Air Conditioning and Heating Specialists
  • HVAC system, Pool heater, Hot tub heater maintenance tips

    HVAC system, Pool heater, Hot tub heater maintenance tips With only one month of summer left to enjoy, it’s now or never to make the most out of your home pool. Pool Heaters keep the water warm and your hot tubs hot, but are also an important home HVAC system. They need to be maintained and serviced annually to keep them in their best condition. Keeping the HVAC system in good working condition will keep the energy bill down and will help you to avoid preventable problems that might otherwise require a professional. But there are also many things that you can do to help keep your system in great condition: Always remember to quickly inspect the system before and after using it to ensure that there are no water leaks. Because the system is undoubtedly near your pool, be sure not to mistake an ordinary puddle for a leak, so check carefully. If you do find a leak, shut the system down immediately, and contact a Pro Ace HVAC technician to fix the leak. Frequently check PH levels in the water to ensure that they are at appropriate levels. Experts usually recommend a PH level between 7.2 to 7.8, but this may vary depending on your pool. The PH scale goes from 0 to 14, with 0 being very acidic and 14 being extreme alkalinity. Check for the appropriate method to adjust PH levels for your pool if your numbers are off. Always make sure that the water is getting filtered properly. This is both for the cleanliness of the water in your pool and the health of your Pool Heater system. If your pool water is ever dirty or debris is clearly getting past your filter system, you should contact Pro Ace Plumbing and Heating to replace the filter or find and fix the problem. Remember to leave the power switch in the on position when the pool heater is in use. This one should be obvious, but you might be surprised how often that it is forgotten. Leaving the power switch on helps to keep the system heating efficiently and will leave the waters at the desired temperature without wild variations. Finally, when winter starts to close in, it is extremely important to remember to cover your boiler for the cold months. A thick tarp or blanket can make a world of difference in keeping the heating system safe from frigid winter air. The cold can be harmful, and might lead to repairs and maintenance if your pool heater system if forced to go the winter without cover and protection from the chill. Of course, there is always more that can be done, but these tips will go a long way to making sure that your pool heater is working great for years to come. Pro Ace Plumbing and Heating is happy to provide service for any Pool Heater problems that you might have, and we are available over the phone if you want to know more or ask any questions about pool heaters. Enjoy the summer sun!
  • Money Saving Energy Tips

    Money Saving Energy Tips Going green isn’t only about preserving the planet and our environment, but it is also about saving money. Pro Ace is here to provide you with a plethora of options to ‘Go Green’ with your home heating and cooling. These ideas are great for reducing your energy consumption, which will help the planet and also save you money on energy costs. It’s win-win! Ensure that your home is properly insulated! Whether cold air leaking outside from the air conditioner in the summer, or warm air escaping in the winter – proper insulation in your home means that you use less energy to keep your house at the desired temperature. High efficiency heating appliances! Make sure that your next furnace, boiler, water tank, and other HVAC appliance is high efficiency. High efficiency products are often a little more expensive when you first buy them, but save you money back on energy bills over their lifetime. Programmable thermostat! This one is simple and convenient – a programmable thermostat can automatically turn heat down at certain times, for when you are out of your home. It will keep energy bills down and your home at the desired temperature when you want it. Cleaning your air ducts! Air ducts are dramatically less efficient when they get more and more filled over time, allowing less air to pass through. By cleaning them out, you increase the efficiency of your HVAC system. This goes for dryer ducts as well for your laundry machine. Consider a tankless water heater! Tankless water heater systems heat water directly en route to the faucet, rather than constantly consuming energy to keep a supply of water heated. This is more efficient and saves energy. Tankless systems also last much longer than conventional water tanks, so you don’t need to replace them every six years. Heat Pumps! Heat pumps take outside air and convert it into warm or cool air for your home. They are incredibly efficient, using electricity instead of gas to do the conversion, and work great in moderate climates (like right here in the lower mainland). Heat pumps can dramatically reduce the amount of work that your furnace has to do for most months of the year, while keeping your home comfortable. Keep your HVAC systems properly maintained! This means a regular tune-up from a trained technician, who will diligently ensure that your machine is working properly and effectively. By keeping all your devices in top working order, you will be making sure that everything is as efficient and energy-saving as possible for your system. There’s lots of other ways to go green around your home, but we hope that we gave you some ideas. Efficiency is the name of the game, not only to relieve pressure on the power grid and gas supplies, but also to keep those monthly bills low. And the benefits will be evident in your home as well, with modern efficient systems and the benefits of cutting edge HVAC technology at your disposal. Contact Pro Ace Heating and Plumbing for more information.
  • Compare Hot water heater to Tankless water heater system

    Hot Water Heater vs. Tankless Water Heater System Obviously, having hot water is an important and vital component of living comfortably. And there is a growing choice for homeowners about how they would like to heat water for their taps and faucets. Traditional hot water tanks are a great choice – they are getting more and more efficient and affordable, and work great. But an increasingly common option is having a tankless water heater system installed in your home. Tankless water heater systems are very common in Europe and other parts of the world, and are becoming more and more popular in Canada and the USA as well. Over the past two decades, tankless systems have become very effective and efficient, and offer some great benefits compared to regular hot water tanks. We took the time to compare and highlight the major differences between the two different systems, so that you can choose the one that is best for your home. Hot water tanks vs Tankless water heater system comparison Hot water tanks are large metal containers stored in your home, usually near the furnace or boiler, and filled with water ready to be delivered through your home to faucets and taps. By constantly burning gas, the water inside always remains heated, available at any time of day. Hot water tanks have a lower cost to install compared to tankless systems, and have a life expectancy of six to twelve years. This means that they do need to be replaced from time to time over the life of your home, but because they are affordable and effective, getting a hot water tank replaced is simple. Tankless systems are more expensive than a regular hot water tank up front, but have great benefits that become clear over the life of the product. First, the life expectancy of a tankless water heater system can be twenty years or longer – meaning that they don’t need to be replaced for decades, where a regular hot water tank would likely have to have been changed. The second major advantage is energy savings. Tankless systems do not need to heat water all the time. They, instead, burn gas only when hot water is needed to be delivered to an area of your home. This means less gas is used overall, and energy (and money) is saved. This also makes tankless systems better for the environment. Finally, tankless systems are much smaller and more compact than regular water tanks, so they make a great choice if there is limited floor space or you just want more floor space in your home. Pro Ace Heating also now carries Bosch Tankless Water Heater systems! In conclusion, both tankless water heaters and hot water tanks offer great benefits and are designed just right for your house or home. Depending on which system suits your needs better, getting a system installed is easy and affordable, and with modern high efficiency systems, the savings will really add up over just a few years. Also, be sure to stop by the Pro Ace Heating website, and enter our contest for your opportunity to WIN A FREE HOT WATER TANK (or even a FREE FURNACE). There’s no cost to enter and no purchase necessary.
  • Benefits of a Ductless Heating System

    Benefits of a Ductless Heating System This is a question that comes up often, whether designing a new space (such as an add-on for your home) or finding a heating or cooling solution for an existing area (such as a commercial office): what are the benefits of a ductless heating system? Not as beneficial as having proper air ducts The long and short of it is this: more often than not, ductless systems generally are not as beneficial as having proper air ducts installed and attaching the space to the existing central heating and cooling system. However, there are a great many reasons why this may be impractical, or simply impossible. There are also some units where a ductless system actually is the more efficient choice, and can provide an effective solution without having to install air ducts or ventilation. Best Use Cases One obvious ductless system scenario is for a new home addition, such as a new room built onto your existing house. The cost of extending the air ducts all the way into this room might not be practical or affordable for everyone. What’s more, your furnace might not be designed for the new additional cubic feet of room added to the existing space.The result might be an overworked furnace, which could lead to inefficiencies, higher heating bills, and even costly repair bills if something goes wrong. In these situations, it is simply easier, safer, and less expensive to have a ductless heating or cooling system into the new room or add-on. This way, the room can benefit from temperate HVAC control, by having its own separate system. Another likely reason is for situations where air duct systems are impractical, impossible, or unnecessary. There are many situations to which this might apply. Temporary facilities, such as those you might find on a construction site, have no need for a permanent air duct system for heating. There may also be hard to reach or isolated offices or rooms that would require a great length of ductwork to reach, especially in industrial facilities. These make great places for ductless systems, which are easier to install and more affordable. Further, there are situations in which a ductless system might be more convenient, even if only for a shorter term. Smaller spaces can benefit greatly, where ductless systems can be effective. This might include entire floors of a house, or a basement, and are an option when only specific areas need heating or cooling. This is especially true for ductless cooling systems, which can help keep a living room cool in the summer without needing to worry about other rooms of the house. There are numerous other situations where a ductless heating or cooling system might be an option, and even beneficial, but it all depends on the situation. Learn More Luckily you can call the experts at Pro Ace Plumbing and Heating anytime to get professional opinions and advice on ductless HVAC systems and find out whether or not they are right for you. Get in touch with Pro Ace technicians by calling 604-293-3770, and see if a ductless system would suit your needs.
  • Importance of Air Filters in an HVAC system

    Importance of Air Filters in an HVAC system Air filters are an important part of many HVAC systems, and there are several different types of air filters that you can use, each with benefits and drawbacks. Air filters are not only about helping keep large particles out of the air, but also, more importantly, about protecting your HVAC equipment from debris that might clog or otherwise harm the system. Depending on the type of filter, you are supposed to check them regularly. This may be anywhere from monthly to quarterly, or other intervals. But it is something to remember to do often. Your technician will also check and clean or replace the air filter when he/she comes around for your annual air filter service maintenance inspection – an important part of maintenance. Disposable filters are the least expensive, usually, but are often not very efficient. While they may make a good shorter term solution, the money will start to show as you buy additional replacement filters. As well, with any decrease in efficiency, energy bills will go up, so the cost can be squeezing you on that end as well. However, disposable filters are convenient in that there is very little effort required on your end. Simply toss the dirty filter away at the end of the month, and replace it with a new one. Permanent air filters Permanent air filters, on the other hand, last for many years, often even for the lifetime of your machine. They are usually quite efficient, often much more so than disposable filters, giving you the long term benefit of reduced energy bills and a better functioning HVAC system. Cleaning Tips for your Air filter There are a variety of different types and makes and models, such as electrostatic filters and fiberglass filters, all of which require regular cleaning. Cleaning is not a difficult or time consuming process, but it is important to stay on top of it and remember to get it done regularly. Check the filter manual or manufacturer details for the exact amount of time you should allow between cleaning the filter, and for the proper method to clean your filter. The filter is usually located in an easy-to-find, easy-to-reach part of the system, near the fan and the duct. If you cannot remember how long it has been since you last cleaned the filter, you can pull it out and check. You should be able to tell whether it is clean or not simply by looking at it. Air filters are often an under-appreciated part of your HVAC system that helps keep them running properly. Even high grade air filters are not very expensive, and can have a very positive effect on your machines performance. If you are curious about information regarding air filters, you can always contact an HVAC air filter expert from Pro Ace to get more information. Learn how different types of filters work, and how they can benefit your home heating or cooling units. Sometimes the most expensive filter isn’t even the best option for you, so simply understanding the benefits that different filters provide can give you comfort and confidence in your HVAC system.
  • Gas fireplace safety maintenance tips

    A gas fireplace makes an elegant and fantastic addition to any home, providing a warm glowing centerpiece for any room in the chilly rains of fall or cold winter months. Pro Ace Heating carries a wide selection of fantastic gas fireplaces –a large variety of makes and models from big brand name manufacturers. And for those of you looking to get a new fireplace, or if you already have one in your home, we want to go over some basic tips for your fireplace, to ensure your system is working safely. Gas fireplace safety maintenance tips Pilot Light Safety- The pilot light is an important part of your system, the flame that ignites the fire. It is important that you know and understand the proper procedure for igniting the pilot light. Some systems have an igniter, while others require a match or a flame. And be sure not to keep the pilot light ignited if the fireplace is not going to be in use for long periods of time. It is both wasteful, and less safe than simply turning the pilot light off. Log Safety. Before igniting a fire in your fireplace, be sure to check over the artificial logs, to make sure that they are not dirty or covered with other materials. Any debris should be removed, and if the logs are dirty they may need to be removed and cleaned. And whenever you do remove the logs for any reason, remember to replace them exactly as you found them. Fireplace Glass Door Safety- The glass door should be clean, both inside and outside, and should not have any visible cracks or damages. It is important to clean the glass doors regularly, and to remove any build up on the windows before it becomes problematic. Fireplace Cleaning Safety- Always, always, always remember to turn the pilot light and gas valve off before doing any cleaning or maintenance. Also, make sure that you consult the manual for the proper cleaning methods for your fireplace and don’t use any unsafe fluids or tools. If the manual doesn’t list proper fluids, or if you are ever unsure, consult an expert who can offer the right advice. Fireplace Maintenance Expert- Remember to have a professional inspection annually, as recommended by BC Fortis, who will maintain the fireplace’s good working condition. It’s also important to contact a repairman right away if you are experiencing any problems with your fireplace. Whether visible damage, strange noises, or not working properly, a repairman is the trained professional that can solve the problem. These tips should help you with your fireplace – to keep it working in great condition and running properly for a long, long time. They are simple and usually only take a quick inspection and a few minutes time, and are worth the effort for the benefit of your home system. Most fireplaces also have a shut-off valve that will kill the gas feed completely. It’s an excellent idea to familiarize yourself with the location, and how to shut the system down in an emergency. Call Pro Ace Heating with your fireplace maintenance questions
  • Furnace and Heating System Money Saving Tips

    Furnace and Heating System Money Saving Tips Summer has ended, and the warm summer heats are saying their farewell. It’s time to get your jackets and umbrellas out of storage, because the cold rains and cool overcast days have arrived. And with the change of temperature, that means it’s time for your furnace and heating systems to start kicking in, and make your home into a comfortable, cozy environment. But no one likes seeing energy bills rise, so Pro Ace is happy to provide you with some great energy saving tips for this fall: Keep your heating vents clear and clean. Not only does this mean remembering to have regular duct cleaning to make sure there is nothing clogging up your ducts, but also to avoid placing furniture or other obstacles over top of your vents, which reduces air flow and heating efficiency. Keep drapes and curtains open during the day. This allows sunlight to come into your home and help heat and keep the rooms warm. At night, close the curtains and drapes, as it will help retain the heat and keep warm air from being lost out the windows. The larger the windows in your home, the more important this is. Programmable thermostats are a great way to keep the energy use down while you are away from home. They can be programmed to activate heat at specific times, so you can come home to a warm and comfortable house while still saving the energy by reducing heat while you are away. Check the caulking on windows and doors. This is an often overlooked area, where heat can escape. Check to make sure there are proper seals and that there are no noticeable gaps or holes on the caulking. This can be an easy DIY fix, or you can always find an expert. Check the insulation in and beneath your attic! Older homes often have poor attic insulation. You attic should usually be quite close to the outside temperature, not as warm as the rest of your home. If you have a warm attic, then hot air is being wasted heating in, and you should consider having the insulation improved or replaced. Make sure there are no open doors, windows, chimneys, or other opening to the cold outdoors. Even a small opening can lead to significant heat loss. Get your annual service inspection done right now! By doing it before winter, you will greatly reduce any risk of a breakdown or problem during the frigid winter – the worst possible time for any heating system to have a problem. It only takes a quick phone call for an expert to be at your door (hint: 604-293-3770). Finally, ensure that your system is running efficiently by checking the air filters in your HVAC devices. Clean or replace dirty air filters to ensure proper airflow. There are always more ways to save money, so don’t hesitate to give Pro Ace a call with questions or wanting advice, because we are here to help!
  • Boiler repair tips

    Boiler Repair Tips Your boiler is a major HVAC appliance and one of the most important parts of your home. It is absolutely vital to your home heating and comfort, and provides an invaluable service. But likely any piece of machinery, there is always the possibility of something breaking down or going wrong. Pro Ace would like to share some of the major boiler warning indications so that you can solve a problem or contact an expert before a simple repair becomes a large one, and before a small problem becomes an emergency. 8 big warning indicators that your boiler is in need of a repair: Bolier Water Leaks If there is water leaking from anywhere in your boiler system, that is indicative of a problem. Whether it is a faulty or damaged pipe, or the boiler system is in need of fundamental repairs, a water leak is never a good thing. Steam or Gas Leaks If you notice any air or gas escaping the system, it is important to shut the valve off immediately for safety. Again, whether it is a damaged pipe or the boiler itself, this problem is a big deal, and it is important to get a professional on the scene as soon as possible. No Hot Water If you are not getting any hot water, this may or may not indicate a problem with the boiler system. If you are unable to deduce what is causing the problem, you may want to call an expert at Pro Ace for a free consultation to describe the problem and figure out what is going on. Strange Noises from the boiler Anything that sounds like clunking, choking, squealing, or other unusual noise is usually a major indication that there is some kind of problem. If the noises persist or continue, there is likely a repair needed. Boiler Keeps Shutting Down If the boiler is constantly shutting off, then that could mean an electrical or gas problem, or that something is broken within the boiler system. It is important to shut the boiler system down and keep it off, and then contact an expert. Boiler Zones Don’t Work Most boiler systems are zoned, and if one zone is not working then it may indicate a larger problem in the system. Be sure to double check and make sure that there isn’t another problem keeping a zone from working. No Heat in Some Rooms Check the vents and ventilation, as this is not necessary an indication of a boiler problem, but may simply be caused by a blocked duct. For any boiler problems, and for a 24/7 emergency response, you can always contact Pro Ace Heating at 604-293-3770. We can have a technician out to you in a jiffy, ready to repair your boiler or HVAC system, and restore heating and comfort to your home.
  • Home Water Heating - Hot Water Tank Saving Tips & Suggestions for your Home

    We've already talked about the benefits and differences between tankless water heater systems and traditional hot water tanks, but let's take a more in-depth look at some suggestions for getting water heating in your home just right.  There are a lot of simple but important things that you can do to reduce your monthly costs on water heating, and a handful of useful tidbits to keep in mind when using hot water in your home. How to Reduce Monthly Costs on Water Heating - Saving Tips! It might come as no surprise to you, but around one-fifth of your average home energy bill is spent on on water heating. While that may not seem like a lot from month to month, it can quickly add up over time, and saving a little money here and there can really add up down the road. Hot Water Tank Service Vancouver | Hot Water Tank Repairs Vancouver | Hot Water Tank Installations Vancouver 1) Use Cold Water for Laundry Cleanings One simply suggestion to save money on hot water is to use cold water for laundry.  Your laundry machine is one of the biggest consumers of hot water in your home, and heating water for laundry may not be the most efficient use of energy.  By having a cold water laundry system, you can cut down on hot water and energy use.  2) Check and Replace Leaky Faucets and Taps Another tip is to check for leaky faucets and taps.  They are more than just a minor irritation - they are a noticeable waste of energy.  Having a repair done is quick and easy, and can save you money that might otherwise drip down the drain.  3) Low Flow Shower Heads for Showers The bathroom is also a great place to save money on hot water.  Low flow shower heads will allow you to still get a fantastic morning shower, but by consuming a great deal less water.  It is an energy efficient technology that can really help cut down on costs.  Also, cutting down on shower and bath times is another small thing that can add up to energy savings. 4) The Right Hot Water Tank to Heat Your Home - Ask an Expert! For new home constructions, it is always important that you get the right tool for the job.  A hot water tank is no exception.  A small family with too large of a tank, or a large family with too small of a tank could mean problems.  For a single person or couple, a 40-gallon tank in your home in often enough.  A couple with a child may want a 50 gallon tank or larger.  With two or more children, you may need larger than a 60 gallon tank in order to adequately meet your hot water needs.  For more information on what size water tank suits your home, talk to a Pro Ace Heating professional for free advice. LASTLY... Having a great hot water system to keep your home supplied in an important necessity in life.  And paying too much or wasting energy on wasted hot water is something that can easily be avoided.  With energy efficient solutions and simple suggestions that save time and money, there's a lot of ways to cut costs and save money, while using less energy. Contact Pro Ace Heating for more information on Hot Water Tank Service Vancouver | Hot Water Tank Repairs Vancouver | Hot Water Tank Installations Vancouver
  • Pro Ace Heating: Burnaby Heating Repair & Maintenance

    Pro Ace Heating Burnaby: HVAC Maintenance According to Pro Ace Heating Burnaby, maintaining your HVAC system not only protects other people in the structure from being uncomfortable, but it also protects this expensive equipment. Consider the following tips when maintaining the air comfort within your structure: Be aware of any musty odours coming from the unit. Ask everyone in the structure, be it a business or a residential building, to report all air quality issues to you. Take all complaints about air quality seriously and act on them immediately. Check the air vents for pollutants such as mold that may be entering into the structure. Beyond just keeping these things checked accordingly, also conduct routine maintenance on the HVAC unit. Not only does this practice help keep the costs of replacement of parts of the entire unit down, but there is also evidence that utility bills will also see a reduction. According to many professionals, the following tips will help preserve and maintain your HVAC system: Disposal Filters should be replaced once between every one to six months. Routine inspections will help determine if they should be replaced or not. At least once per year, the condenser coils and evaporator should be cleaned. This is typically where mold grows. The bearings, belts, and fan should be thoroughly inspected once per year in order to help preserve the unit. Twice per year, you should inspect the area surrounding the air intake. This is where water typically pools and mold grows as a result. Once every year, fix all the leads found in the supply duct as well as the cabinet. At the same time, make adjustments to and clean the unit’s dampers. Every two years, the air ducts should be cleaned. To help keep track of when this is done, suggests Pro Ace Heating Burnaby, keep a maintenance notebook in a plastic bag taped inside the unit’s door. Pro Ace Heating Burnaby: Tenant Communication Pro Ace Heating Burnaby stands by its commitment to helping keep HVAC units in proper working condition and maintained so they last for years. If tenants report issues with the air quality in their dwelling, this can’t be ignored. Call upon professionals, such as Pro Ace Heating Burnaby, to help solve this problem. Not only will they provide you with the best possible service, Pro Ace Heating Burnaby will do so promptly.