As temperatures drop across York Region more homeowners are calling about no heat or gas issues. Most of these problems come down to a few common causes that are easy to prevent with proper maintenance and professional diagnostics. 1. Dirty Filters and Weak Ignition When air filters get clogged airflow drops and the furnace overheats. That triggers safety switches and causes short cycling or complete shutdowns. Weak ignition is another issue we see daily. It often happens fro

An air separator is a device installed in a hydronic boiler system  to remove trapped air from the circulating water. Here’s how it works and why it matters: Purpose When air gets into the water loop it causes: Poor water circulation Noise in the pipes (gurgling or banging) Hot and cold spots in radiators or zones Corrosion inside the boiler and piping How It Works ? The separator is installed near the boiler supply outlet where the water is hottest and air is easiest to rel

If you notice poor water circulation gurgling sounds or uneven heat in your hydronic system trapped air could be the problem. An air separator  removes air bubbles from the boiler water loop. When air stays in the system it can block circulation reduce heat transfer and wear out pumps and components. By installing an air separator: You restore steady water flow Prevent corrosion inside the piping and heat exchanger Improve system efficiency and comfort If your system has hot

A reliable furnace keeps your home warm and safe through Ontario winters. But when a unit starts breaking down or losing efficiency, replacement becomes the smarter choice. 1. The Furnace Is 15 Years or Older Most furnaces last 15–20 years with proper maintenance. If yours is near that range and repairs are becoming frequent, plan a replacement before a mid-winter failure. 2. Rising Gas or Hydro Bills An older furnace burns more fuel to deliver the same comfort. A high-effici

Regular boiler service is the key to keeping your heating system efficient and reliable through Ontario’s long winters. Whether you own a condensing or atmospheric boiler, annual maintenance helps prevent costly breakdowns, improves energy efficiency, and ensures safe operation. 1. System Inspection A licensed gas technician begins by checking all main components: Gas piping, shut-off valves, and venting. Combustion air intake and exhaust for leaks or blockages. System pressu

Keep this checklist handy to make sure your heating system stays safe, efficient, and reliable all year long.Print it out or save it as a quick reference guide — it’s a great way to remember seasonal boiler maintenance tasks. ✅ Monthly Quick Checks  Check boiler pressure (should be between 1.0–1.5 bar when cool)  Listen for unusual noises — banging, gurgling, or whistling  Inspect for visible leaks or drips around the boiler  Make sure the area around the boiler is clear and

While boilers are complex systems that should only be serviced by licensed professionals, there are a few simple maintenance tasks you can safely perform to keep your system running smoothly between professional visits: ✅ 1. Check the System Pressure Look at your boiler’s pressure gauge — it should typically read between 1.0 and 1.5 bar  when the system is cool.If it’s too low, you can usually top it up using the filling loop (refer to your boiler’s manual).⚠️ Never over-pres

Here are some practical tips you can share: Book that annual service — it pays off. boiler pressure periodically (many systems have a gauge). Bleed radiators if you have them so the system doesn’t get airlocked. Remove obstructions from around the boiler and keep the boiler room clean/ventilated. Insulate exposed boiler pipes, especially in colder areas of the building. Consider upgrading controls or thermostats for better efficiency.

Here are some red flags that replacement might be the better option: The boiler is hitting the end of its expected life (15-20 years) and repair costs are mounting. Efficiency is dropping significantly, and you’re seeing much higher energy bills. You’re frequently losing heat/hot water or experiencing breakdowns. Parts are no longer available, or the boiler model is obsolete. You wish to upgrade to a more efficient system (which may qualify for rebates/incentives) Not every

Here are frequent issues that homeowners (and commercial property managers) face: Strange noises (bangs, knocks, gurgles) — often due to air in the system, limescale, or failing pump. Leaks or dripping from the boiler or pipework. Low water pressure or pressure loss in the system. Radiators that aren’t heating properly or uneven heat distribution. Boiler keeps shutting off, or won’t respond to thermostat changes. Frozen condensate pipe (in certain climates) in modern systems.

A well-maintained boiler generally lasts around 15–20 years . But this depends on several factors: The quality of the original installation and the brand/model of the boiler. The maintenance history (regular service vs neglected). The hardness of water, system usage, number of zones, etc. If your boiler is approaching this age and you’re seeing more frequent repairs, you might start thinking about replacement it could be more cost-effective long term.

You should plan on having your boiler professionally inspected and serviced at least once a year. Why this frequency? Regular service catches small issues before they turn into big repairs or breakdowns. tetra.com It ensures safety (e.g., checking for leaks, combustion issues) and efficient performance. King Heating & Cooling It can extend the lifespan of your boiler (see next question) and reduce surprise downtime.

A boiler is a heating appliance that heats water (or sometimes produces steam) and circulates that through pipes, radiators, or under-floor tubing to warm a building. Here ’s the basic process: Fuel (gas, oil, electricity, etc.) heats the water inside the boiler. The hot water (or steam) flows through the hydronic system, releasing heat into rooms. The water returns to be reheated (or steam condenses and is returned).Because of this method, boiler systems often provide very e

As a homeowner, few things are as frustrating as an HVAC system that isn't working properly. Whether it's the sweltering heat of summer...

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