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!

4 Top Perks of a New Napoleon Propane Fireplace

Spring hasn’t entirely sprung yet in Sudbury, Ontario. In fact, tonight we’re supposed to reach a frigid drop of about -22 degrees!

Apparently, winter decided to stick around for just a bit longer.

Is your home heating ready to take another hit?

Today we discuss the top 4 perks of investing in a Napoleon propane fireplace.

Are they just as cost-effective, durable and efficient as everyone says?

Keep reading to find out!

Psst…don’t forget about our 20% Off In-Store Showroom Sale. All fireplaces and air conditioners are on discount and ready to install! 

Preparing For Unpredictable Northern Ontario Weather

If you live in the area, you can confirm the unfortunate fact that Northern Ontario weather is a bit unpredictable.

And by a bit, we mean a lot!

One moment it’s sunny and warming up. The next moment it’s a blizzard with multiple weather warnings blinking at us!

Our last blog shared the best time to shop for a new air conditioner.

We talked about the sudden cold snap that reached record lows. And we stressed the importance of preparing for these bizarre weather changes in the future.

We also explained how the constantly changing 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.

Due to the weather, it’s next to impossible to plan even the coming afternoon, let alone the weekend. But it’s 100% possible to ensure your home is ready for whatever Mother Nature surprises you with.

And in the middle of a frigid winter, that starts with your heating!

Below are 4 top perks of installing a Napoleon Propane Fireplace:

Dependable Heating - With or Without Power!

Power outages in Ontario are sadly more common than we’d all like.

Doesn’t matter what season - Winter, Spring, Summer or Fall - there’s always a risk of the power going out.

This could be due to wind, snow, ice, rain, hail, etc.

The important thing is to have your house ready for an outage at any time!

Last month, we discussed preparing your home for a power outage. We mentioned packing emergency kits and installing a backup generator.

Another great way to prepare your home is by installing an outage-proof heat source - like a Napoleon propane fireplace!

This type of heat doesn’t rely on electricity to operate.

So whether the power goes out or not, you always have a dependable heating system.

Zone Heating

A Napoleon propane fireplace is a great zone-heating solution!

Zone heating is the ability to control the temperature of a specific area. This type of heating is often used to maximize comfort room by room and to minimize energy costs.

Most fireplaces aren’t connected to ductwork, meaning they do not heat your entire home. This is why homeowners typically use them as supplemental heating - an addition to their furnace, heat pump or another whole-home system.

Rooms that usually utilize zone heating include living rooms, bedrooms, apartments, and basements.

A basement apartment is a great example of a space that would benefit from zone heating. The residents of the basement apartment can customize their heating settings to fit their specific preferences. And those settings won't affect those upstairs.

It’s the perfect compromise!

Easy, Convenient Heating

Nothing compares with instant heat at the touch of a button!

Propane furnaces require very little maintenance and upkeep. In fact, there’s no stoking involved whatsoever!

Wood fireplaces require wood-chopping, fire-starting and constant stoking. But a propane fireplace can simply turn on and off as you wish.

You can even program it with a thermostat!

So even if you lose power in the middle of the night, your propane fireplace can kick in without you even noticing.

With a Napoleon Propane Fireplace, you don’t even have to worry about fuel refills. Most propane tanks actually alert your propane company when they’re low. The company then comes to refill your tanks - no questions asked!

Clean & Safe Heating

If you’re looking for a clean and safe heating solution for your home, we highly recommend propane fireplaces.

Wood-burning fireplaces have an open flame and can emit fine particulate matter. This can cause allergies, asthma and other respiratory issues.

Propane furnaces have a contained flame that’s protected by a glass facing. They also burn clean since propane is a clean-burning fuel.

This makes the Napoleon propane fireplace a clean and safe heating source for the whole family!

Discover more benefits of a Napoleon propane Fireplace!

Shop Our Napoleon Propane Fireplace Line

View Our Selection

Campeau Heating in Sudbury, Ontario, offers only the best in home heating solutions.

Need help finding a propane furnace that fits your home, budget and lifestyle?

Give our fireplace experts a call!

You can reach our office at 705-560-2441 or contact us online!

And don’t forget about our In-Store 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.

Winter Power Outage in Sudbury, Ontario? Here's How To Prepare Your Home!

Power outages in Northern Ontario are not unusual. They can occur in every season and typically do so at the most inopportune times.

Winter power outages are just one example!

If you’ve experienced a winter power outage in Sudbury, Ontario, then you know exactly what we’re talking about.

Winter blizzards with high winds and heavy snowfall are the perfect recipe for a blackout. And while we may see it coming, nobody knows precisely when or if the lights will go out.

That’s why it’s crucial to prepare yourself, your family and your home BEFORE an outage.

Does your home rely on the power grid? If so, you’re vulnerable to a power outage's unpredictable and lasting effects. Whether it’s 2 hours or 5 days, power is at the mercy of your local grid team.

That’s why it’s also important to know what you should do DURING an outage! You never know when power might return.

There are many ways to reserve your home’s heat, protect your electronics and ensure your family’s safety while your power is out and AFTER!

This article shares all the winter power outage tips you need to protect your home - before, during and after!

Why Is It Important To Prepare For a Power Outage in Sudbury, Ontario?

As mentioned, power outages are a pretty common occurrence in Ontario. In 2017 alone, there were 177 reported outages in Ontario!

We receive frequent alerts for severe wind, snow and rain storms. And many of those forecast warnings also come with a potential outage advisory.

In fact, many Canadians experienced a severe winter storm right before Christmas. This particular storm left 78,000 households without power!

Many homeowners had to celebrate the season with candlelight and wood-burning fireplaces.

And while many families happily embraced the change of plans, others struggled to learn how to keep their homes warm in such low temperatures.

Dangerous Effects of Power Outages For Homes:

• No heat (if your system relies on electrical power)
• No water
• No lights
• No refrigeration
• Electrical damage to devices, appliances and systems.
• Disconnected at-home medical equipment.

Without power, we must learn how to function as safely and proactively as we can.

How To Prepare Your Home For A Power Outage BEFORE It Occurs

You can never be too prepared when it comes to power outages. Follow these steps below to ensure you’re ready for whatever mother nature throws at you!

Pack An Emergency Kit

The first step in preparing for a power outage is packing an emergency kit. This kit should sustain you and your family for at least 72 hours (three days).

Here are some items to include in your kit:

• Water
• Non-perishable food
• Sleeping bags
• Toilet paper
• First aid kit

Check out the City of Greater Sudbury Emergency Kit for a complete list.

Winterize Your Home

Next, prepare your home for the winter season. We call this winterizing!

• Schedule a furnace maintenance appointment or Sudbury furnace repair.
• Get rid of unvented space heaters.
• Change your air filter.
• Insulate your plumbing pipes.
• Insulate your attic.
• Seal your windows and doors.
• Stock up on firewood (if you use a wood-burning stove, fireplace or furnace)
• Clean your chimney and fireplace.
• Change the batteries in your carbon monoxide detectors.

Each of these steps helps ensure and conserve safe home heating!

Install a Gas Fireplace or Other Non-Electric Heating Unit

If you rely solely on electric heating, your home becomes increasingly vulnerable during a power outage. Essentially, without electricity, you have no heat!

No heat can cause the following damages to your home:

• Frozen pipes
• Mould growth
• Damaged belongings (guitars, pianos, books etc.)
• Damaged materials (wood flooring, furniture, wallpaper etc.)
• Cracked boilers or radiators
• Damaged refrigerant-running appliances

One way to ensure your home has a dependable heat source is by installing a gas fireplace or other non-electric heating units.

Examples include a propane fireplace, a wood-burning furnace or a gas space heater.

Install a Backup Generator

Another way to ensure your home is not left without heat is to invest in a reliable backup generator. Backup generators can power large home appliances - including your home heating system!

Our Campeau Heating team supplies our local homeowners with Kohler generators!

Designed for harsh winters, Kohler generators are the perfect solution for a winter power outage in Sudbury, Ontario.

The cool thing about a whole-home backup generator is its automatic transfer switch (ATS). It allows the generator to automatically turn on during a power failure or brownout.

This means you’re only left in the dark for 10 seconds at most!

Below are some appliances that a whole-home backup generator can power:

• Furnace Blower
• Well Pump
• Sump Pump
• Refrigerator
• Freezer
• Lights
• 1000 Watt Microwave

Note: Your generator’s capacity may differ according to the electrical requirements of your home appliances.

Turn Up The Heat If You Expect a Power Outage

If you do not have a backup generator, make sure you turn the heat up at the first sign of trouble!

We recommend turning up the heat if you know a winter storm is coming. This can help keep your home warmer for longer!

What To Do DURING a Power Outage

A winter power outage in Sudbury, Ontario, means your home could lose heat very quickly. As mentioned, this puts your family, plumbing, home, and appliances at risk!

You also don’t know how long the power will remain out! This means you have to protect your home from an unpredictable power surge as well. 

Conserve As Much Heat As You Can

The first thing to do when the power goes out is to conserve as much heat as possible.

If you don’t have a backup generator or non-electric heat source, your best bet is to prevent heat from escaping.

Here are some tips for conserving heat:

• Keep external windows and doors closed
• Close all interior doors.
• Block drafts from windows and doorways.
• Let sunshine heat your home.

Turn Off Your Thermostat and Unplug All Electronics

Once power returns, the initial surge rushing to your home can damage electronics.

A power surge can also cause equal damage to your heating system if the thermostat is on!

To prevent this, we recommend unplugging and/or turning off all electrical devices - including your thermostat!

What To Do AFTER Power Returns

Once power returns, you’ll want to carefully reconnect it to your home. Keep in mind that you should unplug ALL your devices BEFORE power returns.

Don’t Rush To Plug Everything Back In

As mentioned before, once power returns, it can happen very quickly. This puts your electronics in the direct path of a power surge!

This sudden influx of energy can damage or even destroy your electronic devices.

Wait till the power surge has a chance to stabilize before plugging everything back in - about 10-15 minutes.

Reset and Re-Power Your Electronic Devices

Once it’s safe, reset and re-power your electronic devices. This includes your heating system, refrigerator, freezer, oven etc.

Don’t forget to reset and reprogram your thermostat as well!

Inspect Your Heating System

The last step is to inspect your heating system. Ensure it functions well and wasn’t damaged during the outage.

Please note that this step may require a professional! 

Contact our Campeau Heating team for Sudbury furnace repair or maintenance. You can reach us at 705-560-2441 or schedule an appointment online.

For more safety information regarding a power outage in Sudbury, visit the Sudbury Hydro Outage Safety Guide.

24/7 Sudbury Furnace Repair To Keep You Warm Over The Holidays

The Christmas season is a joyful and cheerful time - full of warmth and light! Families gather together. Long-lost friends reunite. And those less fortunate are embraced with extra care.

We love seeing homes filled with love and laughter this time of year. But we’re also extra watchful.

Even on the most silent of nights, there may arise a clatter. Leaving the cheerful warmth in your home to shatter!

But seriously...

A surprise furnace breakdown has stolen many a Christmas wish in the past. And we’d hate for a no-heat call to steal your joy this holiday season!

Thankfully, Campeau Heating offers 24/7 Sudbury furnace repair!

Meet Your Sudbury Furnace Repair Team!

Our emergency heating team is at the ready - all season long.

The holidays are a busy season for most families. And the last thing you need to worry about is your heat quitting cold turkey.

With your home full of friends and family, keeping it warm and cosy is imperative. And with the temperature quickly dropping, the extra load on your furnace could be a bit too much for it to handle!

That’s why our team is always on our toes this time of year.

We keep our trucks gassed up and our toolboxes ready for just such an occasion!

Whether you’re hearing strange furnace noises or your system’s quiet entirely - we’ll be ready.

Not sure when to call? Keep reading!

Before You Call

Getting your furnace back up and running is our top priority. We’ll be there as fast as possible to get things warmed up again. But there are a few things you can try yourself before you call us!

While some of these checks may seem obvious, covering all your bases is important.

• Check the power switch on your equipment – is it on?
• Check the fuse box – is the breaker off?
• Check the thermostat – are the batteries working? Is the thermostat set in the proper setting?
• Check the air filter – is it clogged? We recommend changing your filter every 3 months! If it’s been more than 3 months, definitely head to your local hardware store.
• Check the fan – is it on the “auto” setting? It could just be between cycles!
• Have you had your furnace serviced lately? We typically recommend scheduling preventative furnace maintenance annually. Avoiding this tuneup year after year can quickly become a bad furnace habit.

You can fix many of these issues without the help of a professional - like replacing your filter. But others will need your Sudbury furnace repair team.

Call Us Now!

If your furnace repair job requires more than a quick hardware store run, you’ll need to call a professional.

This is where our team comes in!

You can reach our emergency Sudbury furnace repair team at 705-560-2441.

We typically recommend emergency repairs only when your furnace has completely konked out. Or if there is a life-threatening situation - i.e. a gas leak or carbon monoxide alert.

No heat calls are a top priority. Otherwise, your pipes could freeze, appliances could break, and your family could be in danger.

Is professional furnace repair necessary but not urgent? If so, we recommend scheduling your repair visit online!

Here are some non-urgent furnace repair warning signs:

• Strange Furnace Noises
• Unusually High Heating Bills
• Changes in the Pilot Light (Note: this may be an urgent issue if the pilot light is notifying you of a health hazard)
• Cold Spots/Uneven Heating
• Water Leaks
• High Humidity
• Failure to Start
• Strange Smells (Note: this may be an urgent issue if the smell is from a gas leak).

Discover more furnace repair warning signs here!

While You Wait

Once you’ve called your Sudbury furnace repair team, it's time to get ready for the appointment. This will help our techs get the job done faster!

Help us accurately and quickly diagnose your furnace problem by answering these questions:

• What is the brand and model number of your unit?
• How old is your furnace?
• When was the last time you had your furnace serviced? Who (what heating company) last serviced it?
• When did you change the filter last?
• Did you check the circuit breakers to ensure none were “tripped”?
• When did you first notice that your unit was not working?
• Was it making any unusual noises that we should know about?
• Are there any unusual odours that are a cause for concern? (If you smell rotten eggs, open the windows, evacuate your home and call your local gas company and/or 911 to report the leak)
• Was there any unusual weather activity before the equipment acted up?
• Did you notice any unusual fluids or leakage around the unit?

Don’t Let A No-Heat Call Sabotage Your Christmas

Our Sudbury furnace repair team is just one call away - even over the holidays!

We understand that Christmas is one of the busiest times of the year. Everyone’s busy hosting guests, planning parties and spending time with their families.

A furnace breakdown with all your family and friends over could be disastrous!

That’s why our team is always on standby. To keep your home holly, jolly, and most importantly, warm!

You can reach our emergency repair team at 705-560-2441! Or schedule an appointment online.

Happy Holidays!

10 Tips To Keep Your Home Warm This Winter - For Less!

A warm home is a happy home! At least, it is to us Northern Ontario homeowners.

Our winters up North are not something to take lightly!

We’ve already experienced our first snowfall of the season. But we all know there’s more where that came from. It’s just a matter of time before a hefty blanket of snow and frigid temperatures set up camp in our little corner of the country. In fact, it may have already begun unpacking!

The secret to surviving our frigid Northern Ontario winters isn’t a gallon of hot cocoa (although, that does help). And it isn’t piling extra quilts or layering your socks either.

The secret is ensuring you have reliable home heating and a good Sudbury heating company on call - 24/7!

But the downside to having your heat fired up at all times is the all-too-eager heating bills. They seem to skyrocket at the first sign of snow! And while you appreciate your heating system’s enthusiasm, those costly bills might send you running to lower the thermostat. Even in the middle of a cold front!

At Campeau Heating, we believe you shouldn’t have to sacrifice your home comfort for the sake of a cheaper heating bill. There are actually many ways to help make your system more efficient and effective!

Read on for 10 tips to keep your home toasty warm for less!

1. Install a programmable thermostat.

Conservative energy use will soon become your best friend…

Your thermostat is the brains of your home heating system. It tells your furnace when to heat things up or cool them down.

It makes sense then that if you’re looking to lower your home heating bills, your thermostat should be your first stop!

Conservative energy use lowers your thermostat during certain hours of the day or night. And it can help you reduce your energy consumption by as much as 10%!

But remembering to reset your thermostat every few hours is more than a hassle. It’s impractical and unreliable - which in the HVAC world, typically means EXPENSIVE!

The solution?

Invest in a programmable thermostat! These systems are brilliant - allowing you to create a heating schedule that reflects your home heating needs.

Instead of constantly adjusting your thermostat, the programmable thermostat is a set-it-and-forget-it fix!

For the best results, set your thermostat low overnight or while you’re away. And high when you wake up or get home!

Your Ideal Heating Schedule

• 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. = 20 degrees
• 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. = 15 degrees
• 5:30 to 11 p.m. = 20 degrees
• 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. = 15 degrees

2. Change the direction of your ceiling fans.

Ceiling fans are great for those hot summer days when you need to cool a room down fast. But did you know that you can also use them to keep your home warm?

You might be looking at us funny right now…and you wouldn’t be the first! Reversing the direction of your ceiling fans is a great little trick, but it’s not as well-known as other solutions.

Typically, your ceiling fan spins counterclockwise. This sucks warm air up and pushes cold air down - cooling the room.

But if you reverse that spin clockwise and set it at the lowest speed possible, the fan begins forcing warm air down.

Keep in mind that not all fans can do this! Some are too powerful or cannot change direction. Give it a try before resetting all your fans.

3. Keep the heat in!

Keeping your hard-earned heat inside is the key to a warmer home. But achieving that might be a little harder than it sounds, depending on how well-sealed your house is.

Hot air can escape your home in many different ways - your doors, windows, attic, flooring, garage, chimney, vents, outlets etc.

To prevent heat loss in these areas, you must ensure your home is well-sealed and well-insulated.

Follow these tips below to help prevent heat loss in your home:

• Seal any gaps or cracks in your doors and windows.
• Check the insulation in your attic or crawl space.
• Get a chimney damper.
• Insulate outlets and light switches.

4. Hang insulated curtains.

Heat doesn’t only escape through the seals in your windows. It also escapes through the window itself!

Glass windows are a heat sink - which means heat is drawn to and absorbed by them.

To prevent this, we recommend installing insulated curtains. This helps keep the heat in if the sun is not shining.

But if the sun is shining, don't forget to open them again.

5. Open the curtains when the sun starts shining.

Let that sunlight heat your home for free!

Keeping your windows uncovered in the middle of a bright, sunny day is a great way to help heat your home.

Because your windows are a heat sink, they’ll absorb the solar heat from the sun. That means free home heating!

6. Change your furnace filter.

This is a tip you’ll hear our technicians mention a lot. And not just in regards to preserving heat!

Changing your furnace filter helps:

1. Improve furnace efficiency.
2. Optimize heating performance.
3. Enhance indoor air quality.

We typically recommend replacing your furnace filter every 90 days. However, if you have pets or children, we’d recommend upping that to 30-60 days.

Pssst…If you have all your family gathered at the house over Christmas, it might be a good idea to check your furnace filter before the New Year.

7. Add a rug or two!

Your floor needs bundling up too!

If you have tile or hardwood flooring, you’ve probably experienced some chilly wake-up calls. Stepping onto a cold floor in winter almost feels like you’re stepping out into the snow!

Rugs are a great way to help keep your toes warm!

Place one on top of your flooring for added insulation and comfort.

8. Install electric floor heating.

Another great way to warm your toes is by installing electric floor heating! This form of heating is an excellent option for affordable supplemental heat.

Adding floor heating means your furnace doesn’t have to work as hard. And your toes will thank you for the added warmth!

Where should you install electric floor heating? We’ve listed some of the popular areas for floor heating below:

• Bathrooms
• Kitchens
• Bedrooms
• Basements
• Unheated Spaces
• Over-Garage Apartments

9. Cool your oven with the door open.

Now, be careful not to mishear us. We’re not telling you to use your oven to heat your home… that is a terrible idea! Not to mention expensive and dangerous.

However, cooling your oven with the door open after you’ve turned it off is a great way to recycle heat!

Instead of letting your oven waste the heat, keep it open a crack and let the heat out.

Note: Please keep pets, children and flammable items away from the oven before opening the door.

10. Schedule your furnace maintenance appointment.

Book Furnace Care Here

When was the last time you booked a furnace maintenance visit?

Typically, our heating company recommends scheduling an annual preventative maintenance appointment. This ensures your furnace runs as efficiently as possible for the season ahead.

If you haven’t scheduled your furnace tune-up yet, we highly suggest doing so before the real snow hits!

Our furnace maintenance techs will ensure your equipment is clean, tightened up and ready for the storms ahead.

Campeau Heating Promises To Keep Your Home Toasty Warm All Winter!

Our team at Campeau Heating is here to help make this winter the cosiest one of all! We promise to be there for you and your family’s heating needs all season long.

Whether you need 24/7 emergency furnace repair, some good old-fashioned heating advice or a free quote for a new system - we’re here for you!

Call your local Campeau Heating company at (705) 560-2441 or message us online.

Napoleon Gas Fireplaces: Benefits of Adding One In Your Home!

Sudbury, Ontario, is quickly getting colder. And homeowners are looking for affordable ways to warm up. But layering sweaters and donning fuzzy socks will only get you so far!

Napoleon gas fireplaces offer exceptional heating at an affordable price. So you can stay warm all winter long without worrying about your heating bills.

Learn more about the Napoleon gas fireplace below! Our Sudbury heating technicians share the top 5 benefits of gas fireplaces.

Introducing The Gas Fireplace!

In our last blog article, we dove into the history of wood stoves. Those systems have been around for centuries - dating way back to the 1700s!

But in this article, we're talking about gas fireplaces, which didn't come into play until much later on. 

While fireplace inserts launched in the 1800s, gas fireplaces didn't arrive till about 1895. In fact, they weren’t even available to the mass market until the 1920s!

But once they hit centre stage, they really took off.

Their designs quickly evolved to match that of a traditional wood-burning fireplace. And with realistic logs and flames, it became difficult to even tell the difference between them!

Gas fireplaces became quite popular by the 1990s, thanks to their new, innovative technology. They were safer, more energy efficient and had an improved venting system - making them a great heating solution

Today, gas fireplaces are a prevalent choice for Canadian homes. They offer quality heat, a cozy focal point and can help reduce energy consumption!

Our Napoleon gas fireplaces even offer a wide selection of fireplace styles. So you can choose a specific design that fits your home and lifestyle.

5 Top Benefits of Adding a Gas Fireplace To Your Home

If you live in Northern Ontario, you know how important it is to find affordable, reliable heat. During the winter, temperatures can drop as low as -30 degrees Celcius - day or night! 

Whether you’re home or not, you need a reliable heating system to

1. Protect your home and appliances from the cold.
2. Keep your family warm and healthy.

This is why our Sudbury heating experts at Campeau believe in the gas fireplace!

These gorgeous heating systems aren’t just for looks. They also provide exceptional zone heating that’s safe, easy and reliable. So you can stay cozy and warm, even in the middle of a snowstorm!

Keep reading to learn about the benefits of installing a gas fireplace in your home.

1. Improved Home Value

Fireplaces are in high demand!

According to the National Center for Real Estate Research, gas fireplaces can up your home value by up to 12%! And according to Angi, 77% of buyers would pay more for a home with a fireplace. 

Adding one to your home could increase your asking price and help to sell your home faster.

2. Reduced Heating Costs

Owning a home in Northern Ontario typically comes with heavy heating bills. That’s just the downside of living in a colder climate!

But thankfully, our Sudbury heating team can help lower those bills for a more affordable winter season.

While forced air heating offers whole-home temperature control, gas fireplaces provide zone heating. This means that the fireplace warms the room it’s installed in.

These fireplaces are not the ideal solution for whole-home heating. But they do offer incredible benefits as an ancillary heating solution.

Using your gas fireplace as complementary or supporting heat can help ease the pressure on your central heating system. So while you’re in one room, you can lower the thermostat for the rest of the house. This focuses more heat on the individual room and saves money on the excess heat everywhere else.

Gas fireplaces also offer a reliable and cost-efficient heating solution for unpredictable weather. During those confusing “almost winter” and “almost summer” seasons in Sudbury, Ontario, a gas fireplace can help warm the heart of your home!

3. Low Maintenance

Our Napoleon gas fireplaces are very easy to operate and maintain. They don’t use real firewood or emit smoke - making them a clean, user-friendly heating solution!

Instead of chopping firewood and cleaning up ashes, all you have to do is flip a switch! It really doesn’t get any easier than that.

Maintenance appointments for your gas fireplace are also only recommended once a year. And typically, these visits simply ensure max efficiency. We very rarely need to make repairs during them!

4. Safe Heating

Another great benefit of a gas fireplace is the safe heat it offers.

Some heating options pose safety risks for children, pets and the environment. For example, you may worry about sparks, toxic fumes or open flames.

But with a gas fireplace, you don’t have to worry about any of these hazards! You can make a safe heating choice that supports your family's health, comfort and well-being.

5. Relaxing Environment

A fireplace adds a gorgeous focal point to any room in your home - whether that be the living room, basement or bedroom! But more than that, it creates a cozy, relaxing environment for your family to wind down.

The cozy glow of a warm flame is known for its ability to draw families and friends together. To warm up, tell stories and make lasting memories.

Our Napoleon gas fireplaces offer that same cozy atmosphere!

See Our Selection of Napoleon Gas Fireplaces at Campeau Heating 

Transform your home into a relaxing sanctuary this winter! Our Napoleon gas fireplaces are an incredible addition that keeps on giving - year after year.

To learn more about our gas fireplace options, contact our Sudbury heating experts at 705-560-2441. Or CLICK HERE for a free quote!

Is a Napoleon Wood Stove Really Worth The Investment For Your Home?

Wood stoves have been around for centuries, dating way back to the 1700s! Over the years, homeowners have used them for heating, cleaning, laundry and cooking. And for quite a few years, they were the only heat source in the home - even during frigid Northern Canadian winters!

Today, wood stoves have become one of the most cost-effective home heating methods. They are also renowned for their innovative designs, efficiency and emission control.

Since 1976, Napoleon has designed and enhanced wood stoves for peak performance and efficiency. Today, the Napoleon wood stove offers industry-leading technology that has revolutionized the market.

These stoves help you save on energy bills, lower your carbon footprint and ensure quality heat in your home. 

Is the Napoleon wood stove a good investment for your Sudbury home or cottage? Keep reading to find out!

What is a Wood Stove? How Does It Work?

Wood stoves are an incredible invention requiring zero fossil fuels or electrical power. Instead, the user has to manually input wood and stoke the fire to keep it burning.

Wood stoves also provide zone heating instead of whole-home heating. While a typical home heating system uses ductwork and vents to heat an entire home, wood stoves rely on radiant heat to warm a smaller area or single room.

That’s why you can typically find wood stoves in small cottages, living rooms or basements.

How does a wood stove work?

A wood stove has 5 main parts, including the,

• Stove pipe
• Flue collar
• Firebox
• Air vent control
• Hearth

Each of these parts works together to,

a) Contain a well-burning wood fire,

b) Provide oxygen to help feed the fire,

c) Regulate airflow within the stove, and

e) Deposit smoke outdoors.

The result is efficient, clean heat for your home or cottage!

4 Reasons To Invest In a Napoleon Wood Stove This Winter

Installing a wood stove is a long-term investment that can actually pay you back in the long run. But is it really worth it?

Let’s find out!

Some homeowners choose to install a wood stove solely to fulfil their cozy cottage dreams. But others switch to wood for more practical reasons.

Mainly, the value they add to a home.

Besides their aesthetic appeal, wood stoves actually add incredible value to your home and lifestyle.

Below are 4 reasons why a Napoleon wood stove is a good investment:

1. They Use Clean, Renewable Energy To Operate

Wood is a clean, renewable fuel source that can lower your carbon footprint.

Many fuel sources used for home heating today are actually categorized as fossil fuels. This includes fuels like natural gas and oil. These non-renewable energy sources emit harmful air pollutants that can damage the environment.

Here in Northern Ontario, winters aren’t a gentle season. And many homes still rely on fossil fuels to provide that much-needed, reliable heating.

In fact, in 2019, 55% of Canadians used natural gas as their main source of heating fuel. And that same year, natural gas emissions caused a GHG intensity of 26.1 Mt of CO2e. In contrast, wood only caused 2.6!

This is because wood burning emits fewer pollutants than these other fossil fuel sources.

The EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) also began certifying wood stoves back in 1988. This ensured that wood stoves met specific efficiency and emission standards. Their goal today is to lessen the amount of wood needed to produce the most heat while reducing emissions.

Our S20 Napoleon wood stove features EPA 2020-certified wood-burning technology. This means it produces only 2.0 grams of smoke per hour!

2. They Lower Your Heating Bills.

Besides producing cleaner heat in your home, wood is also one of the cheapest energy sources.

It’s no secret that home heating is expensive.

Depending on the type of fuel you use, you could be spending thousands of dollars throughout a typical Northern Ontario winter.

A Napoleon wood stove can help lower your heating costs while still providing effective heat.

For one, wood is a much cheaper fuel alternative to oil, electricity, propane and even natural gas. And it’s even cheaper if you have access to a forest on your personal property.

Secondly, and as mentioned above, the EPA ensures more heat with less wood. So you can spend less on fuel and experience the same cozy warmth!

3. They Offer HIGHER-QUALITY Heat

The quality of heat you get from a Napoleon wood stove is unlike any other! Nothing beats the warm comfort and smell of a cozy wood fire on a cold winter’s evening!

As mentioned before, wood stoves rely on radiant heat rather than forced air. So as the wood stove heats up, it emits warmth from the front, sides and top - sending it out into the room for surrounding surfaces to absorb.

This heat is typically more efficient and direct than forced air heating. It eliminates the potential heat loss experienced in ductwork as warm air travels from room to room in your home.

Radiant heating also helps reduce the spread of allergens in your home, as forced air is not blowing these allergens around your indoor air.

4. They Ensure 24/7 Home Heating - Even During a Power Outage!

One of the most beneficial features of the Napoleon wood stove is that it doesn’t need electricity.

We explained earlier that wood stoves actually require manual input and upkeep to maintain a strong flame. And while this might seem less convenient to some, it’s actually quite the opposite!

If you live in Sudbury, Ontario, you know how extreme our winter seasons can get - with bitter winds, frigid temperatures and snow storms galore. The number of unexpected power outages we experience up North is crazy!

That’s where the wood stove comes in.

Because it doesn’t require electricity, your wood stove will continue to heat your home even if the power goes out.

This ensures your family stays warm and cozy all winter long!

Learn More About The Napoleon Wood Stove From Our Team at Campeau Heating!

Invest in your family’s warmth and comfort this winter with a Napoleon wood stove!

At Campeau Heating, we offer only the best in home heating. To learn more about our wood-burning options, give us a call!

You can reach our office at (705) 560-2441 or message us online!

Screech! Clang! Don't Let These Spooky Furnace Noises Give You a Scare!

Everyone loves a good spook! Unless it comes from your furnace.

Your furnace should be silent and discreet - keeping your home warm and peaceful. But what if your furnace is all but silent?

What if screeching, rattling or humming sounds have taken over your peaceful home?

You’re left wondering what or who has moved in unannounced.

If you’re hearing any of these strange noises coming from your utility room, it might be time to turn the light on and take a quick peek.

Don’t worry! Our Sudbury furnace repair team can handle whatever you may find down there - no matter how scary it is.

Want to help crack the case and expose the culprit? Keep reading!

What’s Causing These Spooky Furnace Noises?

Although furnace noises can be spooky, they may also be your only key to discovering exactly what is lurking in your heating system.

Below is a list of the strangest sounds our Sudbury furnace repair team has heard over the years. Do any of them match the sounds you’ve been hearing?

Once you’ve identified the noise, you can then learn WHY it exists and HOW to get rid of it.

Got your detective hat on? Let’s go snooping!

Shrieking

Is it a high-pitched shrieking noise you’re hearing from your furnace? This is probably one of the more terrifying sounds your furnace can make. And definitely not one to ignore!

That shrieking could indicate several different things, including:

• A loose blower fan belt
• Loose shaft bearings
• Worn shaft bearings
• Blower motor damages

Most of these issues are easily fixed, as long you catch them in time! However, if ignored, they can quickly become more extensive.

Whistling

Whistling sounds can be quite eerie, especially if nobody in your family tends to whistle.

But thankfully, it’s usually quite easy to find the source.

Typically, you can find the whistling culprit in either,

1. A blocked or leaking air duct, or
2. A dirty air filter.

Simply schedule a quick duct cleaning and repair service and/or change the furnace filter!

Rattling

Do you hear rattling or rumbling sounds coming from your furnace unit? If so, you can pretty much assume a part inside your furnace has become loose.

The sound you hear is that part vibrating inside your unit - knocking into other elements and potentially causing even further damage to the system.

This part could be within the blower motor, heat exchanger, gas burners or surface ignitor.

And while the problem is easy to diagnose, we don’t recommend trying to fix it yourself. A certified Sudbury furnace repair technician has the tools, experience and know-how to get things tightened back up on your behalf.

Popping

Some popping sounds are normal, like the one you hear when your furnace kicks on. But others can point to a more serious problem - like a dirty igniter or burner. 

If you’ve had your furnace for a while, there’s a high chance that sediment has begun piling up on the burners and/or igniter.

If you ignore this buildup, those popping sounds could be the ignition of that buildup.

As you can probably guess, this ignition can easily damage surrounding components - leaving quite the costly repairs in its wake.

The solution?

Make sure you clean out this sediment buildup at least once per year.

Banging

Was that the sound of a gunshot? Or was it the sound of your ducts expanding and contracting?

As you kick on your furnace, the pressure can cause the ducts to expand quickly, releasing a loud bang or boom.

Then, as the pressure regulates, the ducts will contract, causing a second loud bang to occur.

If these are the sounds you’re hearing, you have nothing to worry about!

Humming

Most furnaces release a low humming sound when turned on. But it’s always good to investigate the sound before assuming it's harmless.

For example, if the humming sound is louder and more persistent than normal, there could be a much larger issue at hand.

Loud humming could indicate a problem in your blower fan or capacitor. And if left unchecked, the problem can quickly escalate to more than just a simple repair.

Scraping

Two of the most spine-chilling sounds you can hear from your furnace are,

1. Metal rubbing against metal, and
2. Nails scraping on a chalkboard.

In fact, we’d probably be running the opposite direction of those sounds if not for the fact that they are clearly related to your furnace.

Both of these eerie noises can indicate many furnace issues, including:

• Worn out ball bearings
• A loose blower wheel
• A loose or broken fan

Needless to say, this sound should never go unchecked.

Our advice? Turn off your heat immediately and call your Sudbury furnace repair team!

Our Sudbury Furnace Repair Team Can Make These Sounds Disappear!

Are these mysterious furnace sounds keeping you up at night? Visiting a haunted house sounds fun, but living in one is entirely different.

Don’t let these furnace repairs come back to haunt you. Our Sudbury furnace repair team at Campeau Heating can make them disappear!

Call us today at (705) 560-2441 or schedule your furnace repair visit online.

Avoid These Bad Furnace Habits Or Face The Costly Consequences!

Your furnace is a lifesaver. But it can also be a money pit if you’re not careful!

Our Northern Ontario winters are not something you can shy away from. And facing them with sufficient heat is imperative. But after last year’s skyrocketing fuel costs, finding affordable Sudbury heating is a must.

Are you looking for ways to make your home heating bill more affordable in 2022? Keep reading!

In this article, Campeau Heating uncovers all sorts of bad furnace habits that homeowners typically adopt.

And you have two choices:

1. Learn how to avoid these bad habits.
2. Face the costly consequences!

7 Bad Furnace Habits That Are Raising Your Sudbury Heating Bills

There are many ways to keep your home heating more affordable, regardless of high fuel costs. It just involves breaking some bad habits!

We’ve listed some of these bad habits below. Which ones have you unknowingly adopted over the years?

1. Forgetting to schedule preventative maintenance.

Your furnace should never have to fend for itself. It needs regular care and upkeep to ensure things run smoothly and efficiently. Without any hiccups along the way!

Otherwise, what may begin as a simple repair or cleaning, could escalate into something much more costly.

We recommend booking your maintenance appointment before turning your furnace on for the season.

During this visit, our HVAC techs inspect, clean, repair and optimize your furnace equipment. We ensure it’s in prime condition before the start of the cold season so you can enjoy the comforts of your home in peace!

Scheduling an annual preventative maintenance appointment ensures:

• High Performance
• Peak Efficiency
• Reliable Operation
• Longer Life Expectancy
• Complete Home Safety and Comfort
• Improved Air Quality
• Lower Energy Costs

Your heating company might even require these annual tune-ups to keep your furnace warranty valid.

Schedule your furnace maintenance appointment with our team at Campeau! 

2. Neglecting your furnace filter.

How often do you change your furnace filter? Be honest!

Most homeowners actually forget their furnace filter exists. After all, it is neatly tucked away in the furnace unit itself. So we understand how easy it is to forget that it isn’t a fixed component of your heating system.

However, neglecting your furnace filter has many consequences that aren't so easy to ignore.

What happens if you don’t change your furnace filter regularly?

• You may experience more dust accumulation in your home.
• Your furnace could short cycle - causing it to overheat every time it turns on.
• Your furnace will need to work harder to heat your home.
• Your indoor air quality may suffer.
• Your furnace may provide uneven heating - leaving cold spots in certain rooms.
• Your furnace equipment could malfunction or even fail entirely.

It may seem like an inconsequential component, but a simple furnace filter swap is extremely valuable. Especially if you’re looking to lower your energy costs and improve your furnace performance.

So, how often should you change your filter?

Every heating company may have a different answer to this question. But the general rule of thumb is to change your furnace filter every 90 days. Personally, our Campeau Heating techs recommend more frequent changes if you have allergies, pets or a large family.

And our advice is to always ensure you care for your furnace filter as best you can. We promise it will pay off in the end - in more ways than one!

3. Setting your thermostat temperature too high.

How high do you set your thermostat?

Up North, homeowners battle frigid temperatures daily - all winter long. But keeping your home cozy and warm doesn’t mean you have to spend a fortune on heating!

You could actually be overestimating how much heat your home actually needs.

At Campeau Heating, we’re all about home comfort. But we’re also in the business of keeping your heating bills as low as possible.

So while we do recommend keeping your home at a comfortable temperature, we also suggest ensuring that it’s the LOWEST comfortable temperature possible.

Did you know that you can save up to 10% of your heating costs in a year just by keeping your thermostat 7-10 degrees cooler than you typically would?

If you’re home during the day and it’s not sunny outside, keeping your furnace on high is a must. But if you’re at work all day anyhow, lowering your thermostat can keep your home heating both comfortable and affordable.

4. Constantly adjusting your thermostat.

Now, while we did suggest adjusting your thermostat throughout the day, there’s a particular way to do that. One that doesn’t involve manually setting and resetting it every few hours.

This can overwhelm your system and cause it to work harder than it has to.

Instead, invest in a programmable thermostat!

These thermostats adjust accordingly to your heating preferences. And all you have to do is give it a schedule to stick to!

5. Ignoring your ductwork.

Your ductwork is another component, like your furnace filter, that typically goes unnoticed. But now that you know the effects of ignoring your filter, you can probably guess what happens if you neglect your ductwork too.

Your ductwork is the lungs of your home. But what happens if that airway becomes clogged or cracked?

Your furnace has to work extra hard to push air through it - raising your energy bills and lowering your indoor air quality.

That’s why we recommend cleaning and inspecting your ductwork at the first sign of trouble.

Ductwork Warning Signs:

• Weird noises and smells
• Cold spots
• High energy bills
• Dust and dirt buildup
• Poor airflow
• Increased allergy symptoms

6. Closing or blocking vents.

The size of your furnace is not random. Your heating company always calculates the size of your home before selecting your furnace. This ensures the unit has enough power to heat your home without overworking.

However, when you close or block vents or registers, it confuses your furnace.

The result?

A properly sized furnace acting as if it’s the wrong size!

This causes heating inefficiencies and lowers the system’s overall heating performance.

To ensure this doesn’t happen, always make sure your vents and registers are open and unobstructed.

Don’t bother closing vents to rooms you never use - as this could drastically affect your heating bill. And always remember their location when reorganizing furniture, storage and other household items. Placing a couch over a vent never helped anyone lower their energy bills!

7. Failing to seal air leaks in your home.

The last bad habit in this article is failing to seal air leaks throughout your home.

Did you know that up to 20% of your heat can escape through tiny cracks and loose seals in your house? That’s a lot of wasted heat!

To avoid losing all that heat, start looking for cracks and loose seals in your:

• Windows
• Door frames
• Electrical outlets
• Vents
• Bricks
• Attic doors
• Baseboards
• Siding

Get Affordable Sudbury Heating With Campeau!

Finding new ways to make your home heating bill more affordable doesn’t have to be stressful. You can lower your energy bills and increase your home comfort with a few new habits!

Is your furnace past the point of no repair? Give us a call! You can reach our office at (705) 560-2441 or schedule an appointment online!

How To Choose And Care For Your Furnace Filter At Home

The furnace filter is one of your furnace's smallest yet most significant components. It plays a major role in your home’s heating/cooling, indoor air quality, overall furnace performance and energy bills!

However, because of its small size, it usually ends up forgotten and/or neglected. In fact, this vital component becomes seemingly invisible and inconsequential to most homeowners.

However, your furnace filter, though tucked away, has an incredible impact on your home environment. If left to fend for itself, you can bet it’ll soon rear its ugly (and dusty) head. 

While you don’t see your furnace filter daily, you do see its effects on your home, health and heating bills.

In this article, we tell you everything you need to know about the furnace filter, including,

a) How it works,

b) How to care for it and

c) When to replace it.

First up!

What Is a Furnace Filter and How Does It Work?

While many people assume the job of an air filter is to purify your air, that’s actually only a byproduct of the process!

The real reason for installing a furnace filter is to protect the furnace itself.

You can typically find your filter behind a metal door in the blower compartment of your furnace.

As air returns from your home to the unit, it carries a variety of contaminants - pet dander, pollen, dust etc.

If enough contaminants accumulate in your furnace, they can damage the heat exchanger, reduce system performance and cause a shutdown.

The filter has to trap these contaminants before they reach your furnace system.

How To Care For Your Furnace Filter

Let's imagine your floors for a second.

After a few days of constant activity in your home, your floors usually accumulate quite a bit of dirt, pet hair, dander, dust etc.

This is especially true if you have a large family or pets that shed frequently.

When you see that accumulation reach a certain point, you know it’s time to haul out the vacuum cleaner.

And if you neglect the dirt on your floors, you know it will simply spread throughout your entire house.

The same is true of your furnace filter.

Over time, the filter gets clogged with air contaminants - making it difficult for air to pass through.

As mentioned above, this can damage your furnace, lowering its lifespan.

But it can also allow these harmful contaminants to continue circulating in your home - drastically reducing indoor air quality and putting your health at risk!

Another point to consider is how a clogged filter might affect your furnace efficiency.

The more clogged your filter is, the harder your furnace works to draw in and push out air.

And the harder your system works, the more energy it uses to effectively heat your home - causing your energy bills to skyrocket!

The solution?

Taking good care of your furnace filter.

Our furnace experts at Campeau Heating recommend checking your furnace filter every 30 days for signs of blockages. That could be discolouration or even a noticeable accumulation of dust.

They also advise homeowners to keep an eye, ear and nose out for the following dirty filter warning signs:

• More dust in your home.
• A burning smell.
• High energy bills.
• Low immunity.
• Longer runtime with ineffective heating.
• Strange noises.

If you detect any of these signs, your furnace filter needs some immediate attention.

You have two options, depending on the type of furnace filter you have.

1. Disposable furnace filters
2. Washable furnace filters

Our team recommends using disposable filters over washable filters for a few reasons.

Firstly, these filters are typically more effective at trapping pet dander, mould, bacteria etc.

Secondly, washable filters are not easy to clean.

And thirdly, if you damage a washable filter even slightly, they become completely unusable.

If you use a washable filter, be sure to avoid tearing or loosening the fibres as you clean them.

If you use a disposable filter, we recommend changing it at least every 90 days. And every 30 days if you have pets, a large family or family members with allergies.

How To Choose The Right Furnace Filter

Choosing the right filter for your furnace can be a confusing process.

Add to that the varying filter types, ratings and sizes, and the process gets even more difficult!

So we’ve simplified the process for you!

Below is everything you need to know when shopping for a new furnace filter.

Types of Filters

There are five main types of filters to choose from, each with its own benefits and drawbacks.

Fibreglass

The fibreglass filter is the cheapest option but offers minimal protection.

It can trap up to 80% of particles that are 50 microns or larger and 25% of particles that are 3-10 microns.

This filter greatly improves the airflow of your heating system.

However, it does little to remove pollutants that can harm your health.

Polyester

A disposable polyester filter offers more protection but is typically much more expensive.

It can trap up to 95% of particles that are 5 micros are larger.

It's also more effective in trapping pollutants that can harm your health.

Electrostatic

The reusable electrostatic filter has charged fibres - creating static electricity. This charge allows the filter to attract particles right out of the air!

Electrostatic filters come in many MERV ratings (which we will discuss below). But to give you an idea of its effectiveness, we’ll imagine a MERV rating of 10.

With a MERV 10, an electrostatic filter can trap 85% of particles between 3-10 microns.

It can also catch almost 65% of particles between 1-3 microns.

Pleated

The disposable pleated filter is a highly effective option.

It typically has a MERV rating of about 8 - meaning it can trap almost 95% of particles between 3 and 10 microns.

One of the main benefits of the pleated filter is that it can trap more particles without reducing your airflow.

HEPA

The HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filter is the most effective option.

It can trap up to 99% of particles that are 0.3 microns or larger.

Many homeowners choose the HEPA filter over any other filter because of its effectiveness. 

However, they worry that with the tight web fibres, it can be difficult for air to pass through - reducing airflow.

In the past, this pressure drop was possible. But, thankfully, the upgraded HEPA filters sold today are way more effective and energy efficient.

Air Filter Ratings

Speaking of effectiveness, let’s talk about MERV ratings.

MERV stands for minimum efficiency reporting value. And it measures the ability a filter has to trap particles between 0.3 and 10 microns.

When selecting an air filter, you’ll notice that each filter has its own rating - between 1 and 16.

The higher the rating, the more small particles the filter can effectively catch.

But don’t just go buy the filter with the highest MERV rating! It’s important to know that, while the higher ratings offer better protection, they can also reduce airflow.

Always ensure the filter you purchase is as effective as it is energy efficient. Otherwise, you might be looking at quite the expensive energy bills.

Filter Sizes

The third factor you need to consider when shopping for a furnace filter is its size.

Furnace filters are not universal. And ensuring that it’s the correct size is crucial!

Installing the wrong size filter means it cannot effectively trap particles.

Not sure what size filter furnace needs?

While filters come in a variety of different sizes, the two most common are:

• 16 x 25 x 1 inch
• 20 x 25 x 1 inch

But don’t take our word for it!

To ensure you get the correct size, open your furnace filter cabinet and look at the inside of the door. There should be a label there with the exact filter dimensions.

For More Furnace Maintenance Tips, Follow Along With Our Sudbury Furnace Experts!

In Sudbury, Ontario, keeping your furnace in good condition is imperative. And with winter on the way, it’s time to prepare your furnace for the cold season ahead.

For more furnace maintenance tips, keep following along! And if you have any questions about your own furnace, don’t hesitate to give us a shout.

You can reach us at (705) 560-2441 or send us a message online!

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!

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!