Heating & Furnaces FAQs

Yes, it’s one of those well-intentioned habits that tends to backfire. Beyond the pressure and equipment strain, closed vents in unused rooms can also lead to moisture buildup and temperature imbalances that affect comfort in the rest of the house. If room-by-room temperature control is what you’re after, a zoned heating system is the right solution.

Yes. Many furnace issues, including early-stage heat exchanger cracking and ignition degradation, produce symptoms (noise, smell, or behaviour changes) long before they cause a heating failure. Catching them early is almost always less expensive than waiting for a breakdown.

On extremely cold days, your furnace runs longer and more frequently, which can amplify existing issues. Delayed ignition problems, for example, may only become noticeable when the system is under maximum load. If banging only occurs during severe cold snaps, the issue is still present, it’s just most visible under stress.

A rattle on its own is usually not dangerous, it’s most often a loose access panel, a screw that’s worked itself free, or a piece of debris in the blower housing. However, a rattle accompanied by reduced heat output, unusual smells, or repeated cycling could point to something more serious and warrants a professional inspection.

Short-cycling after a smart thermostat install is most commonly caused by insufficient power to the thermostat, a problem that occurs when a C-wire is absent and the device is attempting to draw power through the heating circuit. Installing a C-wire adapter or running a dedicated C-wire from the furnace board typically resolves this immediately.

Some smart thermostats support low-voltage hydronic zone control, but compatibility depends on your exact setup (zone valves vs. zone pumps, number of zones, and control board type). This is one installation we’d recommend evaluating with a professional before purchasing.

Most 1980s forced-air gas furnaces can support a smart thermostat, provided the control board outputs a stable 24V signal and C-wire access can be established either via existing wiring or an adapter. The furnace’s age matters less than its wiring and control board condition. A quick inspection by a certified technician can confirm compatibility.

Yes, but the savings depend on your existing habits. Smart thermostats typically deliver the most value for households that heat consistently around the clock regardless of whether anyone’s home. Intelligent scheduling and geofencing (auto-adjusting when you leave and return) can reduce heating energy use by 10–15% for many households, according to manufacturer data and independent studies.

Yes, most ductless mini-split systems function as heat pumps, providing both heating and cooling capabilities. This makes them a versatile year-round solution for maintaining comfortable indoor temperatures.

With proper maintenance, a ductless HVAC system can last 15-20 years. Regular cleaning, annual tune-ups, and prompt repairs can extend the system’s lifespan and ensure reliable performance.

Yes, ductless mini-split systems are known for their energy efficiency. They eliminate ductwork losses and offer zoned heating and cooling, allowing you to control temperatures in individual rooms. This can lead to significant energy savings compared to traditional central air systems.

The duration of duct cleaning varies depending on the size of your home and the condition of your ducts. Typically, it takes between 2 to 5 hours.

Our process involves using powerful, specialized equipment to dislodge and remove debris from your ducts. We use high-powered compressed air and high-powered vacuums to ensure a thorough cleaning, and we prioritize safety and efficiency.

Professional duct cleaning improves indoor air quality, reduces allergens and dust, increases HVAC efficiency, lowers energy bills, eliminates musty odors, and extends the lifespan of your HVAC system.

Yes, we provide comprehensive carbon monoxide testing and detector installation to ensure your home’s safety.

Yes, maintaining proper humidity levels can reduce allergens and improve respiratory comfort.

HEPA filters remove 99.97% of airborne particles, including dust, pollen, and pet dander, providing cleaner, healthier air.

We recommend having your air ducts cleaned every 3 to 5 years. However, factors like pets, allergies, recent renovations, or visible dust buildup may necessitate more frequent cleaning.

Yes and no. Your underfloor heating system will heat your space but it can take some time. To heat a whole home, you would need an in-floor heating installation throughout your home. Please note that temperature control within your environment may not be ideal for the whole home.

While you may begin to feel the floor get warmer in about 20 minutes, reaching peak floor temperature can take several hours before you notice a temperature change in the room.

various control options are available based on how you want your system to respond to outdoor conditions and operational convenience. You can use a standard thermostat for ease of use.

It’s important to have your hydronic heating system inspected each year to help avoid issues. If problems do arise, our in-floor heating repair in Alberta can be there to fix it.

• Essentially your furnace filter is a collector of dust, dirt, grime and other nasty microscopic things that float around your home. When your heating or cooling system is turned on, it collects these particles to protect your system and clean your home’s air, which protects YOUR lungs. Like the lint trap in your dryer, it accumulates a thick layer of these air borne particles as it circulates air throughout your home.
• Once it has trapped a certain amount, it becomes full and ineffective and gradually restricts the air flow moving through your system. This requires your system to work harder to keep you cool or warm, wasting energy and increasing your monthly bill. As air filters get dirtier, they also become less effective at capturing the airborne germs and pollutants that can irritate your family’s breathing. Stuffy noses, sneezing, allergies and even asthma are triggered. Your family inhales what your filter can’t handle any longer.
• An old and forgotten filter can eventually accumulate so much dirt and grime that it can totally choke off the air flow to the system causing a myriad of problems. In the worst case, the filter will be sucked into the blower motor and cause thousands of dollars in damage to your system.

Modern central heating and air conditioning systems generally have the filter located as close to the blower unit as possible. The filter(s) can be located at the base of the air handler/furnace unit in a frame or box that connects your cold air return duct to the air handler/furnace unit.

• Remove the grill or box cover holding your filter in place.
• Dispose of the dirty filter in a bag to contain the dirt.
• Install the new or cleaned and dried air filter with the air flow arrow pointing toward the blower.
• Record the date and wash or change the filter within the recommended period.

If you experience higher dust levels in your home due to changes in outside air, construction or dry weather, you may need to change or wash your filter more frequently than the recommended period. For questions or concerns about the location or installation of the filter contact the HVAC installer or give us a call. As a reputable HVAC contractor we can make recommendations that are right for both you and your system.

MERV is an acronym that stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value. What is a MERV Rating?MERV Rating is a filter comparison system designed by an industry group called the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air-conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE). Simply put, it’s a rating scale designed to allow consumers to easily compare the performance of one filter to another. Why is there a MERV Rating?It is designed to measure a filter’s ability to capture and hold particles and pollutants. The higher the MERV rating, the more particles – dust mites, pet dander, air allergens, etc – your filter will remove from the air. Of course, screening out more particles from your air makes your air handler work a bit harder, so you may see a modest increase in power consumption by your air conditioning or furnace unit when choosing a higher MERV Rating. How a MERV Rating benefits you?Matching the right MERV rating to your needs will improve your home’s air quality and will extend the life of your furnace or air conditioner.

You wouldn’t buy a brand-new car and expect to never have to put air in the tires, change the oil and check out any unusual noises, would you? In the same way that an automobile requires periodic maintenance for optimal performance, a home comfort system should be regularly inspected by a qualified technician.

Depending upon the style/brand of UV light purchased, ozone may or may not be part of the light’s operation/function. Should you have concerns, consult one of our factory trained technicians. EPA: According to two studies, operating UV lamps installed in HVAC systems to irradiate the surfaces of air-handling units does not result in increased concentrations of ozone.

Both products are effective at removing harmful elements from the air, but UV Air Purifiers focus on removing airborne germs, bacteria and mold while filtration focuses on removing harmful particulates that become airborne.

Choosing the right thermostat depends on your needs and heating system. If you prefer convenience and energy savings, a smart thermostat is a great option, as it allows you to control temperature remotely and learn your habits. A programmable thermostat works well if you want to set specific schedules. For those looking for something simple, a manual thermostat is a reliable, no-frills option. Make sure the thermostat is compatible with your HVAC system—consulting with a professional can ensure the best fit for your home.

The life of your filter depends on your environment and the type of filter you have installed. To put it simply, there really is no concrete answer to this question. Certain things such as:

• the number of people who live in your home
• if there are pets in the house
• if there is a smoker in the house
• if you leave the windows open
• if you have pollen bearing trees or plants in the neighborhood
• if you live in an area with a lot of dampness
• if you live in an area that is dry or arid
• plus many others

If several of these factors sound familiar, you’ll likely experience a quicker loading of particles on your filters and will consequently have to change it more often. A good rule of thumb is to check your filter every month. If you can hold the filter up to a light and not see through it, it is time to change your filter. At an absolute minimum, you should change your filter every three months. A clean air filter will also prevent dust and dirt from building up in the system, which could lead to expensive maintenance and utility bills.

Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value, or MERV for short, is a filter rating system devised by the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) to standardize and simplify filter efficiency ratings for the public. The higher the MERV rating, the higher the efficiency of the air filter. Simply stated, a MERV 12 filter will remove smaller particles from the air than a MERV 8 filter. For the consumer this means that you now have the ability to effectively compare one filter to another. In general, any MERV 8 or 11 filter will perform about the same as any other MERV 8 or 11 filter, respectively. The MERV rating only applies to efficiency. Additions such as carbon, Lysol anti-bacterial treatment and Arm & Hammer baking soda are value-added benefits and are not an expression of the MERV rating system. If allergies or asthma are your concern, we suggest you choose a MERV 8 filter or higher.

Generally you can buy your filter from any source. Check with a filter vendor or the documentation that came with your furnace to be sure. However, ductless filters currently are O.E.M. (original equipment manufacturer) parts and are not available generically.

Check the documentation that came with your furnace for filter size information. Consult with our factory trained technicians regarding the efficiency of the filter needed and whether that efficiency is compatible with your furnace’s unit. Too high an efficiency, in some models, can cause too high of a static pressure for the motor and can cause premature motor failure.

Hiring an HVAC contractor for professional advice is the best approach when you are in the market for a new heating system. Different types of heaters work better in some climates than others. Also, you would need to consider the available utility services in your area. Not all areas offer Natural gas or propane. Likewise, not all homes have sufficient electrical requirements to change from gas to a heat pump or electric heat. Upon completion of a series of quick questions and a survey of your home or business, our Comfort Consultant can assist you in choosing a system that meets your heating needs. Give us a call and let’s get started!

There are a few obvious signals that let you know when it’s time to upgrade your heating system. Frequent repairs, recent spikes in utility bills, and inconsistent temperatures in the home are a few warning signs that it’s time for a new heater. But if you’ve had the same heating system for twenty years or more, it would be a good idea to talk to an HVAC contractor about having it inspected to determine if it’s time for a heater replacement. Even if your old heater has worked without problems for years, a professional heating technician is trained to detect any possible operation or safety issues that are a direct indication that the system needs to be replaced. If you are concerned about your heating costs, you should talk to a heating professional about other options. Call us now to schedule your system’s check up!

Two-stage heating means the furnace has two levels of heat output: high for cold winter days and low for milder days. Since the low setting is adequate to meet household heating demands 80% of the time, a two-stage unit runs for longer periods and provides more even heat distribution.

Furnaces are rated by the Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) ratio, which is the percent of heat produced for every dollar of fuel consumed,or how efficiently a furnace converts gas into heating energy. Its AFUE rating is measured as a percentage. Like the miles-per-gallon rating on your automobile, the higher the AFUE rating, the lower your fuel costs. An AFUE of 90% means that 90% of the energy in the fuel becomes heat for the home and the other 10% escapes up the chimney and elsewhere. According to the EPA- AFUE doesn’t include the heat losses of the duct system or piping, which can be as much as 35% of the energy for output of the furnace when ducts are located in the attic, garage, or other partially conditioned or unconditioned space. All furnaces manufactured today must meet at least 80% AFUE in the south and 90% AFUE in the North. If your furnace is 10 – 15 years old, it very well may fall below the current furnace minimum and waste energy- costing you money. When shopping for high-efficiency furnaces and boilers, look for the ENERGY STAR® label. If you live in a cold climate, it usually makes sense to invest in the highest-efficiency system. This doesn’t mean that you should only select a furnace based on its AFUE rating. The efficiency rating is just one factor to consider when looking for a new furnace.

Check the documentation that came with your furnace. Recommendations vary based on a number of factors: the type of filter that you use, how many pets you have, whether anyone in your home has allergies, etc. If you use disposable fiberglass panel or electrostatic panel filters, you should change them anywhere from once a month to once every three months. Pleated filters generally last from 3 months to 6 months, again, always check your filter monthly, no matter what type filter you use. Filters are relatively inexpensive and easy to change, so there is little reason to wait. If you don’t change or clean your filter often enough the filter can get clogged with dust and other airborne particles, forcing your furnace to work harder to maintain airflow. This will reduce your furnace’s efficiency and can cause damage.

Filter efficiency refers to the percentage of airborne particles that the filter removes. This is different from the fuel efficiency of your furnace (commonly measured as the AFUE). You can choose either a high-efficiency or a low-efficiency filter for your highly fuel efficient furnace. (Note, however, that failing to change / clean your filter regularly can reduce your furnace’s fuel efficiency.)

Installation of a ductless mini split air conditioner is more complicated than a window unit but far less complicated than installing a central air conditioner. But, don’t let that fool you. Ductless systems are very sensitive pieces of equipment and are quite unforgiving when mistakes are made. Small mistakes lead to HUGE problems with ductless systems. It is always best to have any AC system installed by licensed, trained professionals. Homeowner installations and using unlicensed individuals most often will void the manufacturer warranty on your new investment. Call us for a certified installation with one of our manufacturer trained technicians – we will make sure that the installation was done correctly. We will evacuate, pressure test, perform a thorough vacuum and charge with your system with refrigerant as needed for your particular installation followed by start up and commissioning reports on your system.

It’s recommended that you schedule a maintenance service visit once a year with a licensed HVAC technician. This will prolong the life of your heating system and keep it running safely and efficiently throughout the cold season. A qualified heating technician will thoroughly clean and inspect all of your heater’s components and make any necessary repairs or adjustments. Not only does this ensure that your heater is performing at optimal levels, which helps to save on overall heating costs, but it also allows the technician to address any major problems or safety concerns.

A Heat Pump is an all-in-one heating and air conditioning system that works year-round to keep you comfortable. During warmer months, a heat pump works as a normal air conditioner. It extracts heat from inside the home and transfers it to the outdoor air. In colder weather, however, the process reverses—the unit collects heat from the outdoor air and transfers it inside your home. Even when the air outside feels extremely cold, the air still contains some heat. The heat pump pulls the heat from this cold outdoor air and sends it inside to warm your home. When there’s not enough heat in the outside air to meet the demand of the thermostat setting, an electric heater supplements the outdoor air to warm the home. Extremely efficient, this process produces two to three times more heat than the energy it uses. However, keep in mind, if you do not use much heat and you are thinking about replacing your system, a heat pump is more expensive to purchase up front and you will only receive a return on the heating portion of your investment when the system is in the heat mode. Additional electrical requirements may also come into play when switching to a straight cool/electric heat system.

In general, the sound generated by a ductless air handler (sometimes referred to as a head) is equivalent to whispering in a library (between 21 and 30 decibels). The sound from an outdoor unit is more like normal conversation (60 decibels) but is less than a conventional air conditioning condenser.

When you schedule your regular maintenance visit with a qualified heating technician, they will test your system to make sure it is running at optimal levels. But there are some ways you can determine whether or not your system is working efficiently on your own. Abnormally high heating bills are one of the indicators that your system is running at low efficiency levels, but keep in mind that how well your home is insulated and sealed and whether your filters are clean will also play a role in heating costs. You can also tell by how warm your house stays throughout the winter. If some rooms are colder than others, or if you find that you are turning up the thermostat more often, your heating system may not be running very efficiently. Check your thermostat setting. Is your heating system achieving the desired temperature setting you are requesting on the thermostat? If not, call one of our HVAC professionals to inspect and test your heater.

Your Bear Care Club membership does not cover these costs. As a member, you are eligible for a 10% discount on a one-time duct cleaning service, or you can add this service to your membership on a two —or three-year recurring term.

Some models offer more than one zone, but some do not. Please contact our team at Bruin’s Plumbing & Heating Ltd. to review what is available and best for your specific application.

When properly maintained, a ductless mini-split device can last between 15 and 20 years.

A “conduit”—a long, thin wire that contains the power line, coolant tubing, and condensate discharge—connects the indoor and outdoor units together, providing electricity to both units.

Yes, a ductless heat pump can heat an entire house, but depending on the size and layout, multiple zones or units may be required. Unlike central AC, this system uses refrigerant (not air) through lines between the outdoor condenser and indoor units. The indoor unit, mounted on the wall, disperses air using a built-in blower. The mini-split design allows you to create zones, so you can heat only the rooms in use, increasing efficiency and lowering energy costs.

Ductless systems are a great option for homes and businesses that don’t have existing ductwork. They’re also more energy-efficient than traditional HVAC systems, which can save you money on your energy bills. In addition, ductless systems are quieter than traditional air conditioning systems in Red Deer, Lacombe, Sylvan Lake, and surrounding areas so they won’t disrupt your peace and quiet.

A ductless HVAC system, also known as a ductless mini-split system, is a type of heating and cooling system that doesn’t require any ductwork. Instead, it uses air handlers (blowers) that are mounted on the walls or ceilings to deliver conditioned air directly into the rooms.