Edmonton homeowners rely heavily on their mechanical systems once winter arrives. When outdoor temperatures fall, the furnace or boiler can operate for long stretches every day, while water heaters, gas appliances and other equipment continue working in the background.
That makes fall a valuable time to pay attention to the systems responsible for keeping the home warm and comfortable.
Richfield Plumbing & Heating provides plumbing, heating and gas services throughout Edmonton and surrounding areas. The company works with furnaces, boilers, gas lines, water heaters, garage heaters and other residential mechanical equipment.
A little preparation before the coldest weather arrives can help homeowners identify concerns while there is still time to address them.
Start with your main heating system
For many Edmonton homes, the furnace is responsible for distributing warm air throughout the house.
Before winter, make sure the heating system turns on and operates normally. Pay attention to unusual noises, inconsistent heating or rooms that suddenly feel colder than they used to.
Filters should also be checked and replaced according to the equipment manufacturer’s recommendations. Restricted airflow can make it more difficult for a forced-air system to operate as intended.
If there are concerns about system performance, scheduling heating services in Edmonton before a severe cold snap can be more convenient than discovering a problem when the equipment is under maximum demand.
Boiler heating requires regular attention too
Not every Edmonton home uses forced-air heating.
Boilers are commonly used with hydronic heating systems, including in-floor radiant heating and baseboard systems. They can also provide heat for indirect water heaters.
Richfield Plumbing & Heating has worked with in-floor heating since the 1980s and provides boiler servicing and maintenance using journeyman plumbers.
Hydronic systems include more than the boiler itself. Pumps, controls, piping and other components work together to move heat through the building.
If one component is not functioning correctly, comfort can be affected even when the boiler still appears to operate.
Why maintenance is useful
Mechanical equipment often gives warning signs before it completely stops working.
A maintenance visit creates an opportunity to evaluate operation, identify visible wear and address service requirements before the heating season reaches its peak.
Richfield Plumbing & Heating offers maintenance programs covering equipment including boilers, furnaces, water heaters, humidifiers and water-treatment systems.
The company’s service process also includes a broader mechanical inspection. Looking beyond the immediate repair can help identify concerns with other equipment in the home.
Gas lines serve more than your furnace
Natural gas may supply several appliances throughout a property.
In addition to furnaces and boilers, gas piping can serve water heaters, fireplaces, ranges, clothes dryers, garage heaters, barbecues and outdoor patio equipment.
That means renovations or appliance upgrades sometimes require changes to the home’s gas distribution system.
Richfield Plumbing & Heating provides gas line installation in Edmonton for residential and commercial properties, including lines for garages, barbecues, cooking appliances and outdoor applications.
For detached structures or outdoor features, gas lines can also be installed underground where appropriate.
A heated garage can make Edmonton winters easier
An unheated garage can become extremely cold during an Edmonton winter.
For homeowners who use the garage as a workshop, storage space or place to work on vehicles, a properly installed garage heater can make the area considerably more usable.
Installing one may require both the heater and a correctly sized gas supply.
A qualified gasfitter can review the project, determine what is required and complete the gas connections associated with the equipment.
Planning the installation before winter also avoids trying to make changes during the coldest part of the season.
Gas appliances and renovations
Kitchen renovations are another common reason homeowners alter gas systems.
Switching from an electric range to a gas cooktop or range may require a new gas connection. Other projects can involve gas fireplaces, dryers or outdoor cooking equipment.
Gas work must be approached differently from a simple cosmetic upgrade. Pipe routing, capacity and required safety procedures need to be considered.
Richfield Plumbing & Heating provides gas-line services and works with appliance installations as part of its residential plumbing and heating services.
What to do about a suspected gas leak
A suspected natural-gas leak should be treated as a safety concern rather than a routine repair.
If you smell gas or believe there may be a leak, follow the emergency instructions provided by your natural-gas utility and emergency services and avoid actions that could create an ignition source.
Once the immediate safety concern has been handled, licensed professionals can investigate and repair the gas system as required.
Richfield Plumbing & Heating provides gas-leak repairs as well as gas-line retesting. The company notes that systems may need testing and inspection in situations such as a detected leak or when gas service has been shut off for an extended period.
Remember carbon monoxide protection
Fuel-burning equipment can produce carbon monoxide if combustion or venting problems occur.
Homes containing furnaces, boilers, fireplaces, gas water heaters and other fuel-burning appliances should have appropriate carbon monoxide detection.
Homeowners should test their alarms according to manufacturer recommendations and replace batteries or units when required.
Richfield Plumbing & Heating includes checks for relevant mechanical concerns during its home inspections and can advise homeowners about carbon monoxide detection.
Consider the mechanical system as a whole
Heating, plumbing and gas equipment often interact.
A boiler may also heat domestic water. A furnace and water heater may share part of a mechanical space. A new appliance may require additional gas capacity. A renovation may involve water, drainage, gas and heating changes at the same time.
Working with one company that understands several parts of the home’s mechanical system can make these interconnected projects easier to coordinate.
Richfield Plumbing & Heating has separate service and construction capabilities and works with homeowners, property managers, contractors and builders on repairs, renovations and new installations.
Prepare before temperatures fall
Homeowners cannot eliminate every possibility of an unexpected mechanical failure. They can, however, avoid waiting until the coldest night of the year to find out whether their heating system is ready.
Test the heating equipment before winter. Stay current with recommended maintenance. Look for unusual noises, changes in performance or other warning signs. Make sure carbon monoxide alarms are operating and have qualified professionals perform gas work.
For homeowners looking for a heating contractor in Edmonton, Richfield Plumbing & Heating provides furnace, boiler, gas, plumbing and water-heating services under one roof.
Edmonton winters put mechanical systems to the test. Preparing those systems ahead of time can help keep your home warmer, safer and more comfortable when winter weather arrives.
This post first appeared on https://blog.renovationfind.com