Napoleon Heating & Cooling News
When shopping for a new HVAC (heating ventilation & air conditioning) unit, users will probably come across the term “BTU”. This commonly used abbreviation for British Thermal Unit is an important factor in the choice of a new furnace or air conditioning unit, but many do not know what BTU means, or its implications. Find out what is a BTU, and why BTUs matter when shopping for a new heating or cooling unit. What Does BTU Mean? An HVAC system’s capacity is measured in BT...
Since the weather is getting colder, most people will be turning on their furnaces for the first time in months. While it’s normal to keep the furnace turned up and running all day, users might run into some issues after not using it for a while. One of those problems could be having a burning smell when the heat is on. If the furnace smells like it’s burning, there is no need to panic; however, finding the source of the burning smell is important. Once users find out what causes it...
Humidity in homes is both a blessing and a curse. Much of Canada faces exceptionally dry winters and oppressively humid summers. This means, everyone is trying to increase humidity, during part of the year, and remove it quickly, during other times. Measuring and maintaining the home humidity levels can be a challenge, one that never seems to end. Throughout the winter months, humidity has to be increased in homes, making it easier to breathe, keeping the houseplants happy, and bringing some re...
Air conditioning and heating systems are one of those things that residents take for granted at home - until it stops working. Only then its value of silently running in the background to maintain good indoor air quality and keeping everyone comfortable comes to the fore. For those who have not been keeping up with their home’s HVAC maintenance, then a lot of things could go wrong at any time. Knowing the most common issues and how to troubleshoot HVAC systems can help to diagnose where t...
With more and more adults working from home, and an increasing number of students completing their education online, it is more important than ever to keep the risk of indoor air pollution as low as possible. Children and people living with respiratory conditions are at an especially high risk of being affected by poor indoor air quality (IAQ). Napoleon wants to share a few easy habits that residents can adopt to ensure that the air quality in the home is optimal for everyone. Keep the...
Whether users replace a heating system or look to set up one for a new build, one central decision point is choosing between baseboard heat and forced air. Some of the variables to consider include the following: Which has a lower upfront cost of setup? Which is more efficient? Which is better for large or small homes? Which is best for lowering the spread of air contaminants? In this guide, Napoleon will answer all the above questions as it explores the pros and cons of baseboard...
If one lives in an older home, he or she may be dreading the coming warm months. It can get hot and stuffy in a house very quickly without proper ventilation, and even with the windows open, it may be too hot to feel any relief. As an alternative to a traditional central air conditioner, which may not even be possible in that persons home, it may be time to consider a ductless air conditioner. These popular alternatives involve less intrusive installation, are quiet and energy-efficient, a...
Most of the people have homes with rooms or spaces above the garage. However, when the cold temperatures come, this empty space often circulates cold air, creating a chilly temperature that leaves the dwellers feeling cold and weary. Aside from the garage, the basement can also be a colder place compared to any other part of the house. There are many ways to heat the room above the garage. Here are some tips from Napoleon's heating and cooling professionals when insulating garage ceilings....
HVAC systems play a critical role in keeping homes comfortable through varying seasons, that’s why it’s important to keep them running in tip-top shape with regular maintenance. While an HVAC system typically has a lifespan ranging from 10 to 25 years, the durability of the HVAC components directly affects this number. In this HVAC tune-up checklist, Napoleon will discuss what one need to do to keep the HVAC running at peak performance. General reminder Basic HVAC tune-up or...
Older homes have their charms, and plenty of quirks too. One thing that old houses seem to have in common is difficulty in heating them efficiently. After all, old houses were not built to the same building codes and standards as today, and age reveals cracks, shifting, and other flaws that may result in loss of heated or cooled air. One might be frustrated with the high heating bills, drafty windows, and other issues that thwart the ability to heat or cool it efficiently. Luckily, there a...
As everyone wave goodbye to the summer season, they already knows they will be spending a lot less time outside. Now, it’s vital to ensure that the quality of indoor air is ideal. Because of this, indoor plants are currently enjoying skyrocketing popularity. This has a lot to do with the idea that they improve air quality in homes. While it is true that plants have the ability to remove toxins and volatile organic compounds from the spaces they occupy, there’s a lot of informa...
AC unit works hard to keep houses cool, and it’s user's responsibility to make sure it knows all its efforts are highly appreciated by giving it a nice deep clean. Napoleon rounded up the top six air conditioner maintenance tips needed to ensure that AC unit is in it for the long haul. This is a great way to prevent major issues and high electricity bills. Cleaning/replacing filters If an air conditioner doesn’t seem to cool the house like it once did, the first thing to check wou...
A programmable thermostat is an increasingly popular way to adjust the temperature of a house according to a set of pre-programmed settings that take effect at different times of the day. While it takes a little bit of time to figure out the temperatures one needs, the benefit is that one can save up to 10% off energy bill while reducing energy consumption. It does not need to be complicated to set up a programmable thermostat. Setting a schedule The first step in programming a thermosta...
For most people, their home’s HVAC system heats and cools the entire home whenever it is running. Sure, one can close vents in unused rooms to redirect some of the flow, but there is a lot of energy being wasted heating and cooling them. A different type of home heating and cooling system called Multi-Zone HVAC is a great alternative, saving user's money and reducing energy consumption. Understanding a multi-zone system Instead of a home comfort system heating and cooling the...
With International Earth Day coming up on April 22, it’s everyone's duty to put some extra effort into taking care of the planet. However, as with many things, it all starts at home. Being aware of common indoor air pollutants is the first step to a cleaner and more healthy home. In this complete list, Napoleon covers the different types of indoor air pollution and what steps to can take to improve indoor air quality. Bacteria And Viruses Bacteria and viruses are often mentioned t...
Keeping the home heated adequately throughout the brutal Canadian winters is crucial for the user's family’s comfort. If the furnace is struggling to circulate heat throughout the home during the winter months, then it might be time to replace it. Users may have difficulty determining whether it genuinely needs replacing or is simply in need of repair. However, the more signs the furnace exhibits, the greater the likelihood that it is time to look into a new heating and cooling system. R...
Winter in Canada means keeping home as warm as possible, sealing up any drafts to keep the heat in and the cold out. This helps the home’s heating system to work more efficiently and avoid wasting energy. While it may feel warm & cozy, and keep heating bills down, all that stale air inside may not be very healthy. The homes are filled with unseen pollutants that affect the indoor air quality (IAQ). From the chemicals released by the materials in furnishings and construction materials...
If users are wondering what temperature to set their thermostat in the winter season, users are not alone. Frequently adjusting the heat settings can potentially consume a lot of energy. It can be challenging to find the right balance between comfort and cost to keep family and wallet comfortable. Napoleon discusses the settings for the thermostat that will keep the home’s temperature at the right comfort level. What Temperature To Set the Thermostat In Winter? There are certain variabl...
As the summer is approaching, it’s time to get the home warm-weather ready. Users have probably already dusted off the lawn care tools and the grilling kits are polished, and ready. However, when users are planning out their summer-cleaning itinerary, there’s one element that often gets overlooked, and it’s an important one. Seasonal maintenance Neglecting seasonal maintenance and routine cleaning of the HVAC System can not only be detrimental to the home, but to health as we...
HRAI and CIPH announce that the new Show Committee has been established and that planning is well underway for the CMPX 2020 show. CMPX, The Canadian Mechanical & Plumbing Exposition is Canada’s national trade show and learning forum for the mechanicals industry including: air-conditioning, heating (forced-air and hydronics), plumbing, waterworks, water quality, piping, refrigeration and ventilation industries. Jointly produced since 1972 by HRAI and CIPH, the CMPX 2020 show will be h...
