Your 2023 Spring Cleaning Guide - IAQ and HVAC Sudbury

It’s official… Spring is here!

This winter seemed to take forever to end. With a lengthy start to the season, an early thaw and an unexpected cold front - we thought we’d never see the light of a Spring day again!

Thankfully, that wasn’t the case. The weather is finally starting to warm up!

And we all know what that means…

Let the spring cleaning begin!

In today’s blog article, we’re getting down to the nitty-gritty - literally.

Welcome to your 2023 spring cleaning guide! We have everything you need to know about prepping your indoor air quality (IAQ) and HVAC for the Sudbury spring season ahead.

Let’s dive in!

Change Your HVAC Filter

First up is your HVAC filter. This thing gets dirty, fast!

After trapping pollutants all winter long, it’s bound to be grimy and gross.

Hair, dust, pet dander and dirt quickly clog a filter - making your system work extra hard to push air through.

This not only lowers the effectiveness of the system but also its energy efficiency.

Changing your air filter also helps improve your home's indoor air quality!

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, replacing a dirty filter can lower your air conditioner’s energy consumption by 5-15%!

Not sure which filter your system needs? Give our team a call!

We help identify the best filter size and MERV rating.

Learn how to choose and care for your furnace filter at home!

Pro Tip: Now is the time to change the filters in all your equipment - vacuums, dryer lint screens, exhaust fan grilles, etc.

Book a Duct Cleaning

Next up, your ducts!

Much like HVAC filters, ductwork collects harmful contaminants over time. But unlike a filter, your ductwork is not so easily replaced.

And thank goodness for that! Replacing ductwork every 2-3 years would really rack up your HVAC repair bills!

The obvious solution is to then clean them. But it’s not like you can climb in on your hands and knees as if it were a tunnel either.

That’s where professional duct cleaning comes in!

This process can boost your IAQ and increase the energy efficiency of your HVAC system.

Duct cleaning services remove grime, mould and other contaminants. They leave your ducts ready to circulate clean air for another 2-3 years!

Clean Vents and Registers

We’re working our way out!

After you’ve cleaned your ductwork internally, it’s time to focus on the entry points - your vents and registers.

To clean them, simply remove the registers, wipe them down, and clear out the debris.

If you have little ones running around, or even pets, this particular task might give you a good laugh!

We can’t tell you how often we’ve found strange objects lingering in these little pockets of your home.

We’ve found everything from toys, to marbles, to socks, to birthday cards! Seriously.

And, as you can probably guess, all these tiny objects can obstruct the airways of your home.

Clean Outdoor A/C Unit

Your actual A/C unit is next on the list!

If you read our blog on how to shut down your A/C for the winter, your outdoor unit is most likely well-covered.

This cover helps protect your unit from ice, snow and other debris over the fall and winter seasons.

But this cover doesn’t completely stop nature from getting in.

Dirt, leaves, seeds and twigs could still clog your system - preventing peak efficiency.

Here’s how to clean it!

1. Turn the power off.
2. Use a vacuum to dust off the fins (we recommend a soft brush attachment.
3. Hose off the fins.
4. Let the unit dry.
5. Restore power!

Clear Around The Condenser

Cleaning AROUND the condenser is just as crucial as cleaning INSIDE it.

Even during winter, weeds and shrubs grow. Removing all organic matter surrounding the unit helps prevent obstruction to airflow.

How far out should you clear?

We recommend clearing a two-foot radius surrounding the unit.

It’s also helpful to place mulch, bricks, gravel or stones around the unit to prevent further growth!

Replace Batteries in Detectors

When was the last time you checked the batteries in your home detectors? This includes your smoke alarm and carbon monoxide detectors.

Since we don’t necessarily hear these devices sound their alarms very often, it’s easy to forget they even exist.

That is until you really need them.

Check and replace the batteries on each device in your home to keep your family and home well-protected!

Install a Whole-Home Ventilation System

Shop IAQ Products

Now onto your indoor air quality (IAQ).

Let’s be honest.

We’re all longing for fresh air after a long winter spent hibernating indoors. But opening the windows just isn’t an option because…well…ALLERGY SEASON!

How do you circulate fresh air in your home without bringing in pollen, dust and other allergens?

By installing a whole-home ventilation system!

Ventilation systems remove stale air and bring in fresh air through depressurizing.

Ventilation oxygenates your indoor air while also removing pollutants, odours and excess moisture.

Install an Air Purifier

Shop IAQ Products

Another great indoor air quality system to invest in this spring is an air purifier. These systems pull in the air  - trapping pollutants in the process.

The now clean air is then recirculated back into your indoor air.

This helps to increase the health of your indoor air - improving your breathing, sleep, allergy symptoms, etc.

Check The Humidity Levels

Humidity is both necessary and risky.

Our bodies need moisture to properly function. But too much can also present health risks - like dehydration, dry and irritated skin, and nosebleeds.

Low humidity can also cause wood to crack, splinter and shrink in your home. This puts your hardwood, furniture and even musical instruments at risk.

High humidity encourages mould growth in your home too - risking its structural integrity.

That’s why we recommend monitoring and controlling your home humidity levels.

One way to do this is by installing a whole home ventilation system!

With this system, you can ensure your humidity stays within the recommended 30-50%.

Stay Tuned This Spring For More IAQ and HVAC Sudbury Tips!

Looking for more practical tips on keeping up with your indoor air quality and HVAC systems? We post a new blog every other week! 

We fill each blog post with expert advice from our Campeau Heating technicians. So you always get the best, first-hand advice.

Follow us on Facebook to never miss a post!

Is Geothermal The Best Sudbury Heating and Cooling System?

Finding the best heating and cooling system takes lots of time and effort.

After all, there are so many factors to consider!

• How much do you plan to spend on upfront costs?
• How much do you hope to save in the long run?
• Are you looking for a system that does both heating and cooling?
• Do you want a system that has less of an impact on the environment?

These are just a few questions you should ask yourself before buying a new HVAC system.

Your answers help guide your search - making it 10x easier to find the perfect fit!

As an expert Sudbury heating and cooling company, we can help make that process even simpler!

Our Campeau Heating technicians bring years of experience to expertise to every job.

It’s our goal to ensure you have the best HVAC system for your unique needs, lifestyle and budget!

In previous articles, we’ve discussed the benefits of a Napoleon Propane Fireplace, Napoleon Wood Stove, Air Source Heat Pump, etc.

All to give you the knowledge you need to make the best decision for your home.

In this article, we’re breaking down everything you need to know about a geothermal system!

> Is it really the best in energy efficiency?

> What’s the return on investment?

> How much will you actually save by switching to a heat pump?

Keep reading to find out!

What Is Geothermal Energy?

Geothermal energy is heat energy from the earth.

So, in essence, the earth is like a mega-battery!

The thermal (heat) energy stored within it comes from,

1. Solar energy radiating from the sun, and
2. Thermal energy radiating from the earth’s core.

This combination allows the earth to maintain a near-constant below-ground temperature. This means the temperature a few feet below the earth’s surface stays relatively consistent. Regardless of the time of year!

This reliable thermal energy is a powerful and renewable resource! Heating and cooling technologies can harness and transfer it directly to your home.

All we have to do is plug into this natural resource!

How Does Geothermal Heating and Cooling Work?

When asked for environmentally-friendly Sudbury heating and cooling, we show this system!

A geothermal system can provide heating and cooling without any extra parts!

The geothermal system uses three components to access this year-round thermal energy:

1. Outdoor Ground Loops
2. Heat Pump
3. Indoor Distribution System

The outdoor ground loops are what absorb the heat from the earth. We install these loops a few feet below the earth’s surface and fill them with fluid (water and antifreeze).

During the winter, this fluid travels through the loops, absorbing thermal energy and carrying it to the heat pump. Here, the heat pump transfers the heat to your home through your distribution system.

During the Summer, the system draws heat energy from the air in your home. Your heat pump then transfers that heat to the fluid in the ground loops. From there, the earth then reabsorbs it.

And voila! Your home is essentially using your yard to heat and cool your home!

Note: Your geothermal system also requires electricity to operate.

Is Geothermal as Energy-Efficient As They Say?

We’ve already mentioned that geothermal energy is 100% renewable and essentially unlimited.

But we didn’t mention that it also has an efficiency rating of up to 400%!

For each unit of electricity used, the system provides three to four units of heat energy in return. And that efficiency directly reflects on your energy bills!

How Much Can a Geothermal Heat Pump Actually Save You?

The exact amount a geothermal system saves you depends on many factors. This includes your home, geographic location, heating/cooling usage, etc.

But the estimated savings for the average home are incredible!

Compared to conventional systems, homeowners can reduce annual energy savings quite drastically. In heating mode, the estimated annual energy savings are typically between 30-70%. In cooling mode, the estimated savings are between 20-50%!

Are you looking for a Sudbury heating and cooling system that can help lower your energy bills?

Talk to our Campeau Heating technicians today for a free geothermal quote!

Top Advantages and Disadvantages of Geothermal Heating and Cooling

Still not sure if geothermal is the way to go?

Below are the top advantages and disadvantages of a geothermal heating and cooling system!

Advantages of Geothermal

• Energy Efficiency
• Low Operating Cost
• Healthy Indoor Air Quality
• Reduced Carbon Footprint
• Optimal Heating Safety and Home Comfort

Disadvantages of Geothermal

• High Upfront Costs
• Site Dependence
• Landscaping Disturbances

If you have any questions about the benefits and drawbacks of a geothermal system, give us a call!

Our technicians help you make the best heating and cooling decisions for your home. One that fits your lifestyle and budget needs.

With our help, we can ensure you’re getting the best system at the best cost!

Canada Greener Homes Grant: Save Up To $5600 On a New Geothermal Heat Pump!

Learn More

The Government of Canada is helping Canadians make their homes more energy efficient in 2023!

The Canada Green Homes Grant Initiative helps homeowners effectively,

1. Save money and
2. Fight climate change!

GRANTS FROM $125 TO $5,000

• To get back a part of your costs for eligible home retrofits.

UP TO $600

• As a max contribution toward the total costs of your pre and post-retrofit EnerGuide evaluations.

With a Greener Homes Grant, you can save up to $5600 on a new geothermal heat pump!

Get In Touch With Your Sudbury Heating and Cooling Experts!

Ready to start saving big on your heating and cooling this year?

Geothermal is one of the world’s greenest, most energy-efficient HVAC solutions!

Contact our Campeau Heating team today for a free quote on a new geothermal system!

You can call our office at 705-560-2441 or request a free quote online!