Winding Down Your A/C For Fall: 7 Maintenance Tips

Summer is winding down fast here in Sudbury, Ontario.

In fact, we’ve already got several calls for furnace tune-ups - it’s not even September yet!

In Northern Ontario, homeowners know cold weather can come anytime - usually without much warning. One week you’re enjoying 25-degree weather. The next, there’s frost on the ground!

While we love the enthusiasm of you fall lovers, we have one important recommendation to make:

Before you prep your furnace for fall, it’s important to get your A/C back in shape.

Your air conditioner has worked hard all summer long. Those humid, 30+ days no doubt took a toll on your system.

Giving your A/C some proper fall maintenance can help,

1. Ensure it’s ready to start up again next year.
2. Improve cooling performance and efficiency, and
3. Extend your system’s lifespan.

While pushing off this chore until it’s necessary may seem easier, our experts say otherwise.

The better you care for your A/C system now, the less hassle it’ll give you later. It’ll last longer and provide better, more efficient cooling. So you can save on repairs and cooling bills!

Not sure where to get started? We’ve listed our top fall A/C maintenance tips below:

Listen In

One of the first things we do during any maintenance trip is to listen carefully to the HVAC system.

Our trained experts listen to and identify particular A/C sounds. In some cases, we can even tell you exactly what part needs attention based solely on the sound we hear!

We’ve listed a few of these common A/C sounds below:

Banging

A banging sound typically means there’s a problem with your compressor. As your A/C ages, it’s common for parts within your compressor to become loose.

Screeching

The common culprit for a screeching sound in your A/C is a malfunctioning/broken fan motor.

Buzzing

The reason for a buzzing air conditioner is a little harder to narrow down. Some of the potential issues could include:

• Unbalanced fan blades
• Faulty fan motor
• Dirty condenser coils
• Loose parts
• Obstruction
• Refrigerant leak

While most of the above issues are harmless, others pose a health risk. One of these is a refrigerant leak. If you suspect a dangerous leak, we encourage you to call your Campeau technicians!

Let It Breathe

This is something we recommend doing throughout the summer months. But we understand that it’s an easy one to forget!

Can you guess what it is?

Cleaning the grass, weeds and other debris in and around your air conditioner.

Your A/C needs space to “breathe” - pull in fresh air and let out indoor air. If weeds and other obstructions are in the way, performance and efficiency decline.

While you may not have leaves piling up around your A/C just yet, we’ve seen quite a few units buried in weeds and bushes.

We recommend clearing at least 1-3 feet on all sides of your outdoor unit.

Clean It Up

You’d be surprised how dirty your A/C gets throughout the summer! And, as we just mentioned, your unit needs space to breathe. If it’s clogged up, it won’t be able to operate properly.

Very few people like cleaning. But when we tell them it could save their HVAC system and wallets, they’re usually quick to change their minds.

To clean this system, be sure to disconnect it first. Hitting the kill switch is also a good idea!

While a thorough cleaning is best, a quick spray-down with the hose will also do. Make sure you get those big chunks off to prevent clogging!

Once done, wait till the unit dries off before plugging it back in.

Look Closely

HVAC system inspections are typically done by a professional. But if you’re in a pinch, you can at least get a visual inspection done on your own.

Note: You must power off the system before you begin - just as with the cleaning process.

When inspecting your system, here are some things to look for and note:

• Wobbling fan blades
• Loose screws
• Strange noises & smells
• Low refrigerant levels
• Excess moisture
• Dust
• Uneven airflow

If you notice any of these warning signs, call your HVAC team right away!

Check The Electrical

We recommend having one of our Campeau Heating techs come out to service the electrical in your HVAC.

An electrical issue is a little harder to diagnose and a lot more dangerous to investigate on your own.

Some of the things that can affect your HVAC electrical include:

• A recent power outage
• A faulty thermostat
• Malfunctioning capacitor
• Wrong fuse type
• Dislodged wiring

Keep in mind electrical work is dangerous. Our techs have the equipment and know-how to safely investigate and correct the issue.

Replace The Filter

You’ve heard us mention this one a lot. Changing your HVAC filters is always one of our top recommendations.

Here’s why:

You’ve just had a busy summer of tracking dirt indoors, opening and closing windows/doors and having your A/C on 24/7. Your dog has brought in countless treasures and has shed his entire winter coat at this point in the season. You may also have late summer allergies starting up.

Each of these points to the dire need for regular filter changes.

A clogged filter means your system works harder and longer - raising energy bills and lowering efficiency.

That's why we recommend changing your filter at least once every 90 days.

Schedule a Professional A/C Closing Appointment

Does the above list overwhelm you? If so, we highly recommend booking a professional A/C closing appointment.

Our air conditioning team in Sudbury, Ontario, is always ready to lend a hand! We’ll ensure your system is in good, working conditioning before shutting down.

Plus, we can do any repairs we find while there!

Blog: How A/C Maintenance Saves You Money and Protects Your Whole Family

Double Up and Get Your Furnace Prepped For Fall Too!

Want to save some time and money? Schedule your furnace tune-up at the same time!

We’ll get your A/C shut down for the season and your furnace prepped for the cold weather together.

Get In Touch

Looking for quality A/C care in Sudbury, Ontario? Contact our team!

Campeau Heating has been in business for 75 years, and we have the expertise to prove it!

Call us at (705) 560-2441 or contact us online today.

Hybrid Heat Pumps: All-In-One Sudbury Heating and Cooling 

Home heating is probably the furthest thing from your mind right now. After all, your AC is still running!

But there’s never been a better time to talk about the hybrid heat pump.

This system combines the heat pump with a furnace for unmatched energy efficiency.

If you’re looking for an all-in-one Sudbury heating and cooling solution, this is it!

Keep reading to discover how this system saves you energy and money.

What is a Hybrid Heat Pump?

You can think of a hybrid heat pump as a dual heating system. It uses both an electric heat pump and a furnace to operate.

The benefit of combining these units is your system alternates between them accordingly. It all depends on which is more efficient at the time!

This system intuitively knows when to use one unit over the other. The switch it makes depends on the season, necessary function and temperature.

The result?

Maximum energy efficiency and performance - year-round!

The Difference Between a Furnace, Heat Pump & Hybrid System

So, how does a hybrid system work?

To better understand how this system operates as a whole, you need to dive into how each unit works.

After all, they work together to create the optimal system! If one doesn’t work, the whole system will suffer.

Furnace

First up is the furnace - the most common type of home heating system.

A traditional furnace provides heat by burning a fuel source - propane, natural gas, oil, etc.

As the furnace produces heat, it warms the existing air in your home. These systems are typically forced air, so they warm your home via ductwork and vents.

Standard furnaces typically reach 80% efficiency, while high-efficiency furnaces reach about 90%.

This efficiency rate isn’t terrible, but it’s also not optimal.

Here’s why:

Furnaces generate heat with a flame - created when they burn a fuel source. This flame releases the byproduct carbon monoxide (CO), which, as you know, is unsafe to inhale. That's why all furnaces have a built-in venting system - to release these gasses outdoors.

The downside of this venting process is that as the CO releases outdoors, so does some of your heat. This wasted heat lowers your energy efficiency and ultimately reduces the unit's performance.

Heat Pump

The heat pump is quickly becoming the more energy-efficient solution for home heating. They also have the unique ability to both heat and cool!

Instead of generating heat, heat pumps actually transfer it.

You’ve heard us talk about the geothermal heat pump before. This system transfers thermal energy (heat) from the ground to your home.

At Campeau Heating, we stock the Napoleon Hybrid Heat Pump.

During the summer, this heat pump acts as an air conditioner. It draws heat from inside your home and moves it outside.

During the spring & fall, heat pumps draw heat from outside and move it indoors.

Heat pumps are especially known for their exceptional energy efficiency. Did you know that they are over 100% efficient?

This means they can transfer more energy than they consume!

The downside of these units is that, the colder it gets, the harder they have to work. This can lead to lower energy efficiency and higher energy bills on super cold days.

Hybrid System

A hybrid system combines the furnace with the heat pump - so you get the benefits of both systems in one!

These dual systems are great for Ontario homeowners.

As you know, Ontario experiences all four seasons to their full extent. Weather and temperature vary like crazy, especially up in Northern Ontario!

That’s why an efficient Sudbury heating and cooling system is so vital. It can make or break your budget!

A hybrid system selects the most efficient heating/cooling unit based on a series of factors. We mentioned these above, but they include things like temperature and season.

It then heats/cools your home as quickly and efficiently as possible. The goal is to ensure you don’t pay more than you need to for optimal home comfort.

Start Saving With a Hybrid Heat Pump

Did you know that 60% of the energy used in the average Canadian house is for home heating?

If you don’t yet own a home, you can imagine how quickly these costs can skyrocket.

If you do own a home, you’ve experienced those high energy bills firsthand!

At Campeau Heating, we always strive to provide our clients with HVAC products that,

a) Improve their home comfort, and

b) Increase their energy efficiency!

One without the other just isn’t realistic with our drastic Canadian temperatures.

You need a system that has your back - ensuring optimal home comfort without breaking the bank.

That’s where the hybrid heat pump comes in!

We like to think of this system as the future of Sudbury heating and cooling. It combines all the best features of both systems!

We’ve listed a few of these combined benefits below:

5 Benefits of a Hybrid Heat Pump

1. Lower Carbon Footprint
2. Efficient Heating
3. Energy-Cost Resilient
4. Easy Operation
5. Year-Round Home Comfort

Canada Greener Homes Grant

Apply Now

Save up to $5,600 on a new heat pump!

The Government of Canada is helping Canadians increase energy efficiency in their homes, for less.

Their goal is to help you save money and fight climate change.

Here's how this helps you!

GRANTS FROM $125 TO $5,000

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

UP TO $600

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

Learn more about the Canada Greener Homes Grant.

Book Your Installation With Campeau Heating

Get ready for a more affordable home heating season!

Our Campeau Heating team ensures you get the most out of your Sudbury heating and cooling system.

Call us today at 705-560-2441 or get a free, online quote!

Your 2023 Air Conditioner Buying Guide

Your air conditioner is your ride-or-die. When things heat up to 30+ degrees in the summer, it’s typically your only saving grace!

But what happens if your air conditioner breaks down? Or if you never had one in the first place?

Suddenly your dreams of a relaxing summer at home turn into a nightmare.

It’s time to invest in a new, reliable A/C that will see your family through the season!

A/C’s come in different types, sizes and efficiencies. It’s important to find the unit that will serve your home and family best!

If you're in the market for new air conditioning in Sudbury, Ontario, keep reading!

In this article, we dive into the crucial factors to consider when shopping for a new air conditioner.

What Are The Different Types of Home Air Conditioners?

The first factor to consider when A/C shopping is the type of unit you’re looking for.

Many homeowners come to us saying they want A/C and are then shocked by how many options there are to consider.

“Who knew there were so many different kinds!”

A/C isn’t a one size fits all system. There are numerous units to choose from!

It's important that you select the system that will provide your home with maximum comfort and efficiency.

We understand that the selection can seem overwhelming. After all, how do you ensure you choose the right one?

That’s where our team at Campeau Heating comes in!

Our cooling experts work with each homeowner to find the best system for them.

Below are some of the different options we have available:

Central Air Conditioning

Central units are our most popular choice. These traditional systems offer a whole-home cooling solution.

Homeowners often consider them the most luxurious choice because they offer,

• Simplicity,
• Consistency and
• Efficiency.

They also last about 15-20 years!

The main thing to consider when choosing central A/C is that you’ll need ductwork installed.

Ductwork is a system of airways connecting your A/C unit to the vents throughout your home.

The result? Easy, uniform cooling within each room!

Ductless Split Units

A ductless A/C works very similarly to a central system. But does not offer whole-home cooling.

Its main draw is that it serves as a zone cooling unit!

Zoned cooling treats different rooms in your home as zones. This allows you to control the temperature of each room separately.

Some of the popular areas that benefit from ductless cooling include:

• Apartments
• Garages
• Spare bedrooms
• Cottages

Are you looking for personalized comfort throughout your home? If so, ductless is the way to go! Plus, these systems can last up to 20 years.

Geothermal Heat Pump

If energy efficiency is your main concern, this could be the cooling system for you!

Geothermal heat pumps are one of the world’s greenest, most energy-efficient cooling solutions.

They use thermal energy from the earth’s surface to cool your home - saving 20-50% on cooling costs!

These systems also increase your home value and are environmentally friendly. You can count on them to last 20-25 years!

Blog Post: Read more about these 3 air conditioning units!

6 Factors To Think About While A/C Shopping

Now that you know the different types of A/Cs, it’s time to factor in some important considerations.

Our team typically covers these 6 points when helping homeowners select a new system. While they may seem inconsequential to you now, you’d be surprised how much of a difference they make down the road!

1. Unit Size

The capacity of the A/C must match the size of the room. That’s a given.

An A/C unit can't properly cool a room if it's too small for it. There would be too much space for the unit to handle.

If your unit is too big for the room, you’re risking it wearing down faster. It would need to cycle on and off quite frequently rather than at a steady pace. This causes stress to the system and can even prevent it from controlling the humidity in your home. There just wouldn’t be enough time in its quick on-and-off cycling.

The result would be inefficient and low-performance cooling - not your ideal solution!

That’s why we always send our techs out to ensure the size of the area we’re working with.

We’ll take different measurements depending on your system choice (i.e. central vs. ductless).

For a central A/C, we’ll need to find the square footage of your entire home. Then we'll multiply that by 20 to see how many BTUhs* it needs.

If we’re working with a ductless unit, we’ll only need the square footage of the particular zone.

Other factors that affect unit size:

• Ceiling height
• Windows
• Climate
• Home facade
• Insulation
• Heat-generating appliances
• Sun exposure

Investing in a properly sized unit maximizes cooling efficiency and performance.

*BTUh: British thermal units per hour.

2. Energy Efficiency

Another huge consideration for many homeowners today is energy efficiency.

With the cost of electricity and fuel, finding an efficient cooling solution is a must. Otherwise, you’re just racking up your energy bills!

At Campeau, we strive to bring you effective home cooling without breaking the bank.

When choosing an A/C system, we look at the SEER* score of each unit. The higher the score, the more energy-efficient the system is!

*SEER: Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio.

3. Features/Functions

Different brands offer different features to make your A/C more convenient, affordable and effective.

Some examples of A/C features:

• Energy-saving modes
• Performance data
• Quiet Mode
• Convenience features
• Programmable thermostats

Are there particular features you’re looking for? Discuss them with your Campeau Heating tech!

4. Noise Level

The comfort of your home is about more than just its temperature. For example, you won't feel very peaceful if your cooling system is constantly humming.

Are you looking for a super quiet system? If so, we recommend paying close attention to the decibel rating. The lower that rating, the quieter the unit will be!

You can also ask your tech for the quietest options.

5. Budget

Lastly, you’ll want to discuss your budget.

Installing brand new A/C can be a pricy endeavour. But according to our customers, it’s 100% worth it!

Let us know what you’re willing to spend! We’ll ensure your new system fits your price range.

Ask The Experts!

At Campeau, home cooling is what we do. And we do a lot of it! We’ve been in business since 1948 and have the experience to prove it.

We’ll help you find the best cooling solution for your home, lifestyle and budget.

Call us at (705) 560-2441 or request a free quote online!

Need Air Conditioning In Sudbury? Find The Right Unit Here!

This week’s heat wave in Sudbury had us all escaping indoors for some much-needed A/C!

Environment and Climate Change Canada issued a heat warning for Sudbury on Monday. Since then, temperatures have risen to the high 30s with the humidex!

While they’ve let up a bit near the end of the week, this isn’t the last we’ll see of extreme heat and humidity this summer.

According to the official 2023 summer forecast, Ontario can expect a changeable summer. Hot periods will persist but will be graciously broken up by frequent cold fronts. Suffice it to say that more 30-degree weather is en route.

Is your A/C able to keep up with the demand?

For many old, reliable air conditioners, they just can’t take the heat!

Or maybe you've never had A/C before. Is this intense heat making you think twice about investing in home cooling?

 If you read our last blog, you’ll know A/C is the #1 way to protect against heat-related illness. Air conditioning helps fight off and control heat and humidity, which can heop protect you during even the most intense heat wave.

Whether you’re in the market for your first system or a replacement, our team at Campeau Heating is here to help!

3 Popular Types of Air Conditioning Units

We make choosing air conditioning in Sudbury, Ontario, easy and affordable.

Explore your options below!

Central

A traditional air conditioner typically refers to a central unit.

This type of A/C is a whole-home cooling solution. As long as it’s sized correctly, it is powerful enough to cool your entire house!

Central air conditioning is also considered quite luxurious - for more reasons than one.

Benefits of a Central A/C:

• Fast and effective cooling
• Enhanced energy efficiency
• Minimal noise
• Improved indoor air quality
• Increased comfort

These cooling systems are incredibly durable and long-lasting too. With the proper A/C maintenance, they can last 15-20 years!

How Does a Central A/C Work?

The system comprises two units - one indoor ventilator and one outdoor condenser. They work together to pull in warm air from within your home, convert it to cool air, and then return it.

To deliver this newly cooled air throughout the home, central A/C requires ductwork and vents.

Cooled air travels through the ductwork and releases through vents - effectively cooling each room!

Ductless

A ductless air conditioner work similarly to a central. But its goal is quite the opposite.

Instead of cooling the entire home, ductless systems provide zoned cooling.

Zoned cooling individually treats different rooms (zones) in your home. It allows you to control the temperature of each of these zones separately!

Many buildings and areas benefit hugely from this cooling system. A few examples include apartments, garages, spare bedrooms or cottages!

Let’s break each area down:

Apartments and spare bedrooms both have guests living in them. Having these areas controlled by personal preference ensures those occupants experience optimal comfort.

Garages and work sheds aren’t used as frequently. So they don’t need constant temperature control. But having the option to cool the space down during a big project can make a huge difference!

Lastly, cottages are the top choice for a ductless A/C system. They are especially popular in seasonal cottages, which are usually unoccupied for much of the year. Air conditioning is only needed here during cottage season (May - September). Cottages are typically smaller and only require cooling in specific rooms as well. This makes ductless A/Cs the more practical and energy-efficient choice!

Benefits of a Ductless A/C:

• Space saving
• Easy installation
• Increased energy efficiency
• Personalized comfort
• Great indoor air quality

How Does a Ductless A/C Work?

A ductless air conditioner works much the same way as a central system. Each unit has a fan and evaporator that connects to an outdoor compressor via refrigerant lines.

The air cools as it travels through the refrigerant lines to the compressor. Once cooled, it returns to the indoor unit to circulate the room.

There is no need to install ductwork or vents within your home. Just a few holes to fit the refrigerant lines through, and that's it!

Geothermal Heat Pump

Did you know? Geothermal is one of the world’s greenest, most energy-efficient heating and cooling solutions!

These systems draw thermal energy from the earth's surface to cool your home. In doing so, they can save 20-50% on cooling costs compared to conventional systems.

Benefits of a Heat Pump:

• Lower operating costs
• Quiet operation
• Low maintenance
• Increased home value
• Environmentally friendly

How Does a Heat Pump Work?

While it may seem odd to cool your home with the earth, we promise the process is 100% effective!

Outdoor temperatures vary based on season and time of day. But underground temperatures (a few feet below the surface) remain consistent.

Your heat pump can convert this thermal energy into efficient cooling using either,

a) A closed-loop system or

b) An open-loop system.

Another cool thing about geothermal systems is that they can provide cooling and heating! They even do so in a variety of forms!

Whether you want a forced air, radiant or hot water heating system, your geothermal heat pump can do it!

Learn more about how a geothermal heat pump works.

Choosing The Right A/C Unit For Your Home

Selecting the right A/C for your home can be daunting.

With so many options available, how do you know which is best for your home, budget and lifestyle?

At Campeau Heating, our cooling experts are always ready to help you find the best A/C.

Factors to Consider When Choosing an A/C:

• Budget
• Energy efficiency standards
• Home size
• Noise level
• Maintenance Needs
• Available space
• Desired features

These factors help guide the decision-making process. This ensures you choose the right system for your home.

Cool Down This Summer With Campeau Heating

Are you looking for reliable air conditioning in Sudbury? You’ve found it!

At Campeau Heating, we service homes, cottages and businesses with the best cooling products!

Ready to cool down? Give us a call!

Reach our office at (705) 560-2441 or contact us online.

How Air Conditioning Can Help Keep You Safe During a Heat Wave

Air conditioning in Sudbury, Ontario, is more important than ever!

What was once considered a luxury is now necessary for most homes in Ontario.

Here’s why:

Temperatures in Ontario are unpredictable.

One day, you’re enjoying a beautiful cool breeze. The next, you’re escaping indoors to avoid a heat wave!

Summer temperatures can reach 30 degrees C, and humidity levels are no better - making it feel even hotter!

The Farmers’ Almanac actually released its forecast for summer 2023 recently. Apparently, we can expect this summer to be even warmer and dryer than typical years.

What does this mean for you?

Are there ways to lessen the danger and protect your health as the summer heat approaches?

Keep reading to find out!

The Dangers of Heat For Your Health

We’ve all heard the classic lines "wear sunscreen" or "throw a hat on" a thousand times.

With the danger of exposure to harmful UV rays, this isn’t anything new.

But what about the dangers associated with high heat?

Sunscreen and ballcaps only go so far in protecting your health.

The next step is to find a solution for high heat and humidity.

How dangerous can high summer heat be?

In severe cases, heat can be deadly.

According to Statistics Canada, 595 people died in BC due to one of the longest and hottest heat waves in Canadian history. This happened in 2021 - only two years ago!

Eleven years before that (2010), a heat wave in Quebec caused 280 deaths.

While these statistics are Canadian-based, not Ontario, we can’t deny how close to home they hit.

In our books, it's too close.

And it’s not just the fatal cases we need to worry about!

Exposure to high heat can cause dehydration, heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

There is also a risk of chronic conditions flaring. 

This typically only occurs when high temperatures of 32 degrees C or higher last two or more days. According to Aaron Bernstein of Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, flare-ups can commonly occur in people who suffer from existing conditions like

• Migraines,
• Arthritis,
• Asthma,
• Cardiovascular disease, etc.

To sum it up, our bodies are not designed to handle high heat for long periods. According to Bernstein, “We’re warm-blooded, and our whole body is designed to operate within a narrow range of temperatures.”

If our body gets too hot, it can’t function properly. Our heart, lungs, brain and kidneys can malfunction or slow down. This is a huge risk for people with existing organ problems.

So, how can you protect yourself and your family from these health risks?

• Drink plenty of fluids.
• Avoid the outdoors during the hottest parts of the day.
• Wear sunscreen.
• Wear lightweight, light-coloured clothing.
• Take cool showers.
• Check your local news or weather app for health and safety updates.

Another tip is to install whole home air conditioning!

Is Air Conditioning The Solution?

If you don’t currently have an air conditioning system installed, we highly recommend it.

According to the CDC, A/C is the number one way to protect against heat-related illness and death.

Below are some of the top health benefits of installing A/C:

Lower Your Core Body Temperature

The main purpose of an air conditioner is to cool and regulate the temperature of a given space, such as your home.

Once your home gets too warm, the A/C kicks on and begins removing excess heat and moisture.

The result is a temperature-controlled space that is safe and comfortable.

Did you know your body has a similar process when it gets too hot? It basically has a built-in air conditioning system called thermoregulation.

Thermoregulation occurs when your internal temperature (core body temperature) changes. If it becomes too hot, your body uses internal mechanisms to cool it down. These include sweating and vasodilation.

As you sweat, the moisture from your body evaporates off your skin, lowering your body temperature. But this process is quite challenging when the air is too humid for evaporation to occur.

That’s where air conditioning comes in to save the day!

A/C removes the excess moisture from your air, allowing your body to sweat properly. It also helps cool your environment - making it easier for your body to regulate its core temperature.

Reduce Humidity

High humidity is dangerous in your home. As mentioned above, it can reduce your body’s ability to cool naturally. But that’s not all. It can also cause fatigue, muscle cramping, fainting, dehydration, etc.

Thankfully, A/Cs are powerful multitaskers!

The system as a whole cools the home down. But, at the same time, the refrigerant within the system removes humidity from your air.

Here’s how that works:

A/Cs pull warm indoor air into the vents, through the return ducts and over the evaporator coil. The refrigerant within the coil absorbs the heat, which is then expelled into the condenser coil.

Then, as the now-cooled refrigerant returns to the evaporator coil, more warm air meets it. This forms condensation.

This condensation is the moisture in your home.

Once the moisture drips into the condensate pan, it flows into a drain pipe outdoors.

Voila - humidity control!

Reduce the Risk of Dehydration

As your body undergoes thermoregulation, you can lose a lot of water. And, as you know, your body needs water to function. Without it, mental and physical performance can deteriorate.

Air conditioning reduces the body’s need to sweat, thus helping prevent dehydration.

Get Better Sleep

Trying to sleep in a hot environment is challenging, uncomfortable and dangerous.

While you’re trying to sleep in this heat, your body works to try and regulate its internal temperature. This means a lot of sweat, discomfort and potential dehydration.

Air conditioning creates a cool environment that’s ideal for optimal rest. This makes it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep!

Improve Indoor Air Quality

Investing in indoor air quality is vital to protecting your health.

Do you have underlying health conditions, such as asthma or allergies? If so, A/C is especially crucial.

Air conditioning circulates and filters your indoor air - removing pollutants and allergens!

Contact Campeau Heating in Sudbury, Ontario

Looking for quality air conditioning in Sudbury, Ontario? Contact our A/C experts at Campeau Heating!

We’ll help you find the right air conditioner for your home, lifestyle and budget.

Call today at 705-560-2441 or shop online!

Important Things To Consider When Building a New Home

Happy home-building season!

If you’re building your new home, this article is for you.

New home construction involves countless, timely decisions. From outlet placement to kitchen cabinets and home layout, there’s always a decision to make.

The fun part is deciding what your dream home will look like. The downside is how much time you’ll spend in the selection process.

Let’s be honest. Once you browse 50 different flooring choices, they all start to meld together. Suddenly, choosing the best features for your new home becomes stressful and time-consuming.

Thankfully, we can help take some of the load off!

While we aren’t homebuilders, we play a vital role in setting up the major systems within your new home.

Our team of professionals handles everything from whole-home HVAC to your patio barbecue!

It's our goal to help keep your project moving forward - on schedule and within your budget. We also offer expert guidance and advice for important decisions along the way!

Keep reading to learn how Campeau Heating can help you make your dream home come true.

Get a free quote on new home HVAC design and installation!

New Home Heating and Cooling

Your brand-new home deserves unmatched comfort, efficiency and reliability.

That’s why our team equips homeowners with only the best in Sudbury heating and cooling systems.

Our Heating Options:

• Gas Furnace
• Oil Furnace
• Electric Furnace
• Geothermal
• Fireplaces

Browse our heating units.

Our Cooling Options

• Ductless
• Central Air
• High Velocity

Browse our cooling units.

If you’re installing central heating and cooling, there are a few extra factors you’ll need to consider.

Beyond system selection, you’ll also need to plan the unit size, placement, and ductwork layout.

The ideal system size for your home varies according to:

• The structure and size of your home.
• Your lifestyle.
• Your heating/cooling needs and preferences.

Ideal unit placement usually depends on electrical access and soundproofing.

Lastly, when deciding on the ductwork layout, you’ll need to consider how to:

• Plan the most direct route.
• Conserve the most energy.
• Save the most space.
• Reduce as much noise as possible.

Not sure where to begin?

Don’t worry - we’ll handle the majority of these decisions for you, so you can focus on the big picture. 

We may need to consult your construction and electrical team throughout this process. But we’ll do our best to make the process as straightforward and stress-free for you as possible.

Learn more about the New Home Construction HVAC process!

New Home Indoor Air Quality 

Another major factor to consider in your new home construction is indoor air quality.

Right now, your home is probably covered in sawdust and totally roofless. So this may seem like a topic you don’t really need to think about for a while. 

But think again!

It’s never too early to start looking into the air quality of your forever home.

After all, that’s the air you, your family and your friends will breathe in. It should be as clean and safe as possible.

With a new home built, you have a unique opportunity to prevent poor indoor air quality. Rather than battle it.

But to achieve that, you’ll need to consider:

• Using building materials that are low-emitting.
• Ensuring proper ventilation in the structure of your home.
• Preventing moisture leaks in ceilings, windows, etc.
• Installing indoor air quality products.

Our indoor air quality experts at Campeau Heating help you create a healthy home environment.

Our Indoor Air Quality Products:

• Aldes HRV
• Napoleon HRV
• Napoleon UVC
• Cinquartz Filtration
• Electro Air 3-IN-1 TRUE HEPA, UVC & PCO AIR CLEANER

Browse our indoor air quality products.

New Home Backup Power System

Preparing your new home with all the latest HVAC systems is great. But what happens during a power outage?

Power outages are unpredictable and inconvenient. They happen at the worst times - leaving you without the essential systems in your home.

No heating. No fridge or freezer. No cooking appliances. No sump pump. No running water.

That’s why we always recommend installing a reliable backup generator!

At Campeau Heating, we supply only the best in backup power. That’s why we work with Kohler generators!

Kohler designs these generators for ultimate efficiency, durability and reliability.

Browse Our Kohler Generators. 

Not sure which size best fits your power needs? We can help!

New Home Outdoor Systems

If you live in Sudbury, Ontario, you know how stunning the landscape is. With all the gorgeous lakes, hills and rock faces, it’s incredible!

We love the outdoors. In fact, we can’t get enough of it!

That’s why we’ve helped homeowners extend their patio season with outdoor products!

Outdoor Fireplaces & Pits

Outdoor fireplaces are a gorgeous addition to your new home build. Not only are they 100% practical, but they also increase your home value and its aesthetic appeal!

Installing an outdoor fireplace can:

• Expand your personal living space.
• Give yourself more room to host friends and family.
• Extend your seasonal enjoyment.

You can shop our selection of Heat and Glo and Napoleon online!

Browse Our Outdoor Rireplaces.

Napoleon Barbecues

Another way to enjoy the great outdoors is by extending your kitchen outside!

We recommend investing in patio furniture, a picnic table and a good quality barbecue! This creates a great outdoor atmosphere that you and your guests will love.

Our Napoleon Barbecue Selection:

• Gas Grills
• Charcoal Grills
• Built-in Gas Grills
• Portable Grills

Shop Our Napoleon Barbecues.

Complete Your New Home Construction Project With Campeau Heating

Congratulations on your new home build! 

Building your dream home is an exciting time for you and your family.

We are so excited to be a part of it!

To get started, call us at 705-560-2441 or contact us online.

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!

When To Shop For a New A/C? During Our Big Winter Sale!

When is the best time to shop for a new air conditioner?

With the recent record-low temperatures in Ontario, A/C is probably the furthest thing from your mind.

Sudbury alone reached a low of -37.1 C during the cold snap! Only a few degrees from the city's coldest recorded day - January 10, 1982, at -39.3 C.

But while that sudden cold snap came out of nowhere, the sudden thaw also came as a surprise.

Temperatures rose to as high as +3 C a few days later!

This teeter-tottering temperature tells us two things:

1. You never know when extreme weather will hit, and
2. You should always prepare for the day that it does.

So, to answer your question, the best time to shop for an air conditioner isn’t in the summer. It’s not even in spring when air conditioning is a hot topic (pun intended).

It’s right now - during our winter Showroom Sale!

Our BIG Winter Showroom Sale is ON NOW!

We’re revamping our showroom!

That means BIG DISCOUNTS and ZERO WAIT TIMES.

Save Big On Hearth Fireplace Displays, and Get 20% OFF All Fireplaces & Air Conditioners - IN STORE ONLY!

All discounted items are IN-STOCK and READY TO INSTALL!

HURRY IN TO SAVE BIG!

Visit our showroom today at 2288 Lasalle Blvd., Sudbury, ON.

*Offer ends February 28th, 2023.

*Discount applies in-store only.

*Restrictions may apply.

Why Buy An Air Conditioner During The Winter?

The demand for air conditioners is at its lowest during the off-season. That's why now is the best time to get shopping!

There are so many cooling options. And with very few people in line, you get the first pick!

This gives you ample time to research, find your perfect system and get the best deal!

With our showroom sale, you can get the best A/C for your home AND your budget.

Not sure if you need a new air conditioner this year?

Below are seven signs that your A/C is about to call it quits!

5 Signs You Need a New Air Conditioner

Think back to last summer when you had your A/C running. Do any of the below signs sound familiar?

1. Ineffective Cooling

Was your air conditioner failing to do the one thing it’s supposed to be good at - cooling your home?

Ineffective cooling is a clear sign that you need to either,

a) Schedule maintenance or

b) Invest in a new air conditioner.

2. Old Age

How old is your air conditioner?

Most A/Cs can last up to 10 years! But once they’ve reached that decade point, it’s time for an upgrade.

A new cooling system will ensure you’re cooling is energy-efficient, affordable and high-performance!

3. Constant Breakdowns

How often did your A/C break down?

Constant breakdowns point to an unreliable system.

If Canadian weather has taught us anything, having a reliable system is imperative.

You never know when a cold snap or heat wave will hit! And we should always prepare ourselves and our homes for the unexpected!

The last thing anyone needs during a sudden heat wave is an unreliable air conditioner. This puts your family and pets at risk!

You’ll also have to shop with hundreds of other homeowners with the same issue.

Demand goes up, prices go up, and you have no choice but to either survive the heat or make the costly investment.

A new system installed before summer hits can help you avoid that dangerous disaster!

4. Frequent and Costly Repairs

How frequently did you have to call for air conditioner maintenance?

The occasional A/C maintenance appointment is not alarming. But if those appointments become more frequent and costly, you may have a bigger problem.

Eventually, bandaid fixes won’t work - leaving you with a broken system at the worst possible time.

5. High Energy Bills

Was your air conditioning suddenly costing a fortune to run?

This could be because your system is no longer running at peak performance. 

Older systems are typically less energy-efficient than newer ones. And if you’re system is suddenly costing even more to run, it could be on its last legs.

A new air conditioning system can help you lower your energy consumption and save money!

Which Air Conditioner Is Best For Your Home?

If any of the above signs match your system, it’s time to explore your options. The right air conditioner should fit your home, family, lifestyle and budget. No exceptions!

Our big Showroom Sale happens to have all our air conditioners at a 20% discount!

Stop by our showroom today to speak to our A/C experts and find the perfect cooling solution.

Below are some of the options we have available!

Central Air

Shop Central A/Cs Here

Our central air conditioning systems cool your entire home from one central location.

Benefits of a Central Air System:

• Quick cooling
• Whole home comfort
• Improved aesthetics
• Cleaner indoor air quality
• Low maintenance

Ductless

Shop Ductless A/Cs Here

Our ductless air conditioning systems offer zoned cooling. These units are typically installed in cottages, basements, add-ons, apartments, etc.

Benefits of a Central Air System:

• Quiet operation
• Personalized comfort
• Easy installation
• Saves space
• Reduced carbon footprint

High-Velocity

Shop High-Velocity A/Cs Here

Our high-velocity air conditioning systems move air 4x faster than a traditional A/C.

Benefits of a High-Velocity System:

• Improved humidity control
• Quiet operation
• Easy installation
• Improved energy efficiency

Hurry Into Our Showroom To Save Big!

Looking for the best air conditioning in Sudbury, Ontario? You found it!

Campeau Heating continues to offer only the best in performance and efficiency. Come on in and chat with our team of A/C experts today! 

Showroom Address: 2288 Lasalle Blvd., Sudbury, ON.

Please note that our Showroom Sale is happening IN STORE ONLY.

Temperatures Are Dropping! Shut Down The A/C and Power Up The Furnace!

While many of us wish summer would never end, that just isn’t possible here in Sudbury, Ontario.

Our summers are insanely brief, which is why Canadians take advantage of every summer’s day. Because they know it could be the last one of the season!

Soon, leaves will change colour.

The wind will pick up.

And frost will blanket our yards.

If we’ve learned anything as Sudbury homeowners, it's that preparation is key.

You never quite know when the next season will arrive! And having your HVAC system ready and waiting can save you a heap of stress.

So, as you say your goodbyes to the brief heat of summer, don’t forget to start gearing your efforts towards the upcoming fall season.

Not sure where to begin?

Our Fall HVAC Checklist can help guide your transition - step by step!

Shutting Down Your Air Conditioner

Below are 5 crucial steps to shut your air conditioner down for the fall season.

While these steps are simple, they are also vital. Each of these steps ensures your system is in good working order - so you're always one step ahead of our ever-changing seasons.

Once you’ve powered off your air conditioning system, follow our checklist below!

Clean Your Outdoor Condenser Unit

Your outdoor condenser unit consists of many moving parts - all working to remove heat from your indoor air.

Because your condenser is outdoors, it’s not only vulnerable to the weather but also to surrounding dirt and debris.

Leaves, sticks, and other debris can quickly clog up your system - preventing efficient airflow.

And while this won’t harm your air conditioner during its off-season, it can definitely damage the system once it’s powered up.

At Campeau Heating, we recommend cleaning your outdoor condenser before packing it away for the season.

Clean Around The A/C Unit

Cleaning around the condenser unit is just as important!

After all, what’s the point of cleaning the unit itself if more dirt and debris will inevitably enter it?

Save yourself the hassle by clearing sufficient space around your condenser.

Our HVAC experts recommend at least 1 to 3 feet of clearance surrounding the entire unit.

Upon installation, your technician probably suggested,

a) Installing a concrete slab below your air conditioner or

b) Placing gravel or mulch around it.

These are very effective ways to help limit the weeds, dirt and other debris that could clog up your system.

Other landscaping solutions that help limit debris from entering your A/C unit include:

• Removing or trimming trees/plants back.
• Creating a gravel garden.
• Installing evergreen plants as a windbreaker.
• Building a protective barrier with trellis, screens or lattice boxes.

Empty Drain Lines and Pans

A clean A/C drain line is crucial for effective air conditioning. 

A drain line’s job is to remove condensation from the evaporator coils and lead it safely away from your home.

But if the drain has a blockage, the condensate pan can overflow - damaging your air conditioner.

An overflowing condensate pan can even lead to water damage in your home!

How does your drain line get blocked in the first place?

Over time, sludge, bacteria and mould can accumulate within the drain line - clogging the line and preventing efficient water flow.

On the outer ends of the drain line, you also have to think about dirt, dust and unwanted insects clogging the entrances.

These vulnerabilities are why our technicians recommend having your drain lines cleaned annually.

Inspect The Unit and Exterior Pipes For Damage

The third step in shutting your air conditioner down for the season is a thorough system inspection.

Your A/C worked especially hard this year. And after powering through multiple heat waves, it deserves a thorough check-in.

During your end-of-year A/C inspection, be sure to:

• Change the air filter.
• Ensure all electrical components are working.
• Secure all physical connections.
• Check refrigerant levels.
• Check the blower motor.
• Check unit for leaks, cracks or loose seals.

Place a Cover Over The A/C Unit

The final step in shutting your A/C down for the fall season is to place a waterproof cover over the outdoor condenser unit.

This cover protects the unit from ice, snow, dirt and debris that might blow in over the fall and winter seasons.

Powering Up Your Furnace

Now that your air conditioner is safely tucked away, it’s time to ready your furnace for that inevitable first frost!

Below are 8 steps to powering up your furnace:

Clean The Inside Of Your Furnace

Before you start up your furnace, you’ll want to give it a deep clean.

After sitting back for an entire summer, the inner components of the system are bound to be dusty.

And that dust will burn as soon as you turn your heat on - stinking up your entire house!

But if you didn’t clean your furnace before shutting it down in the spring, there’s more than just dust to worry about.

Pet hair, dander, dead skin and dirt can all pile up while the furnace is in use.

So, if it wasn’t cleaned before you shut it down, all that accumulation is still there - ready to circulate in your home as soon as you turn the heat on.

The solution?

Dust the blower, motor, burners and heat exchanger.

Change The Air Filter

Another common place for dust and dirt to pile up is in your furnace filter.

If you changed your furnace filter before shutting your A/C down for the summer, you shouldn’t have to replace it quite yet.

However, if you didn’t change the filter in the spring, then it’s definitely time to head to the hardware store for a replacement.

At Campeau Heating, our indoor air quality experts recommend changing your furnace filter every 30-90 days. This ensures proper airflow and healthier air quality!

Clean Your Air Ducts

Next up on your cleaning list is your air ducts - AKA the lungs of your home!

All central heating systems use a network of ducts to circulate heat throughout the home.

And, as you can probably imagine, these ducts are perfect hideouts for mould, dust and other allergens.

If neglected, your air ducts can circulate these allergens into your home, causing:

• Respiratory infections,
• Allergy/Asthma symptoms
• Other health effects.

So, before you turn up the heat, call your local air duct cleaning company!

Clear The Area Surrounding Your Furnace

Once you’ve finished cleaning your internal furnace system, the next step is focusing on the area surrounding it.

Many homeowners like to treat their furnace rooms as storage rooms.

However, this can create a dangerous hazard in your home.

We always recommend clearing your furnace room of all:

• Flammable items,
• Unnecessary clutter and
• Hazardous chemicals.

Check Belts and Pulleys

Two invaluable mechanical components of an air conditioning system include its belts and pulleys.

These two moving parts control the blower and motor.

Over time, these components can wear out - potentially causing your entire heating system to break down!

Checking for wear and tear on belts and pulleys before the cold season begins ensures these components won’t break at the most inopportune time.

Check The Limit Switch

The limit switch is a safety control within your heating system.

Its role is to regulate the temperature of the furnace itself.

The limit switch powers off the burner if specific components become too hot. Once the temperature drops, it also shuts off the blower.

This prevents the furnace from overheating and becoming a hazard to your home.

Inspect Electrical Components

Another necessary safety precaution before powering up your furnace is an electrical safety check.

During an electrical safety check, all electrical parts and connections need an inspection.

A faulty wire connection alone can cause extensive heating repairs. This is why our heating experts always recommend having these components inspected.

Test Your System

Once you’ve reset the thermostat to your desired temperature, it’s time for a test run!

You’ll want to check for:

• Furnace smells
• Furnace noises
• A malfunctioning pilot light
• Ineffective heating etc.

Notice something out of the ordinary? If so, it might be time to schedule a furnace maintenance visit with your Campeau Heating technician.

Need a Furnace Upgrade? See Our Sudbury Heating Selection!

If your furnace is beyond repair, you need a new heating system - fast! 

The cold weather won’t hold off forever. And, as we mentioned above, the first frost can arrive at any time.

If you need a furnace upgrade this fall, browse our heating selection!

We offer a variety of heating solutions, including:

• Gas,
• Oil,
• Geothermal and
• Electric!

Our heating team at Campeau will help you find the right fit for your home!

My Air Conditioner Won't Stop Running 24/7! Is That Normal?

To put it simply, the answer is no.

Your air conditioner should never run all the time. Even in the dead of summer, when temperatures reach over 30 degrees Celsius, your A/C should still cycle off. 

It may run more frequently in hot, sticky weather. But if it never clicks off, you could have a much bigger problem on your hands!

And what if your AC isn't even effectively cooling your home while it's on? This could cause you to waste hundreds of dollars in cooling costs without reaping any benefits.

In this article, find out when it's normal for your A/C to run more frequently and when it's not. We also explore 8 potential issues that may cause your A/C to behave like this.

Here’s When It’s Normal

You might notice a slightly higher energy bill during an August heat wave in Ontario.

Don’t freak out if this happens! It’s actually expected.

Your air conditioner needs to work extra hard to keep your house cool during hot and humid days.

So in this particular case, it’s normal for your air conditioner to run more frequently.

Usually, your air conditioner cycles on for about 15-20 minutes each cycle. But during a hotter day, this could extend to a few hours at a time.

Here’s When It’s NOT Normal

Are summer temperatures pretty average, yet your air conditioner is not taking the hint to chill out (pun intended)? That’s when you know you have a problem on your hands.

Here are some common A/C warning signs you should look out for:

• Skyrocketing electricity bills.
• Ineffective cooling.
• 24/7 Operation.

Not only is your air conditioner wasting your hard-earned cash, but it’s also making your home practically unliveable.

Here’s Why Your Air Conditioner Might Run Nonstop

Now that we know how to recognize when it's normal and when it's not, we can start narrowing down exactly what’s wrong with your A/C unit.

After all, you don’t want to keep spending money on ineffective cooling all summer!

1. Your Thermostat is not working.

The very first thing you should check is your thermostat settings.

In fact, this could be the easiest fix in the book!

First, ensure your thermostat is set to “auto”. This allows it to cycle on and off as needed. If set to “on”, your air conditioner will continue to run no matter what. And if set to “off”, it won’t run at all!

Second, ensure the temperature settings are reasonable (around 25 degrees C). If you set your thermostat too cool during a heat wave, it’ll work overtime just trying to keep up.

2. Your A/C system is too small for your home.

During the initial installation, your HVAC technician must ensure the A/C unit and duct system are correctly sized.

A/C Unit

If your air conditioner is too small for your home, it will have to work extra hard to keep it cool. That means CONSTANT operation. And an EXTENSIVE energy bill!

Ductwork

If your ductwork is too small, air won’t be able to efficiently flow through it. This causes weak airflow as air cannot distribute evenly throughout your entire home.

3. The evaporator coils are dirty or clogged.

Dirty evaporator coils make it difficult for your air conditioner to pull hot air outside.

As a result, it has to work overtime to effectively pull enough heat and humidity out of your indoor air.

This causes it to run more frequently. Or even consistently.

4. The air filter needs replacing.

We’ve mentioned the importance of changing your air filter multiple times before. And for good reason!

Not only does a regularly changed air filter provide cleaner, healthier indoor air quality. But it also makes it way easier for your air conditioner to operate!

If your air filter becomes clogged, air can’t pass through it as easily. This, in turn, causes your air conditioner to operate more frequently in an attempt to push enough cool air out.

When was the last time you changed your air filter? If you can’t remember, we suggest heading to your local home & hardware store right away.

Typically, we recommend changing your air filter every 90 days. However, if you have pets in your home, we recommend upping that to every 60 days. And if you have family members with allergies and/or respiratory issues, we up that even higher to every 30 days!

5. Ductwork needs cleaning.

Having your ductwork cleaned is an easy and affordable way to improve the airflow of your A/C, while also improving your indoor air quality.

Over time, your ductwork can start leaking - causing cool air to seep out while on route to your home.

As a result, the attic and inside of your walls might be nice and cool. But the rooms in your home will not be.

6. Your home is improperly insulated.

Cooling a poorly insulated home is like filling a bathtub without a drain plug.

In other words, pretty much useless!

The air conditioner will continue to run 24/7 to cool your home. And no matter how hard it works, it will fail to bring in enough cool air to effectively cool the home for more than a few seconds.

Plus, poor insulation can cause outdoor humidity to start seeping through to your home as well - making your air conditioner's job even harder!

7. There’s a refrigerant leak.

Here’s the thing… refrigerant should never run out. So if your refrigerant levels are running low, it's obvious that there’s a problem.

Telltale signs of a refrigerant leak:

• Ice on your evaporator coils
• Bubbling or hissing sounds
• High electricity bills
• Ongoing cooling cycles
• High humidity
• Ineffective cooling

While some refrigerant leaks come from environmental damage, others come from poor A/C maintenance, which leads us to our next point!

8. Your A/C unit needs maintenance.

Most of the above issues are solvable with a simple A/C maintenance visit.

In fact, a quick check-up is one of the surest ways to ensure your air conditioner stays in great shape all season long!

Get Expert A/C Services at Campeau Heating in Sudbury, Ontario

Your Campeau HVAC technician will inspect, test, repair and replace any equipment necessary in your air conditioner. So you can start SAVING money on your energy, instead of losing it!

Give us a call at (705) 560-2441 or contact us online!

Can The Air Source Heat Pump Really Help Save You Money?

With the rise of fuel costs this past winter, and the current gas prices, everyone is looking for cheaper heating and cooling. The question is…is an air-source heat pump the answer?

Most of us have heard of the legendary heat pump. In fact, many know it as the system that can provide heating and cooling seemingly out of thin air!

But will a heat pump really help lower your energy consumption and save you money in the long run?

Let’s find out!

Our HVAC experts at Campeau Heating are here to answer all your questions about the air-source heat pump.

What Is An Air-Source Heat Pump? How Does it Work?

An air-source heat pump is currently the most popular type of heat pump in Canada. They can effectively heat and cool your home by transferring thermal energy.

Here’s how that works!

Heating Cycle:

During the winter, an air source heat pump uses the thermal energy from the outdoor air as a source of heat. It transfers the heat energy found in the outside air and uses that energy to heat the home!

This process makes the outdoor air the source and the indoor air the sink.

Cooling Cycle:

During the summer, heat energy transfers from the indoor to the outdoor air - effectively cooling your home and releasing excess heat outdoors.

This reverse process makes the outdoor air the sink and the indoor air the source.

Want a more in-depth look? Visit our recent blog post where we talk all about the 2-in-1 heat pump and how it works!

Heating and Cooling Distribution:

How is this heating or cooling distributed throughout your home?

Well, that all depends on which type of installation you choose! 

Like any other type of air conditioner, you have options. You can install a ducted or ductless heat pump!

Ducted Air-Source Heat Pump

A ducted heat pump distributes heat or cool air throughout the home using a network of ducts. This allows the system to heat/cool each location at an equal temperature.

If you have existing ductwork installed in your home, installing a ducted heat pump is simple! But, if you don’t have ductwork installed, you may want to consider your second option - the ductless heat pump!

Ductless Air-Source Heat Pump

You’ve heard us talk about the ductless air conditioner quite a few times in our recent blog posts:

We explored whether a ductless air conditioner is best for your Sudbury cottage. And we’ve also identified four common culprits of a leaky ductless air conditioner and how to fix them.

But today, we’re not talking about the ductless air conditioner per se…

We’re talking about the ductless heat pump! And interestingly enough, this system uses the same technology as the ductless A/C in distributing heating and cooling to your home.

Instead of using ductwork to carry air throughout your home, the ductless heat pump directly heats and cools the space it’s located in.

If you don’t have existing ductwork, going ductless makes the installation process much easier, faster and cheaper!

This leads us to our next question…

How Much Does It Cost to Install, Run and Maintain an Air-source Heat Pump?

When looking for the cheapest heating and cooling system, you must consider these four cost factors:

Upfront Costs

The upfront cost of an air heat pump largely depends on the size of the system. During your consultation with an HVAC professional, you can determine your home’s specific heating and cooling needs and the needed load capacity of a heat pump. You’ll also want to explore different features and efficiencies.

Installation Costs

The installation cost of an air heat pump depends on the system you choose to install.

As mentioned above, a ducted heat pump is an excellent choice if you have existing ductwork.

But remember! Even though you may have ductwork installed, it may need some modifications to support your new heat pump installation.

If you don’t have existing ductwork installed in your home and don’t plan to install it in the future, a ductless heat pump might be the better and cheaper choice.

Maintenance Costs

The maintenance costs of an air source heat pump depend on how well you take care of it. The longer you go without proper maintenance, the more expensive the repair bills!

But as long as you take good care of your heat pump with annual maintenance checks and regular filter changes, there should be very few repair bills in the future!

Heat pumps need annual maintenance to ensure:

• High Efficiency
• Reliability
• Longer Life Span

And this maintenance appointment should always be with a professional HVAC technician.

Operation Costs

The operation costs of an air heat pump depend on the energy rates of your region. Heat pumps still use electricity but require much less than a central air conditioner or furnace.

We’ll explore this factor in more detail in the next section below.

The Energy Efficiency of an Air Source Heat Pump

Now that you know all about the air source heat pump, let’s find out if it can really help lower your energy bills!

Enhanced Efficiency

As we mentioned above, heat pumps still use electricity to operate. However, they use much less than a traditional heating and/or cooling system.

Here’s why:

At 8 degrees Celsius, an air source heat pump’s COP (coefficient of performance) can range from 2.0 to 5.4!

A COP of 5.4 means that 5.4 kWh of heat transfers for every kWh of electricity used to power the pump.

That’s over 500% efficiency!

Cold Climate Heat Pump

However, as temperatures begin to drop, these systems do become less efficient. The colder it gets, the more power your heat pump uses. 

In fact, most air heat pumps can't operate once they hit between -15 and -25 degrees!

That’s why many Canadians up north choose cold climate air heat pumps. These systems use variable capacity compressors and advanced heat exchanger designs and controls. This provides as much heat to your home as efficiently as possible.

Energy Savings

As you can see, there’s an incredible opportunity to lower your energy costs with an air source heat pump!

However, it’s important to mention that your specific energy savings will heavily depend on your:

• Location
• Local climate
• System size and type
• Control strategy
• Local energy rating, and
• Specific system efficiencies.

We encourage you to speak with an HVAC professional before making your decision.

Is An Air-Source Heat Pump The Right Fit For Your Sudbury Home or Cottage?

Selecting a new heating and cooling system can be confusing and tricky. But at Campeau Heating, our experts want to make it as easy as possible for you!

Give our qualified heating and cooling team a call at (705) 560-2441 or book your FREE QUOTE online!