yourself cleaning every day or coughing constantly, your indoor air may not be as healthy as you would think. According to EPA studies, indoor pollutants can reach concentrations as much as 100 times higher than the air outdoors. You can determine your indoor air quality by scheduling a Home Health® Report consultation with Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing.

Each home has differing comfort needs, especially if someone in your Canada home has allergies, asthma or a weak immune system. You may need a single product like a high-efficiency air filtration system, or multiple. Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing can help you find the right combination of equipment.

No. HVAC air filters differ in quality and design, and some have exclusive features. We generally advise using the filter your HVAC manufacturer recommends pairing with your system. All filters are assigned MERV ratings on a scale from 1–20. MERV stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value and can help you identify high-efficiency filters. For most residential needs, a MERV rating of 11 or lower will be sufficient.

The ideal schedule for cleaning or replacing your air filter depends on multiple factors, like the filter design and MERV rating as well as the current indoor air quality. For conventional 1”-3” filters, most brands recommend replacement every 30-90 days. Pets, health conditions and even nearby pollution sources can encourage replacing the filter more often.

• A 1″ pleated air filter must be replaced every 30-60 days.
• A 2″ pleated air filter should be swapped out every 3 months.
• A 3” pleated air filter should be changed every 120 days.
• A 4″ pleated air filter should be exchanged every 6 months.
• A 5” or 6″ pleated air filter ought to be replaced every 9-12 months.

Assuming the issue is not your body’s hydration, excessively dry air can irritate your throat and sinuses. Consider installing a whole-home humidifier if you consistently struggle with a dry, itchy throat.

Your HVAC system extracts moisture as it runs, leading to situations where humidity levels fall out of balance. Portable humidifiers can resolve humidity concerns in a single room or small area, but a central humidifier ensures balanced humidity throughout the entire building.

For most people, comfortable humidity levels are between 30-60%. These levels are particularly hard to maintain in the winter, as cold air does not hold onto moisture as well as warm air. What’s more, your furnace displaces moisture by generating hot, dry heat.

The smartest way to find an appropriate whole-house humidifier is multiplying the total square footage by the height of the ceiling. This will help determine how many gallons of water each hour is needed to balance humidity.

You should also consider your available budget, as a humidifier needs maintenance just like any other mechanical equipment.

While specific amounts depend on the model, whole-house humidifiers average between 1.5 to 12 gallons per day. As you can imagine, arid climates will use more water to keep humidity in check.

Routine preventive maintenance is often crucial for lasting equipment efficiency, and your humidifier is no different. The humidifier’s reservoir should be regularly drained and cleaned to prevent mold.

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless and tasteless gas produced by partial fuel combustionwhich, in turn is frequently caused by insufficient access to oxygen. Appliances relying on natural gas, charcoal, wood or kerosene are common sources of CO gas, especially if they are not running correctly or have been installed incorrectly. CO is poisonous to the body and is lethal at high levels or prolonged exposure.

Initial symptoms such as nausea and fatigue are often mistaken as a result of the flu. But CO gas exposure can progress, potentially leading to confusion, organ damage or even death. Other symptoms include:

• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Chest pain
• Vomiting

Yes. Eliminating carbon monoxide should be a priority because of the danger it poses to your health and well-being. CO gas can be found in any Canada home or commercial property, making safe ventilation and prevention strategies universally beneficial.

Prevention is the best place to start. A few safety precautions to take include:

• Don’t let your car idle in the garage. Cars are a significant source of carbon monoxide poisoning, so do not leave yours going in the restricted space of a closed garage. The same is true for gas equipment such as lawn mowers or snowmobiles.
• Don’t use ovens or grills as sources of heat. These appliances are safe when used right but can make carbon monoxide when used for an extended period in small spaces.
• Never operate a gas generator indoors. The fumes will have a much harder time dissipating.
• Have your chimney inspected by a specialist. This ensures chimneys and vents aren’t blocked and are connected appropriately.
• Confirm gas appliances are operating correctly, particularly your heater. You can ensure efficient, safe operation by booking routine furnace maintenance with Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing.

If carbon monoxide has been detected, you should immediately vacate the building and alert the fire department and utility provider. If a leak is discovered, you should then contact a trusted HVAC company for repairs.

Because carbon monoxide is colorless, odorless and lethal in heavy concentrations, installing carbon monoxide detectors in central locations is the best way to alert you to its presence.

A carbon monoxide detector is like a smoke alarm, monitoring the air and notifying you if carbon monoxide levels are too high. If possible, you should have at least one detector near every bedroom on all floors in your home. Additional detectors can be placed near the kitchen, living areas or near combustion appliances. These detectors are best used in combination with our HVAC maintenance memberships, which keep your unit in good shape and may help you prevent carbon monoxide.

If an air freshener isn’t doing the trick, there may be microbes or contaminants nearby producing the unpleasant odor. Bacteria and mold are common sources, but they can be resolved with the sanitation properties of a germicidal UV light. They are particularly effective against odor-producing microorganisms.