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The high temperatures in summer make it very difficult for you to be comfortable. The use of air conditioning is essential to beat the heat, which in turn, results in substantial utility bills. That’s why it’s important for you to make sure your air conditioner runs at peak efficiency during this season. Whether you want to install a new air conditioner or repair an old one, Canuck Mechanical can help. We have been serving clients in Prince George for over 30 years.

If you are buying a new air conditioner, invest in a high-efficiency model. It not only reduces the amount you spend on cooling but also makes your home more comfortable. It has reduced noise levels, more even temperatures (prevents the creation of hot and cold zones in your home) and multiple stages of operation. It is also usually compatible with programmable thermostats and zoning systems.

Here are a few maintenance tips to improve the heating and cooling efficiency of your air conditioning system:

Ventilate Your Home

This is the most economical and energy-efficient method to cool your home. Natural ventilation is sufficient for cooling spaces when the temperature outside is not very high. Besides, it can be supplemented with spot ventilation, ceiling fans and window fans.

Repair Any Damage in Your Home’s Insulation

If there is an air leakage in your house, the conditioned air escapes through cracks and openings. This makes it much harder for you to cool your home. By repairing your insulation, you can maximize the functionality of your air conditioning system. Caulking and weather-stripping are very effective in sealing cracks and offer quick returns after investing.

Replace the Filters in Your AC

Clean or replace your air filter every month or at least once in every two months. This will help in reducing the total energy consumed by your air conditioner.

Keep the Curtains Closed

Using curtains and drapes to cover the windows and block out the sun is a very good idea. Lighter shades of colors help deflect the sun’s rays more effectively while highly reflective blinds can reduce heat gain by around 45%. Block outdoor heat from radiating inside by hanging shades very close to the window panes. Using tinted glass for your windows also helps to maintain a cool environment at home.

Avoid Heat Buildup

Electronic devices, like television and computer, generate a lot of heat; their excessive use contributes to heat buildup in your house. Abstain from activities such as cooking on the stovetop; microwave the food or grill it outside instead. Avoid using the dishwasher and clothes dryer but wash your dishes by hand and let
your clothes air-dry.

Clean the Outdoor Condenser Unit

Leaves, feathers and other trash can get lodged in and around your outdoor unit. Clean all the debris from the unit’s housing and ensure that there is sufficient clearance around it. Trim bushes and plants as needed. Get a professional to perform a more thorough, in-depth cleaning of your air conditioning unit before summer sets in.

Increase Your Thermostat by a Few Degrees

You can save a lot of money and energy by keeping the temperature around 5 – 8 degrees higher than what you normally would. Use a programmable thermostat to automatically adjust the temperature for different times of the day or when you are out.

These tips, along with regular maintenance, will keep your system running efficiently. Our experienced technicians at Canuck Mechanical have the knowledge and skills

necessary to install and repair air conditioners. We serve both residential and commercial clients. We also provide plumbing services. For more information, contact us today!

As per the 2013 Households and the Environment Survey data, more than 55 per cent of Canadian households owned an air conditioner. At present, the number is likely to be even more. We are going to discuss about one of the key components in your system – air filters (the rectangular metal frames with fiber mesh). 

Air filters are designed to keep the indoor air clean by capturing pollen, dust, mold spores and animal dander. Over time, they end up accumulating unpleasant toxic chemicals and debris. This hinders your machine’s performance and shortens its lifespan. It is crucial to clean the vents and change the AC filters in your Prince George home every three months. The longer you run your air conditioner or HVAC system without replacing a dirty air filter, the more toxic the air quality gets.

Being a professional heating and air conditioning business in Prince George, Canuck Mechanical LTD. understands your needs. In this blog, we are going to discuss the important reasons for changing your air filters regularly.

Why Should You Replace Your HVAC’s Air Filters Regularly?

From improved efficiency of your AC/HVAC system to greater savings on your energy bills, here are five reasons to do so:

• To Safeguard your AC or HVAC System

Air filters prevent accumulation of debris on your HVAC systems’ fans, motors, and other components. But did you know that dirty filters are the primary cause of system failure? Replacing them before they are cloggy can prevent your machine from getting damaged.

• To Save on Your Energy Bills

Your HVAC system experiences tremendous pressure from dirty air filters. They make the system operate with more effort and consume more energy. If you notice an unusual rise in your energy bills, check the air filters and change them if they are cloggy. You can save as much as 15% on your energy bills by replacing them every three months.

• To Enhance Your HVAC System’s Efficiency

Dirty air filters obstruct the free flow of air and reduce the efficiency of your HVAC system. Timely replacements will enhance air flow and increase efficiency. Before selecting an air filter, look at its MERV (minimum efficiency reporting value) rating that ranges between one and 12. The higher the rating, the better the filtration is.

• For Better Air Quality

Dirty air filters result in poor indoor air quality and can cause respiratory illnesses, including asthma and allergy symptoms. You can also select an advanced filter to remove microscopic particles from the air.

• To Reduce Emissions of Harmful Gases

Clogged air filters results in your HVAC system releasing greenhouse gases like carbon monoxide. It is colorless, odorless, flammable and poisonous.

• For Easy and Inexpensive Fix

Air filters are among the least expensive maintenance components. They can be replaced easily and quickly without the help of an electrician or a mechanic.
With more than 30 years of experience, we specialize in AC and HVAC filters in Prince George. If you are considering replacing your AC air filters, consider Canuck Mechanical LTD.
As a professional supplier of boilers, heaters and AC filters in Prince George, we deal with authentic products. We also provide installation and aftersales services. Contact us today for a free estimate.

Your furnace is one of the most important appliances in your home, especially during the winter. At Canuck Mechanical Ltd., we are proud to provide high-quality, efficient furnaces in Prince George and the surrounding area. Here are the answers to some of the most common questions that homeowners often have for our technicians.

Having hot water available on demand for showering, bathing, cooking, and cleaning is important for everyday living. Most households in Prince George use hot water tanks to supply their hot water needs. Unfortunately, hot water tanks don't last forever and eventually need to be replaced.

When spring comes around, it's time to make sure that your air conditioning system is up to the task of keeping your home cool. The Prince George air conditioning experts at Canuck Mechanical Ltd. have put together a step-by-step guide to help you get prepped.

The vents responsible for heating and air conditioning your Prince George home or business can build up quite a collection of dust and debris over time. Clean air ducts can improve the efficiency of your heating and cooling systems while promoting a cleaner air environment.

The furnace of your Prince George home or business has a lot of work to do over the fall and winter. With temperatures dropping, you want to make sure that it doesn't stop working when you need it the most. Want to get your furnace ready to face the cold, but not sure how?

In order to ensure health and safety, all plumbing in Prince George needs to conform to the BC plumbing code. There is a chance your plumbing system may not be up to code if you own an older property or if you've tried some DIY plumbing remodels. At Canuck Mechanical Ltd., an emergency plumber in Prince George, our professional plumbers are often called in to ensure that plumbing systms adhere to the code. 

Knowing what you are capable of repairing safely inside your home makes economic sense, just as much as knowing when to call in a professional. Plumbing is one of those things, like if you’re handy with tools – and have the right tools for the job - changing a washer is relatively simple so long as you are aware of all the steps required to prevent flooding your home accidently.

As summer turns to fall, we all know what’s coming. It’s inevitable. Winter will soon be here. But it’s not the snow that we fear in Prince George. It’s our heating bills!

We are fortunate to enjoy cooler, more comfortable summers as compared to many other cities in British Columbia. But when a heat wave occurs, our energy usage suddenly skyrockets.

There’s nothing quite like a broken furnace in the dead of winter to put a chill on your day. Don’t get left out in the cold! Make sure your furnace is in tip-top shape before the cold weather hits.

There’s nothing quite like a burst pipe in your Prince George home to make your pulse redline! If you keep your wits about you, though, you can probably minimize damage and bring things under control in no time flat.