Duct Cleaning: The Pro Ace Difference
Benefits of Air Duct Cleaning for Vancouver Homes Vancouver spring and summers produce a lot of pollen, as a result, annual duct cleaning and replacing air filters makes a difference like night and day. Duct cleaning is important for clean indoor air quality. This is especially true if you keep windows and doors open, which increases air particulates circulating in the air system. The EPA and the National Air Duct Cleaners Association both agree there is good value in air duct cleaning. Removing Air Duct Pollutants Homes with high efficiency windows, doors, and increased insulation reduce air transfer between inside and outside. This allows pollutants to enter your home and increase air contamination and results with you or your family inhaling the infected air if the home is not properly ventilated. Older Vancouver homes heated with oil burning heaters will inherit a lot of dust particles within the ducting. Bugs, cigarette butts, feces are only some of the microbial guests overstaying their welcome. Need an eviction? Improving Indoor Air Quality for Healthy Living Though duct cleaning is a lengthy process (often taking up to 5 hours) the benefits easily outweigh the detriments of waiting and will create an infinitely more comfortable space for you to live and breathe in. On average, Canadians spend 90% of their time indoors. For this reason, our indoor air quality is an important health concern according to the Canadian Lung Association. Therefore, we seek nothing more than to increase indoor air quality to better suit your needs and more importantly, your health. Duct Cleaning Estimates Utilizing Pro Ace’s Air Duct Camera, we can get a comprehensive view inside the duct work to get a clear estimate of the job at hand. Estimates are free, so what are you waiting for? Pick up the ringer and dial 604-293-3770 for fast, effective service from Pro Ace Heating and Cooling today!Electrical Contractors in Vancouver BC: What is An Industrial Electrician?
What is an Industrial Electrician You may be on the lookout for an industrial electrician as British Columbia has been experiencing a period of rapid industrial growth and much of that growth is happening in the Lower Mainland areas of Vancouver, Burnaby, Richmond, Surrey, and Langley. That growth has fueled the demand for industrial electricians. So here we will address the question: what is an industrial electrician and when is it necessary to hire one? What is an Electrician? An electrician is a professional who specializes in installing and maintaining electrical wiring. An electrician is necessary to install, maintain, or inspect the electrical wiring of buildings, equipment, and even on ships and airplanes. Electricians install and maintain residential and commercial electrical systems. Electricians train through an apprenticeship lasting several years, and electricians in Vancouver, Richmond, Surrey, Burnaby, and Langley are licensed through the province of British Columbia. What is an industrial electrician? An industrial electrician installs, maintains, tests, and repairs the electrical wiring and electrical equipment on industrial sites and plants. Electrical equipment includes switch boxes, conduits, feeders, and receptacles. Industrial electricians work in all different kinds of industrial settings, including mines, electrical construction sites, power companies, steel producers, ship yards, oil rigs, and motor vehicle manufacturers. What sort of equipment do industrial electricians work on? Industrial electricians can work on: - generators - pumps - motors - heavy machines of all kinds - lighting - systems for environmental regulation, such as air conditioners - communication systems What training does an industrial electrician have? An industrial electrician in Vancouver, Richmond, Burnaby, and other parts of BC have four levels of apprenticeship training, each 300 hours long. In addition, an industrial electrician apprentice has at least 6000 hours of work experience. This extensive training ensures that professional industrial electricians are experts in their field, able to work safely in a wide variety of industrial situations. What should I do if I need an industrial electrician? Hiring an industrial electrician is an important decision. The safety of your plant or job site depends on choosing a true professional. Pro Ace Electricians are fully licensed and bonded, providing you with a guarantee of expertise and quality. We guarantee Pro Ace work. Pro Ace can not only install your electrical system but assist with regular and emergency maintenance. Pro Ace is reliable and responds quickly to inquiries. Your Pro Ace electrician will communicate clearly with you so there are no surprises. Pro Ace rates are reasonable and competitive. Pro Ace Electricians are experts that you can trust on your job site. Whether your industrial site requires electrical installation, regular maintenance, or troubleshooting and repair, Pro Ace has a professional to meet your needs. If you are in Vancouver, Richmond, Burnaby, Langley, or Surrey, give Pro Ace a call today at 604-293-3770 to discuss your electrical needs and decide whether a Pro Ace industrial electrician is right for you.Air Conditioners: Which System is Right?
Choosing the Right Air Conditioner for Vancouver & West Coast Climates With climate change becoming a reality, more and more Vancouver, North Vancouver, Richmond, Burnaby, Langley, and Surrey homes and businesses are considering installing air conditioning. A cooling system for your building can help make the summer and early fall more comfortable for your family, your team, and your customers. But if you're ready to consider an air conditioning system, you have options. Which style of air conditioning best meets your needs? Knowing a few basic differences between different methods of air conditioning will help you make a decision. Window Air Conditioner Units Window air conditioner units need to vent to the outdoors, so they are usually placed in windows. They take warm air from the inside of your house, cool it, and deposit heat to the outside. A window air conditioning unit is inexpensive and can be removed during the rest of the year. They have certain limitations: They cool only a small area, usually the room that the window unit is placed in. Some home owners may find a window unit unsightly. Cost is a two-edged sword with a window air conditioner unit: The unit itself is less expensive, but the resulting energy bill will be higher than other systems. You might consider a window unit if you only need to cool one or two rooms, or if you are renting and can't make permanent changes in your building. Portable Air Conditioner Units Portable air conditioner units are similar to window units. Like window air conditioners, they vent hot air to the outside and cool inside. They vent through a pipe rather than being located in a window. Portable air conditioners are more flexible than window units because they don't need to be placed in a window. Like window units they have a fairly low start up cost but may cost more to operate. They tend to be the noisiest of the air conditioning options. Central Air Conditioning (also called ducted air conditioning) The gold standard of air conditioning systems, central air conditioning consists of two units: a condensing unit located outside your house, and an evaporative unit located inside your furnace. Central air conditioning uses the same ducts that your pressed air furnace uses. Central air conditioning cools your entire home and is quieter and more energy-efficient than other options. It costs more to set up but will save money on energy bills compared to portable and window units. Ductless Air Conditioning Ductless systems are similar to central air conditioning in that the condensing unit is outside and separate from the evaporative unit. They are different because instead of using the ducts of your building, ductless air conditioning works with hoses that run through the walls. The evaporative units are not in the furnace but instead in different rooms. The units themselves can be expensive compared to window or portable units, but ductless air conditioning is a good way to cool an entire house or building. Find out more about the Benefits of Ductless Air Conditioning here. For other cooling options, we also install ceiling fans along with all the electrical installations. How to Get a Pro Ace Estimate for your AC Installation Are you thinking of air conditioning options? If you are, a Pro Ace professional can help you make your decision. Once you've chosen a system, a Pro Ace HVAC professional will provide smooth, economical installation and maintenance to ensure your system works and keeps working. If you are anywhere in the Vancouver area, give Pro Ace a call at 604-293-3770 to discuss your air conditioning needs.Getting Your Furnace Ready for Winter Heating
Ready for Winter Heating? It may only be September, but winter is on the way for residents of Vancouver, North Vancouver, Richmond, Burnaby, Langley, and Surrey. This is the time of year that residents start thinking about preparing their homes and businesses for the winter season. If you want to save money and conserve energy while keeping warm, it's best to consider taking a few steps to prepare your furnace and heating system for the cold weather. What are the steps you should take? Steps to Preparing Your Heating System For Winter The most important step to take is to consult a trustworthy professional to guide you through the process of routine furnace care. A Pro Ace HVAC professional can look at your furnace and ensure it is in good working order. A Pro Ace HVAC professional takes a series of steps to ensure that your furnace is operating safely and at peak efficiency, so you won't be caught unaware when the first cold day hits. Steps Professionals Take to Prepare Heating Systems - Perform a routine maintenance inspection. This ensures that your furnace is operational. - Rule out any dangerous or costly leaks. - Clean the furnace itself. Furnaces need regular cleaning. - Change the filters. Furnace air filters should be changed regularly, at least every three months. A Pro Ace professional will be able to tell whether your filters require cleaning. Ask your Pro Ace professional about the possibility of a furnace filter alarm to let you know when it's time to have the filter changed. - Clean your ducts. Clean air ducts protects the air quality in your home or business. - Provide you with insulation ideas. Good insulation will keep your house warm and help you save on energy bills. Steps Anyone Can Take to Prepare For Winter - Purchase air filters. You're going to need them and they're less expensive during the summer. - If you have a gas furnace, contact your gas company to have it filled up now. - Ensure you have a working carbon monoxide detector. Carbon monoxide is deadly, but a detector that keeps your family safe can be bought at any local hardware store. - While you're buying a carbon monoxide detector, pick up a radon detector as well. - Move boxes and refuse away from the furnace. Don't let things pile up in the furnace area; It may look like a good place for storage but it isn't safe. - Ensure that furniture is not blocking any of your vents. - Consider some do-it-yourself insulation ideas, such as rugs to keep floors warm and plastic sheeting over windows. Proactive care for your ducts and furnace now will ensure you have a warm winter and don't pay for wasted energy. Where to Contact Local Vancouver HVAC Professionals If you are in Vancouver Area and want to ensure your furnace or HVAC system is efficient and ready to go for winter, contact Pro Ace at 604-293-3770 to make an appointment! Pro Ace HVAC professionals are experts in furnace care and will provide you with the reliable, timely service you need at a good price, and help you avoid problems before they arise.Should You Switch to LED Lighting?
Switching to LED Lighting, Electrical Efficiency Cost-Benefits Have you heard of LED lights? Light emitting diodes are big news lately. But does it actually make sense for homes and businesses in Vancouver, North Vancouver, Burnaby, Richmond, Surrey, or Langley to switch from traditional incandescent bulbs or florescent lights to LED lighting? Pro Ace electricians offer professional advice and guidance to customers in the Greater Vancouver Area and we have found that in many cases, going LED does make sense! What is an LED Light? An LED light is an light emitting diode that has been fitted into a light fixture. Originally used for electronic components, LEDs are now able to emit light suitable for a home or business. They provide an alternative to incandescent or florescent light sources. LED Lights are Energy Efficient Incandescent bulbs are the least energy efficient type of bulb available. They lose most of their energy to heat. LED lights lose much less energy to heat. In fact, LED lights are so efficient, that you will only need a six or seven Watt LED light to replace your 60 Watt incandescent light bulb. This makes them easy on the pocket book when the energy bill comes. It also makes them easy on the environment. LED Lights Last Longer If you don't like changing light bulbs, LED lights are the way to go. They can last for up to 100,000 hours, twice as long as florescent lights and many times longer than incandescent lights. This is particularly helpful if your light fixture is in a place where changing the bulb is inconvenient. LED Lights Are Quiet and Attractive Lots of people are bothered by the humming of florescent lights. LED lights operate in silence. They also emit an attractive light and can be bought in a wide variety of colours, to give your home or business exactly the look you want. LED Lights are Safe LED lights don't emit much heat, so they're safer for kids and pets who may touch a bulb. They're also much harder to break. Vancouver residents are particularly conscious of toxins in the environment, and many consumers are concerned about the mercury in florescent bulbs. LED lights don't contain mercury. LED Lights Don't Need to Warm Up Florescent lights take a moment to turn on, but LED lights light up immediately. LED Lights are Dimmable Dimmable lights add a nice feature to a home or business. LED lights are able to dim without changing the colour of the light -- they don't become yellow as they dim but stay a bright, pure white. LED Bulbs are More Expensive Buying an LED bulb will cost more than buying an incandescent or florescent bulb, but in most cases, you'll make your money back through buying fewer replacement bulbs and through lower energy bills. Where to Contact Local Vancouver Electrician Contractors Have questions? If you want to talk about LED lights for your business, or you're not sure the correct type of lighting for your situation, contact a Pro Ace electrician. Pro Ace electricians offer professional advice and guidance to for residential electrical and commercial electrical services in the Greater Vancouver Area. Contact Pro Ace at 604-293-3770 and get answers to all of your lighting questions, as well as lighting solutions that will work for your home or business.Fluorescent Lighting vs Incandescent Lighting
Fluorescent Lighting or Incandescent Lighting? Lighting has been in the news in Canada recently. Since 2013, the federal government has been proceeding with a plan that will eventually make most types of incandescent light bulbs unavailable in Canada. But not all Canadians understand the difference between a fluorescent light and an incandescent light. What is incandescent light? Why might the government encourage one form of lighting over another? These are questions our Pro Ace electricians get asked with some frequency. So how can Vancouver, North Vancouver, Burnaby, Richmond, Langley, and Surrey residents choose the best form of lighting for their business or home? What is Incandescent Lighting? Incandescent lighting is the type most familiar to us. Inside the bulb is a wire filament, made of tungsten. When the bulb is connected to electricity, a current runs through the filament and lights it up. Incandescent bulbs are available in voltages from 1.5 volts all the way up to 300 volts. What is Fluorescent Lighting? Fluorescent lights are tubes that are filled with mercury gas. When an electric current runs through the bulb, it produces a reaction that causes the mercury in the bulb to produce light. What are the differences between incandescent and fluorescent lights? Efficiency Fluorescent lights are far more efficient than incandescent lights. Incandescent lights use a great deal of energy to produce heat, and they require more electricity for the same amount of lighting. Because fluorescent lights don't produce so much heat, they are four to six times as efficient as their incandescent counterparts. Environmental concerns Because they are more efficient, fluorescent lights are better for the environment. There are also concerns that the tungsten inside of incandescent bulbs is becoming scarce. This is the reason that both the Canadian and American governments have been gradually phasing out the manufacture and sale of incandescent lights. Safety Fluorescent lights are generally considered safer because they don't heat up as much as incandescent lights do. It's important to note though that fluorescent lights do contain mercury. Used or broken bulbs should be recycled at an appropriate facility. Longevity Fluorescent bulbs last longer: at least 6000 hours and up to 35,000 hours. Incandescent bulbs last an average of 2000 hours and so must be replaced more often. Cost Fluorescent bulbs are more expensive to purchase than incandescent bulbs, since they cost more to manufacture. They cost less to operate though, since they use less energy and last longer. As fluorescent bulbs become more popular, they are coming down in cost, and the cost of a fluorescent bulb may eventually be comparable to the cost of an incandescent light. Contacting Pro Ace Electricians in Vancouver BC Do you have questions about lighting solutions for your home or business? Pro Ace electricians are trained and licensed to provide service throughout the Lower Mainland -- including Vancouver, North Vancouver, Richmond, Burnaby, Surrey, and Langley. Our Vancouver electrical contractors are experts in the types of lighting available and can help you make decisions for your individual situation. Contact Pro Ace at 604-293-377 with your questions on any lighting issue, to have your lighting inspected, or to have new lighting installed.Flood Lighting Options to Consider
Considering Flood Lighting Flood lighting is an interesting but underused lighting solution for businesses and homes. An increasing number of residents of Vancouver, North Vancouver, Richmond, Burnaby, Langley, and Surrey are considering installing flood lighting systems for a variety of purposes. Vancouver residents are already familiar with flood lights from sports games -- they're used to illuminate the field at a BC Lions game -- but flood lights can be useful in businesses and homes as well. What are flood lights and what uses do they have? - Flood lights are light fixtures that emit a large amount of bright white light, effectively illuminating a large area with only one or a few fixtures. They emit a very high lumen-to-watt ratio. They are increasingly made from LED (light emitting diode) technology. - Flood lights are cost effective. They have few fixtures and few bulbs but emit a great deal of light. The fixtures are energy-efficient. They are a cost-effective solution for lighting up a large area. - Flood lighting can be part of keeping a home or business secure. Flood lighting over an area discourages intruders or even animal predators. This can be especially useful in areas where the natural lighting is poor. Business owners can use flood lights as part of an overall security plan. - Flood lighting can also be used to make parts of a home or businesses more usable. Flood lights over a pool or basketball court make it usable after dark. Flood lights over a porch may add hours a day to its usefulness. If you think flood lighting might make sense for you, there are a variety of considerations that a Pro Ace electrician can guide you through. Making the right choices is essential to getting the most from your lighting fixture installation. Considerations your Pro Ace electrician can discuss with you - Location: Where should the flood lights go? You want to fully illuminate the area without aggravating neighbours. Flood lights are powerful and can be invasive in the wrong place. They also need to be mounted high off of the ground. - Type of flood light: More and more lighting fixtures are available every day. A Pro Ace electrician will help you make the right choice for your needs, both the right flood light fixture and the right bulb. Many lights also have optional features such as a dusk-to-dawn sensor or a motion sensor that can make your lights more useful and efficient. - Finishes on the flood light fixture: You will want to pick a finish that blends smoothly with your existing decor. - Type of bulb: Incandescent? Fluorescent? Solar powered? There are so many types of bulbs available. Ask your Pro Ace electrician which type of bulbs best suit your situation. Our Vancouver Lighting Electricians Do you think flood lights could be the solution to your lighting problem? If you think flood lights could improve your home or business, Pro Ace electricians help residents of the Vancouver Area make smart lighting decisions. Our Vancouver electrical contractors are fully licensed and certified, so you know you're getting expertise you can trust. They can help you select a lighting system, install it, and maintain it. Contact Pro Ace at 604-293-3770 with your questions on any lighting issue, for this or any other lighting concern, or to have new lighting installed.How to Easily Avoid Common Causes of Electrical Fires
Simple Steps to Prevent Electrical Fires for Homes & Businesses A fire is the worst nightmare of any home or business owner. A few common mistakes cause a high percentage of electrical fires. Take these simple steps to protect your home or business and you'll be glad that you did. Keep Your Electrical System Up to Date and Well Maintained Many residents of Vancouver, North Vancouver, Richmond, Burnaby, Langley and Surrey live in older homes and work in older businesses. These homes and businesses may have electrical systems that are older and less safe than newer systems. In addition, all electrical systems need regular maintenance. Schedule an appointment to have your electrical system inspected, especially if your building is several decades old or older. A Pro Ace electrician knows how to evaluate parts of your electric system that aren't obvious to an amateur. Verify that Every Outlet is Grounded Remember two-pronged outlets? The third prong is the ground prong. Ungrounded outlets are dangerous, and if you have any in your building, they need to be rewired. Ungrounded outlets are a major cause of electrical fire. Call a Pro Ace electrician to have any ungrounded outlets rewired. Don't Overload Your Electrical System Your electrical system has a set capacity, and routinely overloading it is dangerous. Running too many electrical appliances at once can cause the system to overheat and spark a fire. A circuit breaker or fuse system is designed to prevent this, but if you frequently blow fuses or trip circuits, your system may be working too hard or may have a problem. If you find yourself tripping the breakers often, contact a Pro Ace electrician to take a look. Watch the Extension Cords Extension Cords can be a temporary solution to providing power in an inaccessible location, but they shouldn't be used to replace safe, convenient electrical outlets. Rather than jury-rig a solution with a tangle of extension cords, contact a Pro Ace electrician to have outlets installed where they are accessible and convenient for your business or family. Not all fires are preventable, but many are. A Pro Ace electrician can be a partner in keeping your home or business safe. Contact Pro Ace to have a licensed electrician assist you anywhere in Vancouver, North Vancouver, Burnaby, Richmond, Surrey, or Langley. Our Electrical Contractors in Vancouver BC Do you think flood lights could be the solution to your lighting problem? If you think flood lights could improve your home or business, Pro Ace electricians help residents of the Vancouver Area make smart lighting decisions. Our Vancouver electrical contractors are fully licensed and certified, so you know you're getting expertise you can trust. They can help you select a lighting system, install it, and maintain it. Contact Pro Ace at 604-293-3770 with any questions on electrical concerns, inspections, or for electrical installationsWinterizing Your Air Conditioner
Preparing Your Air Conditioner For the Winter It's about to get cold in the Lower Mainland, and residents of Vancouver, North Vancouver, Richmond, Burnaby, Langley, and Surrey probably won't be using their air conditioners this winter. There are some simple steps that air conditioner owners can take to make sure that their units stay in good condition and are ready for the hot weather when it returns next summer. Why Winterize Window Air Conditioners 1) Lower Heating Costs It's best to remove window unit air conditioners from the window when the summer is over. The main reason to remove your window unit is that the window unit can allow cold air from outside into your home and let the warmed air inside escape. That can make your house colder than you want or require you to spend extra money on heating. 2) Air Conditioner Maintenance Another good reason to remove your window unit is that the harsh winter weather isn't very good for it. This is less of an issue in Vancouver than it might be in, say, Toronto, but it's still best to store the unit so it stays in good condition as long as possible. How to Winterize Window Air Conditioners When you remove your unit, make sure you have another person to help. Air conditioners are too heavy to be safely manipulated by one person. Do not store it on its side or upside down. If you do you will risk damaging the unit. If you can't remove your window unit, check the air conditioner instructions for guidance on winter preparations. Carefully seal gaps between the window and the unit to prevent losing hot air from your house. Winterizing Split System Air Conditioners Split system air conditioners consist of an indoor unit and an outdoor unit. It's a matter of some controversy whether the outside unit of a full air conditioning system should be covered during the winter. Many home owners believe that the outdoor unit requires a vinyl or padded cover. It turns out that covering the unit isn't necessary and may even be harmful. These outdoor units are designed to be outside. If you are having trouble with leaves or debris, the manufacturer of your air conditioner may sell a type of open cover that will protect the unit from debris without inadvertently trapping moisture. Contacting our HVAC Contractors in Vancouver BC If you have questions or concerns before you retire your air conditioner for the winter, a Pro Ace HVAC professional can help you. Pro Ace HVAC professionals are HVAC experts and are available for air conditioner installation and maintenance in Vancouver, North Vancouver, Richmond, Burnaby, Surrey, and Langley. See all of our locations here. Contact Pro Ace at 604-293-3770 with your questions about air conditioning or any other HVAC concerns.Small Business Lighting Solutions & Retrofits
Small Business Lighting Solutions That Work Lighting is important to any small business. The lighting changes the look and feel of your physical environment, so employees can perform their jobs in a pleasant environment. In a sales situation, good lighting shows off product at its best and encourages customers to make purchases. In addition, lighting is one of the main components of energy consumption in a small business. For all these reasons and more, it's a great time to consider new lighting solutions to improve your physical plant. Retrofit Your Old, Inefficient Lighting Fixtures One of the best ways to realize an on-going cost savings is to turn your older lighting fixtures in for new, more efficient models. Perhaps your business is still using T12 fluorescent lighting. New energy regulations are resulting in the T12 fluorescent lighting phasing out, and for good reason. They're inefficient, generating too much heat with the energy used. Switching to T5 or T8 fluorescent lighting is a move toward greater efficiency, and that will bring dividends in the form of lower energy costs. Retrofitting lighting to a T8 fixture from a T12 fixture will save your business about 40% of the energy costs for that fixture. The Advantages of LED LED, Light emitting diodes, are another efficient lighting solution. LEDs are particularly prized because of how long-lasting they are: A single unit can last for over ten years. They are also one of the most flexible of lighting options, with a wide range of design possibilities to suit any taste. LEDs do have a high cost up front compared to fluorescent or incandescent lighting, but they earn it back over time. Save Your Fixtures Wear and Tear with Occupancy Sensors There's no point in lighting an empty room, but busy employees may neglect to turn off the lights. Solve the problem with occupancy sensors. These clever gadgets ensure that the lights turn on when employees enter the room and turn off when no one is present. As a result, bulbs and fixtures last longer and your business' energy bill goes down. A Complete Systems Upgrade Business owners have lots of demands on their time and finances, and it can be tempting to think that the best way to approach a lighting upgrade is to wait for individual fixtures to fail and then replace them. In reality there are many reasons it may be best to undertake a complete systems upgrade. By upgrading before the last possible second, you'll begin realizing savings in your energy bill immediately. In addition, you'll have a uniform lighting solution, which will achieve a professional, pulled-together look for your business. You can also plan your retrofit so it happens at a time convenient for your business, rather than having to address an urgent issue. Pro Ace Vancouver Electricians If your business could use a lighting upgrade, or you want to retrofit your older and inefficient fixtures, Pro Ace has electricians who are experts in business lighting, Pro Ace electricians can address any home, business, or construction electrical need. Pro Ace supplies licensed electricians to businesses throughout Vancouver, North Vancouver, Burnaby, Richmond, Surrey, and Langley. Contact Pro Ace at 604-293-3770 with any lighting questions, concerns, inspections, or for electrical installations!
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