Category: Heating & cooling

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Heating & cooling

How to clean an air conditioner

The air conditioner is one of the most important appliances in the home, it’s responsible for maintaining a comfortable climate all year round. Over time, the internal parts can accumulate a significant amount of dirt and grime. As a homeowner, it’s important to know how to clean split system air conditioner, window air conditioners or any air conditioning appliances to ensure they continue to operate well throughout the seasons.

What is the difference between air conditioning units?

  • Ducted A/C – Ducted air conditioners cause air to be sent through ducts, allowing each room in the house to be cooled at the same time.
  • Split system A/C – This type of air conditioner uses different components from both an outdoor and an indoor air conditioner. The indoor air conditioner has filter and distribution components, it’s usually mounted high on a wall and controlled with a remote. The outdoor unit houses the condenser fan and compressor parts.
  • Window A/C – A window air conditioner features everything needed to cool the room in one main unit. It’s mounted in a window cavity and cools or heats that particular room. 
  • Portable A/C – Portable air conditioners are designed to cool a single room and sit on the floor. This type of AC is compact in size, which makes it easy to move to different rooms of the house. 
Outside air conditioner unit/Condenser fan / Source: Hobart Heating And Refrigeration

Materials and tools

  • Screwdriver – Remove the exterior parts with a screwdriver
  • Stiff brush or duster – A stiff brush will make it easier to clean some of the parts and remove excess dirt
  • Vacuum – A vacuum is necessary for suctioning dirt and grime in the hard-to-reach places
  • Antibacterial solution – This product will disinfect the internal components of the AC, including the inside fins to ensure the air is clean and healthy to breathe
  • Coil cleaner – This product is a spray that works well for stripping dirt and grime from the coils
  • Fin comb – A fin comb is necessary for straightening the evaporator and condenser fins 

How to clean an indoor air conditioner

  1. Turn off the power – Turning off the power ensures it’s safe to clean all the different parts of the air conditioner. Shut off the breaker or unplug the air conditioner from the outlet, depending on what type of unit you own.
  2. Check your manufacturer’s instructions – If you want to learn how to clean an air conditioner, read the owner’s manual to determine what the manufacturer recommends to avoid mistakes or causing damage to the parts. There may be certain types of cleaning products or tools that you should use depending on the specific model you own.
  3. Clean your filter panels – Clean the filter panels by removing the front panel. Remove the filter and use a soapy water solution to clean and rinse it thoroughly. It should completely dry before installing it back onto the unit.
  4. Vacuum the AC filter – If you want to learn how to clean air conditioner filter, you’ll need to gently vacuum it with a hose that has a soft bristle attachment. Disposable filters aren’t designed to be cleaned and reused.
    1. Soak the AC Filter – Soak the AC filter in soapy water to remove the build-up of dirt and grime.
    2. Spray the AC Filter – Spray the AC filter with clean water to remove all the soap.
    3. Dry the AC Filter – Allow the AC filter to dry for several hours before you reinstall it onto the unit.
  5. Clean your air conditioner’s louvres – Wipe down the louvers with a cloth. If you can remove them, soak the louvres in detergent before rinsing the soap off and allowing it to dry before reinstalling. 
  6. Clean the exterior unit – Clean the exterior of the air conditioner by using a damp cloth. This will remove excess debris that has accumulated. If you want to learn how to clean air conditioner vents, start by unscrewing the vents. Use a scrub brush and vacuum cleaner to remove the dirt.
Ducted air conditioning / Source: Eco Air Services

How to clean an outside air conditioner unit

  1. Disconnect from power – Disconnect the air conditioner unit by shutting turning off the main power switch. This will allow you to safely handle the parts without the risk of electrocuting yourself.
  2. Remove AC grill & clean – Gently unscrew the AC grill and hose it off. Direct the spray at different angles to remove more of the dirt that is hiding in the small crevices.
  3. Clean the AC coils and fins – If you want to learn how to clean air conditioner coils, you can do this by hosing off the unit. Spray from the top of the unit and work your way down. Use a fin comb to straighten the fins and loosen any debris, cobwebs, etc. 

Contact local air conditioning technicians

How often should you clean your air conditioner?

  • Weekly – Run the ‘dry out’ program if your air conditioner has it for added convenience.
  • Quarterly- Dust the filter screens and wiping down any ducts or vents with a soft damp cloth.
  • Annually – Clean the outdoor unit and remove any vegetation or obstructions that are present, which can affect the operation of the unit. Spider webs that are present also need to be removed. Hire a professional technician to service the air conditioner to ensure they can inspect all the parts and determine if any potential issues are present. An air conditioning technician will also know how to clean air conditioner if you want to leave the work to an expert.

How do you hire an air conditioner technician?

 If you want to hire someone who knows how to clean ducted air conditioner filter, it’s important to find someone that has several years of experience in the industry to ensure they’re qualified to perform the work. They should have the proper qualifications and certifications to ensure they can get the job done correctly the first time. 

Ask the technician for at least three references to ensure you can contact their customers. It’s also necessary to look up their license to verify they’re qualified to provide you with AC services.

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Heating & cooling

How to cool down a room

Easy ways to keep your cool

During the warmer months of the year, it is easy to feel uncomfortable in your home as the temperatures rise outside, especially if your air conditioner isn’t working or you can’t afford to install the appliance. Fortunately, there are several ways to cold down a room without relying on an air conditioner. Here are a few of the top ways to create cooler air and prevent heat from transferring into your home.

Curtains

Curtains work well for insulating your bedroom or living room by blocking heat that can transfer through the windows. Make a point of closing the curtains during the day when it’s the warmest to keep the room cooler. Blackout curtains work well for blocking out any natural light that may cause a room to overheat, and they also help maintain cool temperatures on warmer days. Opt for dark, thick curtains that don’t allow any sunlight into the space.

Windows

You should open windows at night when it’s cooler to allow fresh air into the room. This will create a cross breeze to ensure your room starts to fill with cool air and can prevent the need for fans or air conditioners. It will also prevent the space from feeling stuffy. 

Open window louvers
Open window for breeze / Source: Swift Eco Clean

Mattress

Sleeping low on the ground can also help you to stay cooler at night because heat always rises. Consider placing your mattress directly on the floor, especially if you have tiles on the floor, which can feel cool to the touch. 

If you live in a warm climate, consider investing in a cooling mattress that doesn’t retain a lot of heat. Mattresses are now more advanced and feature breathable cores and moisture-wicking covers to ensure you don’t sweat as you sleep. Cooling sheets and pillows will also prove to be useful and allow air to pass through to prevent your body from overheating. Cotton sheets are also an excellent option if you need something more cost-effective because of their breathable texture.

Switch off tech

The electronic devices you use in your room can generate a lot of heat throughout the day and night. Get into the habit of turning off your electronic devices when they’re not in use, which includes your computer, laptop, and any lamps or lights. This step will not only reduce the temperature in the room but can also allow you to reduce your energy usage throughout the season.

With your lights, it’s also important to switch to LED light bulbs, which don’t release as much heat as halogen bulbs. LED lights stay cool and are more energy-efficient to allow you to spend less on electricity. Keeping the lights off as much as possible will also make it easier to keep the temperature lower in the room.

Contact an air conditioning technician

Fans

If you want to learn how to cool down a room with a fan, make sure the direction of your ceiling fan is set at counterclockwise to make the cooler air circulate as heat rises. This creates downdraft to make it easy to have a cool breeze in the summer without using much energy. Many newer ceiling fans even make it easy to change the direction of the ceiling fans with a push of a button on the remote control to ensure you can do it in seconds. The counterclockwise directly also works well for all types of fans, whether you’re relying on a pedestal or desk fan to stay cool. A window fan can also circulate the air in the room and prevent warm air from entering the building when you want to leave your windows open on warm days.

Exhaust fans also work well for suctioning the warm air in the room and releasing it into the outside air. You can use these fans for when you’re cooking or for general use to prevent heat from the stovetop increasing the temperature in the kitchen.

Not only are fans effective, but you can also create your own DIY air conditioner, which is the best way to cool a room. Place ice in a large bowl and place a fan behind it to ensure ice-cold air blows across the room. 

Bedroom with ceiling fan
Bedroom with ceiling fan / Source: Seton Electrical

Dehumidifier

Many people don’t realize how effective a dehumidifier can be during the summer season when there are higher humidity levels. A dehumidifier will immediately start to remove moisture in the room and can cause the temperature to drop gradually. After a few minutes of the device operating, it can reduce the temperature in the room by a few degrees without having to rely on an air conditioner.

How to hire an air conditioning technician

When you’re looking to hire an air conditioning technician for inspections, installations or repairs, there are a few things you should do.

  • Read online reviews that are posted by other customers to ensure you find a professional you can trust 
  • Check that the AC technician is licensed within your state and has several years of experience in the industry
  • Ensure the AC technician has a physical workplace or office, as well as a professional website to ensure they’re reputable
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Heating & cooling

What does a dehumidifier do?

You absolutely need to be comfortable within your own home, and one way to ensure extreme discomfort is to have a home that is too humid. It feels lousy, and you’re also opening up your abode to some very harmful things. Humidity creates a moisture-laden home that could bring about a horribly unhealthy environment. It could lead to plenty of mould and other harmful allergens throughout the whole house. So, how do you combat this humidity? The easiest way is to invest in a good, strong dehumidifier. A good dehumidifier will take out all of the excess moisture in the air, making the whole home more comfortable and safer for anyone living there.

The benefits of a dehumidifier

They get rid of mould and musty odours

An excessively humid home can promote the growth of mildew and mould, which will end up emitting an unsavoury musty smell. Mould and mildew thrive in wet environments, and the smell is not easy to eradicate if you do not tackle the source of the dampness. A dehumidifier is beneficial in the sense that it removes the excess moisture from the air, which stops the growth of mould and mildew and eliminates the nasty musty smell. Mould and mildew can also be detrimental to your respiratory health, so using a dehumidifier can help prevent illness.

They promote the longevity of your home contents

Dehumidifiers help protect your home’s contents from the effects of excessive moisture. They also promote the longevity of items, such as clothing, books, food and shoes. These items will also never smell musty as a result. A dehumidifier will also prevent household pests, such as silverfish, from thriving, which helps protect your books and clothing.

Changing the water out of a dehumidifier / Shutterstock

They help enhance your health

A humid environment is not very conducive for those who are prone to airborne allergies and asthma. A dehumidifier would therefore come in very handy, as they promote temperature stability. Dehumidifiers also have the added benefit of including a filter that assists in eradicating air pollutants, such as dust, mould spores and pollen. This promotes a healthier indoor environment for you. Dust mites are also reduced within the home since they can only thrive in humid environments. This can help reduce allergic reactions and asthma attacks.

They are beneficial for drying clothes

Dehumidifiers are ideal when it rains and you are unable to hang your clothes outside to dry or if you prefer not to use a dryer. All you need to do to dry your clothes in record speed is secure them on a drying rack in close proximity to the dehumidifier. Another added advantage is that your wet clothes would not be adding to your home’s humidity. Dehumidifiers are also able to dry clothes overnight, and they are also more energy-efficient than dryers since they use less power. This means you’ll have lower electricity bills, which also makes dehumidifiers a cost-effective choice.

Types of portable dehumidifiers

Absorbent

For small areas that require the removal of moisture, an absorbent dehumidifier is an ideal option. For instance, the Hippos you observe in department stores, hardware stores and supermarkets are containers that hold absorbent material like silica gel. This material absorbs the moisture in the air and pushes the water down to a collection area. Once it is full, you simply dispose of the excess water. This is ideal in cupboards and closets. For smaller areas, utilise sachets or silica gel, which will help mitigate mould.

Refrigerant

By drawing warm, moist air from the room, a refrigerant dehumidifier runs the air through several coils that have been cooled and returns dry air to the environment. This process is extremely effective because the warm air meets the cold coils, resulting in condensation. This water then drips into a bucket, which must be periodically emptied. Another option is for the excess water to drain through a special tube. These dehumidifiers are available in a variety of sizes to fit any room and can be easily moved. Additionally, for extra-moist areas, several can be run simultaneously.

Desiccant

Similar to refrigerant dehumidifiers, this equipment sucks warm, moist air and also expels dry air. The difference is that as opposed to removing the moisture-utilizing cold coils, there is a bed of desiccants inside, which absorb the moisture. The excess water is then drained into a bucket, which must be emptied. Similarly, the other option is a special tube that drains directly outside. Additionally, these are available in a variety of sizes and can easily be moved and paired with other dehumidifiers.

Dehumidifiers can be small and compact / Source: Shutterstock

Finding the right dehumidifier for your house

The first thing you should do is examine the layout of your house so you can pick out just the right type of dehumidifier. Examine the space where you’re going to put in the dehumidifier. Take into account how big or how small the space is, how much average humidity is in the space, and how much you use the room. If you have a smaller room you’d like to make more comfortable, there’s no need to pick up a gigantic dehumidifier – and vice versa. Check-in on the specifications on every dehumidifier. Look at the capacity first. Your average dehumidifier for a one- or two-bedroom home should be able to take out 10 litres of water from the air every day, while ones designed for bigger houses need at least double that capacity. Next, look at how much noise the dehumidifier will produce. If you have it in an area where you’re constantly working, louder dehumidifiers might quickly become annoying. 

You also want to look for a home dehumidifier that is easily transportable. Try to avoid the super-heavy ones, and look for dehumidifiers that can be moved from one room to another. You should also definitely invest in a dehumidifier that has a device called a ”humidistat” This device automatically adjusts the levels, so you’re not constantly turning the dehumidifier up and down. 

Climate considerations

Where you live also plays a part in choosing the right type of dehumidifier. The wetter the area you live in, the more powerful your dehumidifier should be, as there’s that much more moisture that needs to be removed from the air. If your climate is a more temperate one, you might want to get a smaller, more portable dehumidifier that can easily be moved from one room to another. That’s all you should need. If you have any questions about the capacity of the dehumidifier, ask a local expert at a home-supply store. They should be able to give you all the information you need.

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Heating & cooling

A guide to air conditioners

As the summer arrives, a lot of people flock to stores to buy new air conditioners. If you are in need of one, all you need to know about purchasing an air conditioner is mentioned in this guide. There are air conditioners on the market to suit every budget and need. Read ahead to select the one that is perfect for you.

Air conditioning options

Air conditioners are available in a range of styles. Mentioned below are the main types:

  • Portable air conditioners: Portable air conditioners can be moved from one room to the next as per your requirement after installation. Though ideal for people who move a lot, portable air conditioners are not the most efficient and can be quite noisy.
  • Window air conditioners: These are installed in a window opening in the wall and are suitable for cooling small areas in your home.
  • Split systems: Split systems have two main components. One is the wall unit that is installed indoors and the other is the condensing unit that is located outside the home. Split systems are efficient and are available as reverse-cycle units. This means they can be used as a heater during the winter and as an air conditioner during the summer.
  • Ducted air conditioners: These are also available as reverse-cycle systems and have an option of being zoned. This allows you to cool certain areas of your home and is presently the most expensive option.

Where to place it

If you do not have a current system in your home, the first step will be to consider the placement of the unit. The first component is the exterior portion. Place it outside of the home, in a place where it does not take away from the overall aesthetics of the home and is not too loud. You are likely going to want to speak to your neighbours about placement as well. Most systems can run fairly loudly, which means you will need to consider proper placement the first time you instal it or you could be dealing with complaints about the noise.

Source: Valuez

Conditioning Efficiency

Select an air conditioner that is very efficient and that gives you maximum cooling per unit of power consumed. A good way to confirm this is to check the label of the air conditioner to see how much power it consumes. A unit that has variable speed settings adjusts the output of the air conditioner according to the temperature of the room. This is efficient because the room stays more consistent in temperature and the cost in maintaining the temperature is also reduced.

How to save money using an air conditioner

Make sure you have the right air conditioner

The first – and most essential – way to save money on air conditioning is also the simplest. You just have to make sure that you have the right type of air conditioner for your home. That means you need to find one that is the ideal size for the rooms you need to be cooled. Take into consideration all of the essential factors of the rooms – how hot they get, which direction they face, what people will be residing in them, and so on. If you put a small air conditioner in a large room (and vice versa), you’re not going to be getting all the coolness you need. Also, check the energy star rating on the air conditioner, and only look for one with a big number of stars. 

Contact local air conditioner experts

Clean your air conditioner and install insulation

Once you pick out your air conditioner, you need to perform regular maintenance on it. Change and clean the filters, and make sure the whole unit is sparkling clean. Doing this will ensure that the air conditioner will perform at peak efficiency. Additionally, you need to take a look at the insulation you have in your house. The more insulation you have, the less you’ll have to have the air conditioner on. Make sure that all of your insulation has a high ”R” rating before you put it in – you’ll be able to cut down the temperature by several degrees if you get the right type installed in the house. 

Use natural methods to cool your house

There are also several simple things you can do to cool down that don’t even involve the air conditioner. Shut the doors and turn all the lights off – you’ll be surprised at how far that goes. You can also do things like instal a verandah to help deflect sunlight, put double-glazed windows in, plant trees and shrubbery to create shade, instal ceiling fans or paint your home in lighter colours. Do all of these little things, and you’ll see big savings on your bill. 

An outdoor unit / Source: Seeto & Sons Air Conditioning

Selecting a professional installer

You could instal components of the air conditioning system yourself. However, because this is a complex system and requires expertise, it is best to turn to a professional installer instead. The right professional makes a big difference. If you choose one that isn’t as skilled, you could end up with a system that is hard to use, does not work properly, or may not be as efficient as it should be.

Look for a professional who has proper licensing and certification. He or she should have experience as well. You will also want to ensure that this provider has insurance to protect you from mistakes. Once you do this, do not just hire the first person you see. Rather, request a quote for service instead. It is a good idea to select a professional who offers a fair price for the service, but who also has outstanding references (people you can actually speak with) as well. This can help you feel comfortable allowing this person to do the work for you

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Heating & cooling

Why you should consider underfloor heating

In the colder months, keeping warm in a drafty house is often difficult to do. Although you may be tempted to purchase a space heater and make do that way, installing floor heating may be a better option for your home. Under-floor heating is becoming more and more popular and can be powered by several different energy sources. There are several different types available and plenty of benefits to this kind of heating system. Rather than endure the winter months huddled under a blanket, consider the benefits of floor heating.

Different underfloor heating options

This process allows for a heating system to be placed into the floor. This allows warm air to circulate in the home, creating a warm feeling on your feet. There are many methods to doing this, including the use of natural gas, geothermal heat, solar energy, and off-peak electricity. In general, there are three main options that fall under the category of either hydronic or electric. 

Electric floor heating systems

The electric floor heating system is actually the most popular system to date. The popularity comes from two things: easier installation and more places to purchase it from. This kind of floor heating uses electric cables to distribute heat from the underside of your choice of flooring. The heat rises through the flooring, keeping your feet nice and toasty. If you get an electric bill, this floor may work for you, but it may not be such a good choice if you are using a pre-paid meter.

The main forms of electric floor heating systems that are used are in-slab and in-screed. In-slab is exactly what the name suggests. The cables are stored in slabs, and the slabs are heated, driving the heat to the surface. In screed heating systems actually use slabs as well, but the cables are tied around them instead of being run within them like the in-slab systems.

Electric under-floor heating / Source: Shutterstock

Hydronic floor heating systems

The hydronic floor heating system uses hot water instead of electricity to warm the floor and the room. The water is heated in the boiler and then distributed through a slab system under the flooring. This is much more economical to run since the system uses gas instead of electricity. Just like the electric floor heating system, the hydronic floor heating system uses an in-slab or in-screed heating method.

The one thing you don’t have to worry about with either floor heating system is mould or allergen buildup. The cables, cords and tubes are fully closed in, so there’s no chance of condensation or steam escaping them and causing mould to form under the flooring. Both systems are relatively quiet, so you won’t even hear them running, but perhaps the best news of all is that they are both relatively economical to run during the winter as they heat up quite quickly (although the electric floor heating system is much faster).

Benefits

Comfort

One of the biggest advantages of floor heating is that it helps you more evenly distribute a comfortable level of heat throughout the rooms of your house. Instead of pushing heated air through your home, floor heating systems produce an even heat that naturally rises to the ceiling, thus ensuring that the whole room is at a perfect temperature. Using wall-mounted thermostats and special sensors, you can heat up any room in as little as 30 minutes.

A healthier home 

Those who suffer from allergies won’t need to worry about a heating system that kicks up dust mites or recycles stale air and redistributes it around the house. Underfloor-heating avoids all of this, meaning it will not contribute to any hay-fever or allergic reactions.

Contact local heating experts

Affordable 

Believe it or not, floor heating systems are actually much more affordable than they sound. They can run off of any type of energy, whether its electricity, gas or solar power. Additionally, floor heating systems run very efficiently, only needing a small amount of energy in order to maintain the proper temperature in a room. Find out how much underfloor heating costs in our guide here.

Aesthetics 

Another great benefit of floor heating is that it’s completely hidden from the casual eye. Rather than having unsightly pipes or vents popping up all over your home, floor heating is concealed within your floorboards or your home’s foundation. It makes your rooms look more appealing and also gives you the freedom to decorate easier without the need to worry about whether your furniture will block a vent or heating element.

Flooring options

The use of a heating system in your home is an excellent one, and it is not nearly as complex as many think. In fact, this type of flooring can be used under many types of flooring very safely. Once the floor covering is removed and the new system is put into place, you can use virtually any floor covering on top, including:

Bathrooms are a great room for underfloor heating / Source: JNL Designs

Easy installation and maintenance

Under-floor heating systems are usually easy to install and keep running. Under-floor heating can be installed as your home is being built or retrofit into older homes. This heating source does not interfere with floor plans, does not take up any of your precious square footage in your home, and is easy to maintain over a long period of time. 

Is it right for the whole home?

If it is being installed whilst building a new home and it will be used as your primary heating source, then it is absolutely right. Installing it throughout the entire home will help save you money, as an installation company can come out and install the whole lot at once. If you are renovating, there is nothing stopping from you putting floor heating into only certain rooms if you wish. When renovating your bathroom, it is ideal. However, in order to save money, it is best to leave it out of unnecessary rooms such as the laundry etc.

Insulation 

It’s a good idea to have insulation installed with your underfloor heating system, so you can increase its efficiency. It will also lower the operating costs of heating. During the heating installation process, you can also have insulation fitted. It’s beneficial to install it in your roof and walls, too. An insulation expert can assist you in determining the correct insulation for your needs. Your local council can also supply you with recommendations.

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Heating & cooling

A guide to fireplaces

Different types of fireplaces

Very little can compare to the comforting feeling a warm, crackling fire can evoke. Innovations in design and technology are making it possible for almost anyone to enjoy this feeling regardless of how their home is designed. When there is such a wide variety of options made available, it can cause confusion when trying to determine which is the best option.

When choosing a fireplace, a key element to keep in mind is the various fuels options. Some of these include traditional fuels, but newer products have become more efficient and, in the long term, are better for the environment. The most popular options include:

  • Wood: A traditional option that is low in cost, but not as efficient in producing heat as other materials
  • Gas: This is an efficient option that is low in cost overall, but needs proper ventilation
  • Electric: There are no emissions from using this method, but it can be more expensive
  • Coal: This option creates a warm glow, but it is not clean-burning and requires ongoing maintenance.
  • Bio-ethanol: This is a newer option that is more eco-friendly than others because it is clean-burning.
A fireplace can add warmth and ambience to any space / Source: MYT Shutters

What fireplace styles can I choose from?

Fireplace designs vary greatly. Depending on the space available and your budget you may be interested in some of the following styles:

  • Hearth-style wood burning fireplaces that require full chimneys
  • Inserts that are designed to fit into gas or wood burning openings
  • Tabletop fireplaces as decorative pieces
  • Corner units
  • Pillar flame style units
  • Free-standing fireplaces
  • Wall-mounted fireplace displays
  • Four-sided glass fireplaces (designed to appear as a floating fireplace)

Gas fireplaces

Gas fireplaces are easy to use, you don’t have to gather wood to get the fire started to use one, and are surprisingly warm. There are a variety of gas fireplaces on the market in different sizes and designs to accommodate various tastes and needs, including a double-sided fireplace that can be installed to heat two rooms at once. Some gas fireplaces also allow for a wall switch or handheld remote system to control your heat, as well as timers to set it on and off automatically.

Gas fireplaces have several safety features. The ceramic glass viewing panels can withstand the high temperature of the fire and prevent burning embers from escaping the fireplace.. Gas fireplaces also have built-in safety mechanisms that protect against flame failure and oxygen depletion.

It is important to note that the installation of a fireplace requires a licenced gas plumber.

Electric fireplaces

Electric fireplaces are one of the easiest types to operate – you simply need to flick a switch to turn it on, and then your home is filled with the crisp sounds of a crackling fire. Just install a power source near the fireplace’s location, which you can have completed by a trained professional in order to guarantee your safety and ensure proper wiring. Customers typically purchase this type of fireplace for its ambiance, as opposed to its heating ability. However, modern units can heat entire rooms much better than the early electric fireplaces of old.

Similar to gas fireplaces, electric units deliver the traditional wood burning pit for a realistic feel. Also, electric models have large viewing areas so residents can view the fire from anywhere in plain sight. Since they run on electricity, they can be expensive depending on where you live. No fumes or carbon dioxide are released into the air, so no ventilation is required. Therefore, the electric fireplace is a much safer option than gas. This also allows for much more flexibility as to the installation location of the fireplace. 

Ethanol fireplaces

Ethanol fireplaces are essentially those that use denatured ethanol for fuel. This denatured ethanol is produced via renewable agricultural sources, making it environmentally-friendly. The fireplaces are excellent for both outdoor and indoor locations, and they don’t need venting since steam, water, carbon dioxide and heat are their only by-products.

One of the reasons ethanol fireplaces are becoming so popular is because they don’t require a chimney or flue. They can simply be positioned where you want: anywhere on the floor, on a table, in a decorative fireplace, or fixed to the wall. They are beautiful to look at, partly due to the natural looking flame, but also because they can be found in a huge variety of attractive designs. Usually, they are formed from steel and glass, which looks amazing and has several uses.  

Contact local builders

Cleaning a fireplace

It’s important to clean your fireplace regularly, especially if you use it frequently. Cleaning isn’t just cosmetic; it can help improve your fireplace’s safety. You should hire an expert to clean your chimney and flue, but you should be able to do the rest yourself. Here is how to clean a fireplace.

Step 1: Do a safety check

It’s important to inspect your fireplace for safety on a semi-regular basis. Hire a professional to inspect your fireplace or follow Step 5 below. Inspect the fireplace before you purchase your home and two to four times a year after the initial safety check. Make your safety check the first step in your semi-annual cleaning routine.

Step 2: Gather supplies

You’ll need to protect your eyes by wearing goggles and may need to wear a mask to avoid breathing in soot. You should also get rubber gloves, a stiff nylon scrubbing brush and a plastic drop cloth. Check these supplies and replace as needed before a cleaning.

Step 3: Clean the firebox and fire screen

The firebox is made of a combination of firebrick and sheets of metal. To scrub firebox walls, use the brush with stiff bristles. Be careful not to use too much pressure, as doing so may cause the firebrick to crumble and break. Put ashes in a bag or vacuum them.

Examine your firescreen to determine how to best clean it. Brass-plated firescreens require brass cleaner; painted metal screen can be cleaned with a solution of 4 ounces of vinegar, 3.7 litres of warm water and 5 millilitres of ammonia. Wipe down the screen with a cloth dipped in the cleaner, then wipe it again with plain water.

Regularly cleaning your fireplace is important for safety, as well as cosmetic value / Source: Architest

Step 4: Clean glass enclosures

Glass fireplace enclosures are made from tempered glass; they must be cleaned after every few uses to remove any residual soot. If soot gets cake onto the glass, gently scrape it with a glass scraper, being careful to avoid scratching it. Use the same vinegar and ammonia solution you use on metal firescreens to clean off stains on the glass.

Step 5: Inspect the chimney & fireplace

Once you are done cleaning, you’ll want to inspect the chimney properly. First, spread a drop cloth over the firebox and slide on your back into the fireplace. Shine a flashlight up the flue to search for cracks in the masonry. Be sure to also check for accumulated creosote by going up to the roof and looking down the chimney. This is also a good way to check for any other problems that may not be visible from below.

Step 6: Maintain your fireplace between cleanings

Vacuum or dust the hearth area every week to prevent soot and creosote from building up. Also, only clean the hearth after embers have cooled down. Be sure not to use any kind of abrasive cleaner in the fireplace; these are flammable and may leave residue behind.

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Heating & cooling

A complete guide to gas heating

When the frigid temperatures of winter hit, you don’t want your home to become uncomfortable and cold. You want to be cozy and warm! You can achieve a comfortable temperature in your house all winter long by having gas heating installed in your home.

What is gas heating?

Any heater in your home that uses natural gas or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) is a gas heater. They produce large quantities of heat, which makes them popular. They’re also much more cost efficient to run than electric and are more energy efficient than other methods of heating. Several types of gas heaters exist; however, they fall into one of two categories unflued or flued. Unflued gas heaters lack a vent, so the emissions are released into whichever room they’re located. There are strict emissions requirements for this type of heater, but they still aren’t suited for rooms with bad ventilation. They’re dangerous in small rooms as well. Fluid heaters have vents and are safe for small rooms and rooms that aren’t ventilated well.

Gas heaters come in different varieties including the following:

  • Convective space heaters
  • Gas ducted heating
  • Radiant space heaters
  • Gas fireplaces
  • Gas powered hydronic heating
  • Gas log fires

Gas heating installation

It’s good to know that there are several different ways to use gas to heat your home. Portable gas fireplaces are one option to heat your living areas. Space heaters are another. If you currently have an outlet in your home for them, then they’re simple to hook up. The outlet is known as a bayonet fitting, and it connects to your heater. If you choose permanent fireplaces or ducted heating, you may have a bit of a rough time installing them. For this reason, you should opt to hire a heating professional such as a gas fitter.

Maybe you don’t even have a gas hookup at your home. In this case, you’ll need to have gas pipes installed. When natural gas isn’t available in your area, you can opt to use LPG. This particular type of gas is available in large bottles and must be replaced on a regular basis. Installing gas isn’t just complicated, it’s also very dangerous. Therefore, you should hire a registered gasfitter to complete the job.

Ducted gas heating

Vented ceiling ducts are typically made of sheet metal and run from your central heating unit to various rooms in your home. These ducts are installed in the ceiling cavity and are connected to ceiling vents that allow the warm air to flow into the room.

The installation of vented ceiling ducts is a complex process that requires specialized knowledge and tools. A professional heating installer or duct fitter can help you determine the best location for your ducts and vents, as well as the appropriate size and materials for your specific home. Find someone to work with so that in the future, you don’t have to worry about how to remove ducted heating ceiling vents and how to put them back.

Benefits of ducted gas heating

1. Greater control

Ducted gas heating creates heat by burning gas in a central area and then uses the network of ducts to distribute heat throughout your home. Since ducting is modular, you can install it in as many or as few rooms as you want. This type of heating gives you more control because you can also specify different areas in your home that are heated only when you need them to be, such as heating your bedrooms at night and your living spaces during the day. As with all heating systems, you also have control over the exact temperature at all times.

2. Gain efficiency

Compared to electric heating, gas ducted heating is much more efficient in energy usage since gas is cheaper than electricity and it generates heat more effectively. Additionally, gas-generated heat burns cleanly and leaves little waste behind, so you aren’t using excessive resources. Stay on the lookout for a high “Energy star” rating as well so that you can ensure your gas ducted heating is as efficient as possible, thus saving you money in the long run.

3. Avoid outages

Another benefit of ducted gas heating is that since it doesn’t rely upon electricity to run, you won’t experience heating outages. Even if there’s a blackout in your neighbourhood, you’ll still have heat in your home. Moreover, because gas ducted heating is so efficient, you can effectively heat your entire home no matter how cold it is outside. Even if the outdoor temperature drops below 5 degrees, your house will still be warm without overloading your heating system and costing you more money.

Contact local heating experts

4. Healthier living

Finally, ducted gas heating is just healthier than other heating systems, which is good news for people with asthma or allergy problems. You’ll never worry about your heater completely drying out the air in your home, and any emissions from the gas are easily vented outside, so as not to pollute your air quality. However, there’s no need to be concerned over emissions from ducted gas heating because it actually produces far less than solid fuel heating systems.

How much is gas heating installation?

If you already have gas hooked up to your home, it’s inexpensive to install. And even if you don’t have gas, the price is still relatively cheap. A majority of the price is the expense of the heater itself. Keep in mind, installation of gas ducted heating is about half the price of electric ducted heating.

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Heating & cooling

6 steps to prepare your air conditioner for the warm weather

The warm weather brings about a ton of excitement and anticipation for the things that come along with it. You’ll soon be able to enjoy evenings on the patio, early morning walks, and afternoons in the sun.

While dragging the lawn chairs out of the shed and dusting off the cooler can be quite easy, there are a few tasks around the house you’ll need to prepare for.

Your air conditioner is something you should look into and is ready to take on the heavy workload when the heat arrives. Failing to perform a clean your air conditioner could lead to major damage in your unit that might be unfixable, not to mention the cooling vents and ductwork inside your home.

Here is a 6-step checklist to go over before turning on your air conditioner this Summer. Not only will these steps help preserve your air conditioner, but they can also help you save money on your cooling costs:

1. Check your air filter

It’s recommended by most manufacturers that the air filter on your air conditioner be changed every three months or so. Read the requirements on your AC unit to know what to plan for with your specific machine.

The air filter’s job is to collect as it enters the machine and to keep it from blowing into your home. Because of this, the filter can quickly become dirty with debris that might affect the way it operates. If you fail to change the filter at the recommended 3-month mark, this dirt could end up causing damage to your machine, affecting the quality of air that comes out on the other end, and causing your machine to overwork.

It’s important to check your air conditioner’s filter regularly / Source: Tapair

Even if you change the filter on time, it’s recommended to keep an eye on it every few weeks and to keep an eye out for any dirt that might accumulate. Get familiar with where your filter is and how to change it when you first purchase the air conditioner to prevent any ongoing issues in the future.

2. Consider a programmable thermostat

A programmable thermostat can end up saving you energy and money in the short and long-term if you decide to swap out an older model.

How can a programmable thermostat save you money? Well, you can set it at different levels for peak hours of the day. For example, you can set it at a lower temperature around 1 p.m. every day, but relax the levels for the middle of the night when everyone is asleep and traffic is at a minimum.

If you have ever heard your air conditioning unit turn on in the middle of the night as everyone is wrapped up in blankets and thought about the energy (and money) you’re currently wasting, then a programmable thermostat is a good investment for your home.

3. Clean the coils

The exterior coils on your AC unit can be affected by a similar thing to what can happen to your air filter (which we talked about above). Dirt, debris, moisture, and dust can build up on the coils and negatively affect the overall operation of the machine.

Depending on the size of your AC unit, you can clean your coils in a few different ways. It is recommended that you hire a professional to clean the coils on your unit but, if done with care and patience, most people should be able to do it themselves.

Use a household detergent or commercial cleaner and use a light spray to cover the coils. You can then use a hose to lightly rinse the coils. If needed, use a rag to gently clean the coils. Repeat this process until the coils are clear of debris and clean.

4. Clean the fins

The fins on an AC unit do two things: they keep the unit safe from damage (weather, lawnmowers, weed whackers, and more) and they move the warm air away from the machine. They are crucial in preventing your machine from overheating and keep air flowing in and out.

You can actually purchase an AC Fin Comb that can help keep the fins clean without causing any damage. The fins are delicate so you must proceed with caution when touching them unless you want to face large AC repair costs.

Visit your local hardware store, purchase a fin comb (if your machine didn’t come with one) and be careful when even touching the fins on your AC unit.

Source: Split Systems Down Under

5. Check the drain line.

The drain line will remove any condensation that builds up in the coils and carry it away from the machine. If the drain line becomes clogged, your machine could stop working and you may need to hire someone to take a look at it.

If you continue to check the drain line on a regular basis, you should be able to keep it moving smoothly and prevent any blockages. By flushing one cup of bleach down the drain at the start of the season (before turning it on), followed by a cup of water, it should move any small build-ups and prevent anything larger from happening.

You should only need to do this at the start of the season and the end of the season unless you notice a blockage begins to build up.

Contact local air conditioning experts

6. Final check: Air vents, ductwork, and area around unit

The final thing I recommend you do is to do a check of all the parts involved in the cooling process in your home. This final step could uncover any small damages or blockages that could lead to larger issues in the middle of the Summer when you really need your machine to work properly.

  • Is any and all exposed ductwork in working shape? Do you notice any wear or small damages?
  • Are all air vents in the home clear of items and ready to blow out cool air when the machine is turned on?
  • Is the electrical wiring in good shape with nothing exposed?

You’re ready to ‘cool down’

If you’ve reached this point of the article with no issues, then you should be ready to cool your home when temperatures begin to rise.

If you notice any potential damage or blockages with your air conditioning unit, I recommend you seek out the help of an AC professional. Small issues can be fixed early on but leaving them for too long could lead to expensive repairs, or even having to replace your unit.

Air conditioning units are expensive machines that operate at a high pace. If you continue to take care of your unit by doing regular cleaning and maintenance, then it will repay you with a steady, high-quality cooling. Failing to do this could result in frustrations and expenses you’d rather avoid.

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Heating & cooling

Attic insulation removal and cleaning DIY

This article is going to cover the three steps needed to make sure you remove insulation from your home in a safe and effective manner;

  1. How to prep this attic cleanup
  2. How to safely vacuum the area you are working in.
  3. How to properly dispose of this product.

Attic insulation needs to be replaced immediately if there are signs of rodent infestations. They can spread disease and cause structural problems to your property. Removing the old insulation can be quite a pain to do alone, but if you follow these guidelines, the process will be a lot easier.

If you are doing it by yourself, you need to make sure you focus mainly on your own safety before anything else, whether you are removing loose attic insulation for replacement with new, removing due to water damage, or just changing insulation types! Everyone should know how to remove their own home’s insulation if need be, because if you don’t know how you might end up spending too much money for something that can be done for free by yourself.

If you plan on DIYing your insulation removal, ensure you have the correct protective gear / Source: Enviroflex Insulation

Insulation removal equipment

  • Fully covered clothing
  • Gloves
  • Goggles
  • Large garbage bags/trash bags
  • Tarp or blanket
  • Vacuum
  • Ladder
  • Respirator/dust masks

Proper safety attire for your attic cleaning

Before we begin, let’s go over the proper safety attire. When it comes to insulation, it is important to keep your body protected and keep insulation inhalation to an absolute minimum. You need to protect yourself by wearing the right equipment, dressed in a long-sleeved shirt, long pants, and both your safety goggles and respirator. Attic insulation can be dangerous if you aren’t wearing the clothing for the job.

Step one: Know the type of insulation you have 

The very first step in removing loose attic insulation is to determine what kind of insulation you are dealing with. It is important to figure this out because many older homes contain an insulation that has a grey, almost paper-like appearance and is very harmful to your health. If you cannot identify the insulation you are working with you need to find out if the insulation is comprised with asbestos by using a testing kit. If so, the best option for you to remove the insulation is to call for a local insulation expert to remove the insulation. View our Asbestos removal cost guide if you think you might have asbestos in your home.

It’s important to know the type of insulation you are removing / Source: Active Vac and Insulation

When getting ready for insulation removal it is important that you don’t allow any damaged, mildewed, or mouldy insulation to fall and settle throughout your home. To prevent anything from going wrong, make sure that all the doors/attic opening are closed and place down your tarp in the area you are working in and tape it down to secure it.

To work in the attic safely, you should lay down some large wooden boards across the joist so that you are able to walk throughout the attic while removing the insulation. You will want the tarp to be placed in the area you will be unloading the insulation into the garbage bags. You need to have a clear path from where you are unloading the garbage bags full of insulation to the exit so that you aren’t spending too much time handling the bags, keeping minimum interaction.

Step two: Cleaning, vacuuming and disinfection

Before you start this next step, make sure that your clothing thoroughly covers all of your skin and you are wearing gloves and a respirator/mask. You will start by vacuuming all of the loose insulation throughout a small area and empty the canister into the garbage bags until the area is clear of loose insulation, then move on to the next area of the wall. With a wet-dry vacuum you are going to need to dump the insulation remnants from the vacuum canister into the trash bags every five minutes or so while vacuuming. After all of the attic walls are cleared, you then need to vacuum all of the attic joists thoroughly.

Contact local insulation experts

To start this, you’ll want to begin the process at the farthest end of the attic and make your way to the exit going backward. Getting stuck in a corner while you are stirring up insulation into the air is the last thing you want to do. Make sure you also check it twice along the floor joists to guarantee that all of the tiny insulation pieces aren’t infiltrating the air.

If you don’t own or have access to a shop-vac, then another option for you is to rent a HEPA filtered industrial vacuum. They are much higher powered than a standard shop-vac and will get the job done in much less time. It does this because it does two jobs at once; it sucks up the loose insulation and has attached a hose that routes the insulation from the vacuum straight to the trash container or garbage bags outside. This will keep the area you are working in a little bit neater and keep air infiltration to a minimum.

Step three: Insulation disposal

The third and final step in removing your attic insulation is the disposal of it. Disposing of the loose insulation you’ve collected in the garbage bags is important because of the damage that insulation can do to the environment if released. This is why you should contact your city’s waste management center to determine what the best option for dumping your insulation. It might even be as simple as leaving it out to the road with the other household trash bags, but there might be a specific dumb site that they refer you to go to for disposal.

Blown in insulation

Once you finish cleaning up the attic and remove the old insulation, it’s not a bad idea to add in more insulation if you don’t mind working up a sweat. To make sure you use enough insulation and seal up the attic bypasses, it’s still recommended to hire a local insulation professional for a long-term payoff. A proper insulation helps to save energy bills.

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Heating & cooling

Foam insulation: Advantages & disadvantages

Insulation is becoming a standard installation in many homes. Since insulation comes in a variety of types, the choice can be difficult. If you’re considering foam insulation in your house, read on for the advantages and disadvantages to help you make the choice.

What is foam insulation?

Most commonly available in spray form, foam insulation is constructed from polyurethane or soy for environmentally-friendly variants. The substrate can be sprayed onto any surface that needs insulating. After dispensing of the product, it fills gaps and creates an airtight seal that is resistant to water.

Similar to other kinds of insulation, this is designed to block heat in the summer and trap heat in the winter which reduces HVAC usage and therefore, electricity bills and your environmental impact.

Source: Shutterstock

Foam insulation benefits

The greatest benefit of using foam insulation is the effectiveness of the product as it can seep into all the holes and small spaces that standard insulation is unable to do. This significantly improves home sealing. Given its superior filling ability, the insulation prevents insects, rodents, and other vermin from entering. Additionally, it has a higher R-value than the alternative. Furthermore, many types of foam are also fireproof.

The environmental benefit is there are no small particulates that can get into the air like with fibreglass. Also, there is no itchiness with foam insulation. Additionally, it does not absorb water so mould growth is unlikely. Finally, this insulation can improve the structural integrity of your home because it contains similar properties as glue.

Contact local insulation experts

Foam insulation disadvantages

Despite many benefits, there are a few drawbacks which much be considered:

  • Spray foam costs significantly more than the standard insulatio
  • It is a much messier process for installing around the house
  • If too much is sprayed, the walls or ceilings can buckle. Therefore, it is always recommended that foam insulation must have professional installation