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Equipment

What is the average life span of my HVAC equipment?

On average your HVAC equipment will last roughly 10-20 years depending on the type of equipment and how well it has been maintained over the years. (That's where we come in)

  • Air conditioners and heat pumps: 12-15 years
  • Boilers and Furnaces: 12-20 years
  • Water heaters: 10 years
  • Tankless water heaters: 15-20 years

Learn more about the average life span of a water heater.

 

Should I fix or replace my equipment?

We recommend basing this choice on the age of your unit and the warranty. If your unit is only 5 years old and still has a warranty on it or costs less than 50% of the cost of a new unit we would usually recommend fixing your unit. If the unit is 15 years old with no warranty and your parts cost about 50% of the cost of a new unit we would strongly suggest replacing it with a more efficient unit that comes with a great warranty.

Thankfully in either of these situations, We can offer financing to help lessen the financial burden of a sudden repair or new unit.

Find more details on how to determine if you should repair or replace your air conditioner.

Are there any basic troubleshooting steps I can take if my furnace is not working?

There most certainly is! We recommend that you check the following:

  • Check the battery in your thermostat if it is not hard-wired to your equipment.
  • Check your filter for any blockages.
  • Check the wall switch or breaker to ensure there is power to the units.
  • Check to ensure that there is no debris or blockages to the exhaust or intake.

Click here for more details on how to troubleshoot your furnace before calling us.

 

How can I increase the efficiency of my HVAC system?

There are a few things you can do to increase the efficiency of your system. We recommend making sure that you are taking proper care of your equipment by getting annual maintenance and changing your filters regularly. We can also have one of our HVAC specialists out to your home to see if updating your equipment to a newer model would benefit your home.

Read more tips on How to Improve the Efficiency of Your HVAC System.

Are there any incentives for upgrading my equipment at this time?

Currently, there are a couple of programs being offered that can offer extra benefits to upgrading:

  • The 2025 Ontario Home Renovation Savings Program is an initiative to help Ontario homeowners reduce their energy bills and carbon footprints. One of the biggest draws of the HRS Program is the Heat Pump Rebate.
  • The Canada Greener Homes Grant offers up to a $10,600 rebate back on qualifying equipment with enhanced incentives to the existing rebate list

If you are interested in hearing more about these programs please give our office a call at 705-503-4328 or send us an e-mail and we would be more than happy to explain how it works.

Learn more about why you may want to purchase a new furnace.

Does my air conditioner run on natural gas or electricity?

Many clients have asked us, is my new air conditioner going to run on natural gas or electricity? Even though air conditioners vary greatly between brands, models, and efficiency factors, they all have one thing in common. They are all powered by electricity, not natural gas. Click here for more information on how your air conditioner works.

Does rain affect my air conditioner?

Nope! The outside portion of a central air conditioning system, known as the outdoor unit or condenser unit, houses both the condenser and the compressor, as well as a system fan, electrical connections, and other accessories. Most of the components are made from aluminum, copper, plastics, and other materials that are not prone to corrosion or damage from moisture, and the electrical connections are sealed, allowing the system to run properly even in heavy rain.

 

Can I add an air conditioner or heat pump to my condo?

This is a great question! The short answer is yes if you have your condo board’s approval. They often require drawings, insurance information, and an application to be submitted. We have extensive experience dealing with condo boards for this purpose and we are happy to help you with this process :)

What Is A Whole Home UV Light and Is It Right For Me?

A whole home UV light is a UV light that is mounted in the ductwork on your forced air HVAC system. It kills mold, bacteria and other airborne contaminants. Perfect for those suffering from allergies and asthma.

Find out if a Home UV Light is right for you.

 

What does "BTU" stand for?

The British thermal unit (BTU or Btu) is a unit of heat. Learn more here.

 

What is a tankless water heater?

A tankless water heater, also known as an on-demand or point-of-use (POU) water heater, is a type of water heating system that heats water only when it is needed.

Tankless water heaters are much more energy efficient than traditional storage tank water heaters because they do not store hot water. The water is heated quickly as it passes through the tankless unit, so there is no standby heat loss.

In addition, tankless water heaters provide a continuous flow of hot water, so you never have to worry about running out of hot water.

There are many benefits to using a tankless water heater. tankless water heaters are:

  • More energy efficient than traditional storage tank water heaters, with efficiencies up to 98%
  • Continuous flow of hot water
  • Compact and take up less space
  • Longer life span than storage tank water heaters

If you are thinking about upgrading to a tankless water heater, or if you have any questions about tankless water heaters, give us a call today, we are always happy to help.

Find out more on how a tankless water heater can save you money.

 

How Long Should My HVAC Equipment Last?

  • Air conditioners and heat pumps 12-15 years
  • Boilers 15-20 years
  • Furnaces 15-20 years
  • Conventional water heaters 10 years
  • Tankless water heaters 15-20 years

Learn more on how long your HVAC equipment should last.

How much does a tankless water heater cost?

Tankless water heaters are becoming more and more popular because they offer a lot of benefits over traditional tank water heaters. Not only do they take up less space, but they also last longer and use less energy. However, one of the main questions people have about tankless water heaters is how much they cost.

The first thing you need to do is figure out the size of the unit that you need. Tankless water heaters come in a variety of sizes, so it is important to get one that is big enough to meet your needs. Once you know the size, you can start looking at prices. Tankless water heaters typically cost between $3,500 to $5,500, including basic installation.

Tankless water heaters use less energy than traditional tank water heaters, so you will see savings on your energy bill. The initial cost of the unit is higher, but the average lifespan is 2x as long as a regular water heater. That added benefit, along with lower monthly utilities and the benefit of never running out of hot water , make them a great option for any home.

Troubleshooting Your Furnace

 

 

What Is A High Efficiency Furnace?

 

 

What Is A Steam Humidifier?

A steam humidifier is an essential solution to creating a comfortable home climate. It serves an important role in heating and cooling homes by managing humidity levels. Highly efficient steam humidifiers can help protect your home, furniture and wooden items from cracking or splitting due to excessively dry air. Not only is steam better for reducing static electricity, but it also can help improve skin comfort, air quality, sleep quality and breathing comfort while providing a more welcoming environment in the home.

Learn the pros and cons of a steam humidifier.

What Are The Different Furnace Stages?

When you’re in the market for a new gas furnace, you are going to come across the terms, single stage, 2 stage and modulating. These terms refer to the type of gas valves the furnaces have. Read more detailed information on different furnace stages.

 

What is a Combination Boiler and What are the Benefits?

A combination boiler or “combi boiler” is a high-efficiency gas boiler that heats on demand. It can manage your space heating, in-floor, radiators, baseboards, and your potable water heater, a tankless water heater, in one compact, high efficiency unit! Learn more about Combination Boilers.

 

What are the Benefits of a Heat Pump?

Heat pumps offer an energy-efficient way to heat and cool your home and provide a safer alternative for the environment. They are a great choice for homeowners looking to cut down on their home's energy consumption by providing year-round comfort without relying on traditional heating or cooling methods. By using elements found in the ground, air, or from the heat generated from your own home, heat pumps transfer heat more efficiently than standard central air conditioning systems. This method yields benefits like reduced monthly energy bills and fewer greenhouse gas emissions into our atmosphere. With heat pumps, you can make it easier to keep your loved ones comfortable while helping our planet at the same time!

Learn the Basics About Heat Pumps on our blog.

What is a Zero Clearance Gas Fireplace?

A zero-clearance fireplace is the ideal solution for any home décor project. It's a premanufactured metal firebox that completely insulates and shields its exterior, so it doesn't get too hot to touch — plus with no need for distance from combustible materials like walls or wood paneling, you can feel confident putting your dream look together!

Learn more about zero clearance gas fireplaces on our blog. 

What is SEER2?

As of January 1, 2023, SEER has been modernized and upgraded to the new SEER2 metric! This streamlined system calculates air conditioner and heat pump cooling efficiency by dividing the total output for a typical season by electric energy input. To ensure more accurate reflections of real-world conditions, M1 blower testing procedures have changed. Increased static pressure is used in laboratories up to 5 times higher than before (0.5” w.g.), meaning that HVAC systems must now meet even greater minimum standards when it comes to energy efficiency - making them all-around better-performing products!

Read a more detailed description of SEER2 on our blog

What is SEER vs. HSPF?

SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) and HSPF (Heating Seasonal Performance Factor) are both measures of energy efficiency for heating and cooling systems, but they apply to different aspects. SEER measures the energy efficiency of air conditioners and heat pumps during the cooling season, while HSPF measures the efficiency of heat pumps during the heating season. In simple terms, SEER tells you how well your system cools your home with less electricity, and HSPF tells you how well it heats your home with less electricity. Both ratings help you choose energy-efficient systems that can save you money on your energy bills and reduce your environmental impact.

For more information, check out our blog post here.

What is SEER vs. SEER2?

SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) is a common way to measure how energy-efficient an air conditioner or heat pump is during the cooling season. SEER2 is an improved version of this measurement, which takes into account more factors like how well the system works when it's not running at full capacity, its ability to control humidity, and how well it's managed by control systems. This makes SEER2 a more accurate way to gauge a system's performance in different situations and weather conditions. When buying a new air conditioner, it's important to understand the difference between SEER and SEER2, as SEER2 gives a better picture of how the system will work in real life. This helps you pick the most energy-efficient option for your specific needs, saving money and helping the environment in the long run.

For more information, check out our blog post here.

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Call us today at 705.503.4328 (HEAT) or request a quote online today!

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Why Choose Us?

Find out what makes Affordable Comfort voted the best HVAC company in Barrie, Collingwood and Orillia

Wide Range of Services

We offer a full range of Heating, Air Conditioning, and Air Quality Services to the Barrie, Ontario area.

24-7 Emergency Service

Whether your furnace, AC unit, or boiler breaks down at 12:00am or 12:00pm, we’re here to help!

Lifetime Repair *

If you pay for a recommended repair, it should be guaranteed for life, that’s our opinion, and we stand behind it.

15yr Warranty *

You’re trusting us with one of the most important investments in your home and we take that seriously.

FLEXIBLE 0% PAYMENT OPTIONS

We offer flexible 0% payment options on many of the heating and cooling HVAC services we offer in Barrie & area.

BBB Accredited

Affordable Comfort Heating & Cooling is accredited with the Better Business Bureau and holds an A+ rating.

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