woodbridge-gta-climatecare

Buying A New Furnace? Here’s What You Should Know

Mon, 28 Sep 2026 17:29:48 GMT

At Woodbridge GTA ClimateCare, we care about our customers. This is why we like to keep you informed about heating and cooling your home. In this instance, we’ll be discussing buying a new furnace , necessary upkeep, and how to keep it running for years to come.

HOW LONG DOES A NEW FURNACE LAST AND HOW CAN YOU EXTEND ITS LIFE?

Buying a new furnace is a great investment. It guarantees new, clean working parts, and a warranty for repair and replacement. A new furnace is expensive, so maximizing its lifespan is important. Your furnace will last longer before replacement if you take care of it.

One of the questions we get in the furnace repair industry is, “How long does a furnace last?” This is a great question. On average, a well-maintained furnace lasts anywhere between 15 and 20 years. Some exceed these expectations, but that requires some extra diligence on your part.

FACTORS WHICH AFFECT FURNACE PERFORMANCE

“How long does a furnace last?” isn’t the only question we receive regularly regarding home heating. Many clients also want to know about the elements, which affect overall furnace performance. Here are some of the main factors influencing longevity.

1. Price – The cost of a new furnace changes with manufacturer and size. For a high-quality furnace, you’ll pay more, but you’ll also get more life out of it. In Canada, the average furnace can cost anywhere from $3000 to $5500. Of course, you can also find units below-market pricing for around $2500, or above-market pricing at $6000. Mid-range furnaces run well, but most heating specialists will warn against buying a discount furnace.

2. Size – The size of your furnace also impacts performance. Your furnace size should be dictated by the space it’s designed to heat. For this reason, it’s good to get the input of a specialist before buying. A furnace that is too small will work harder to heat the space it’s in, and this could cause problems. Similarly, a furnace that is too large for the home where it’s installed could overheat the space.

3. Maintenance – Annual checkups from a furnace repair professional is an excellent way to guarantee maximum

longevity. There are also things you can do at home to maintain your furnace. These include:

Regularly changing filters
Cleaning air vents and ductwork
Clearing space around the furnace
Using the right-sized filters for your unit

With these strategies in mind, keep an eye on furnace productivity and performance. If you notice the house isn’t heating as quickly, or there are odd smells coming from the ductwork, contact our team today .

GET THE BEST SERVICE FOR YOUR FURNACE

Maintaining a new furnace takes time and patience. Working with the best heating and cooling specialists will help reduce future repair costs. At Woodbridge GTA ClimateCare, our service technicians are well-versed in furnace repair. Want to learn more about furnace upkeep? Contact us today and talk to one of our specialists. We’re always happy to help homeowners in Woodbridge, Vaughan, and the GTA find home comfort solutions that work for your home, family, and budget.

DIY HVAC Repair VS Professional: 3 Repairs You Should Not Do On Your Own

Thu, 27 Aug 2026 19:30:19 GMT

One of the advantages of the internet is you can find a DIY video for almost anything. Log on to YouTube, and you can learn how to paint, build garden bed, repair leaky faucets or repair your HVAC. DIY HVAC repair may seem beneficial to your pocket. But just because you can, doesn’t mean you should. Below, we dive into the quick fixes of HVAC repair you can DIY and when to leave the AC & furnace repairs to a professional HVAC repair service.

DIY REPAIRS

are some DIY HVAC repairs you can take on:

Replacing air filters: Periodically clean and change your air filters to avoid subpar air quality. Change your filters every 3-4 months or when they get clogged.
Cleaning the outside of the condenser: The condenser is exposed to twigs, dirt and debris. Clean the surroundings of the outside AC unit to keep your HVAC in good working condition.
Replacing or installing insulation: re placing your insulation ensures your split system won’t have to work as hard to deliver cooling during summer and heating during winter.

DIY REPAIRS YOU SHOULDN’T TRY

There are numerous cases of DIY HVAC repairs gone wrong. Some repairs you shouldn’t attempt include:

Replacing the thermostat: Switching to a smart thermostat is a welcome idea. However, wrongly installing it would result in high energy bills since the smart thermostat would be getting incorrect temperature readings.
Fixing electrical components: Wires and other electrical components are a no-go zone for DIY. You could electrocute yourself or cause a house fire.
Washing the condenser: A rookie’s mistake is to use a garden hose to clean the condenser. You will only lodge the debris and dirt into the coils, which reduces efficiency and costs you more in electricity bills.

Only attempt DIY furnace & AC repair if you already have the tools and the knowledge. Even so, there are some repairs that you shouldn’t attempt for your home’s safety, your HVAC efficiency and your safety.

WHY TRUST THE PROFESSIONALS FOR HVAC REPAIR?

HVAC experts have perfected fixing your home comfort systems and are well versed with the intricate components of heating and cooling equipment, even the tricky smart thermostat. There are multiple reasons to seek professional HVAC repair services.

Here are some:

YOU MAINTAIN YOUR WARRANTY

DIY jobs void the warranty, which means you will have to cover the cost of installing a new HVAC system if yours runs down within the warranty period. Professionals ensure you maintain the validity of the warranty since they have the necessary certification and expertise to repair your HVAC systems.

SAVES YOU MONEY

HVAC repair companies buy tools in bulk; hence they get them at a discount. The savings translate to you since the professionals would charge you the fair value of the components. Also, professionals are fast and diligent about their job, meaning you’ll save money and have your system repaired in no time.

YOU AVOID SAFETY HAZARDS

HVAC systems have furnaces that can burn you, toxic fumes that can choke you and electrical and gas components that can cause fires resulting in fatal accidents. Therefore, it is best to leave all electrical, gas and heater repairs to the professionals.

GET YOUR HVAC SERVICED TODAY!

Woodbridge GTA ClimateCare offers a wide range of HVAC services from installation and maintenance to repair that suit your budget and guarantee comfort. Take the uncertainty out of HVAC DIY repair by trusting us to provide you with industry-leading HVAC services.

How To Keep Your AC Healthy Between Service Visits In 4 Steps

Tue, 28 Jul 2026 14:26:13 GMT

Seasonal air conditioner maintenance (i.e. regular service visits) is the most important factor in extending the lifespan and maintaining the efficiency of your central air conditioning system. Ordinary wear and tear, especially dirt and grime buildup, can cause your AC to overwork, struggle, overheat and eventually break down.

A quick clean will help you catch any smaller problems before they become serious. Something as normal as a layer of leaves on your outdoor unit can eventually cause your entire system to fail. So, to keep everything in good shape, here are a few tips.

1. CHANGE YOUR FILTERS EVERY 4 WEEKS

This is the most important chore for your family’s health.

Old, dirty air filters don’t do their job. The air you breathe in your home won’t be as clean as it ought to be, which can lead to everything from excess dust to respiratory problems. Dirty air filters can also allow dirt and grime to build up in your ducts, lowering the overall efficiency of your system and harboring microbes and mites that can multiply and get into the air in your home.

Once a month, replace or clean your air filters.

For 1′′ filters, look for one that you can’t see through when you hold it up to the light to make sure it’s actually doing the job in the first place
For larger washable filters, thoroughly rinse and dry them every 30 days. Swapping between 2 filters every month is easiest.

2. KEEP THE DRAIN CLEAN AND CLEAR

As your air conditioner keeps the house cool, condensation builds up in the system and drains through a series of tubes. If left stagnant, these pipes grow mould and fungus, which can spread and clog your whole drainage system.

Once a year, as part of regular air conditioner maintenance, your Woodbridge GTA ClimateCare specialist brings a powerful vacuum to siphon everything out of the pipes.

To prevent gunk from growing, add 1/4 cup bleach mixed with 3/4 cup water directly to your drain line’s access port (usually a T-valve) every three months. If the plug on your access port has a wire coming out of it, switch off your air conditioner’s breaker before you remove the cap, and replace it when you’re done.

3. WASH OUT THAT CONDENSER

This is the most common reason we receive early summer emergency calls.

During the off-season, your condenser can get clogged with leaves, dirt, and other gunk. This hinders circulation and can actually prevent your air conditioning unit from cooling at all.

4. GIVE THE THERMOSTAT SOME NEW BATTERIES

Our technicians calibrate your thermostat as part of the annual air conditioner maintenance, and that includes fresh batteries. However, if it goes out between checkups, you can easily replace the batteries yourself.

Some thermostats have flip-open battery covers, but usually, you’ll have to gently pull the thermostat or its faceplate away from the wall. Just swap them out and pop the thermostat back in place—but make sure you shut off your thermostat’s breaker before you start to avoid getting shocked.

There you have it! You can help maintain your home comfort equipment between service visits without being an expert.

BONUS: BOOK YOUR PROFESSIONAL SERVICE VISITS IN ADVANCE

Book us for a visit for all those other air conditioner maintenance jobs. We’re your best source for professional, courteous service in Woodbridge, Vaughan, and the surrounding areas in the GTA.

Air Conditioner Durability: How Long Should A Central Air Conditioner Last?

Thu, 02 Jul 2026 17:43:33 GMT

If you’re like most people who are on the market for a new AC system, you’ve probably wondered how long a standard central air conditioner should last. The short answer is that a good quality, durable air conditioner has a lifespan between 12-15 years. But what makes an air conditioner durable and long-lasting?

Air conditioners use a process called phase conversion (which is when a liquid converts to a gas and absorbs heat) to force the refrigerants to evaporate and condense over and over in a closed system of coils. This is what produces great quality cool air in your system over the years. When shopping for an air conditioner, there are a few things you should take into consideration in order to make sure your unit will last and that you’re getting the best investment for your money.

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW BEFORE GETTING YOUR NEW AC

The following tips will help to ensure the durability and longevity of your new air conditioning system:

1. FIND A REPUTABLE SUPPLIER

Look for a reputable company and go see the product in store if possible. You need to make sure you are getting the right sized AC unit for your home and that it meets all of your needs, comes with the right warranties, and most importantly, does the job it’s supposed to do.

2. BUY IN-PERSON

Resist the temptation to look online where you may find a cheaper deal. You could end up with a non-licensed, poorly qualified installer, or a system that’s faulty, doesn’t clean your air impurities, doesn’t keep you comfortable, and begins to fail prematurely.

3. ENSURE A SOLID WARRANTY

Find a company that offers the best guarantees and warranties in the industry. Problems do occur, and having a reliable professional to call in case of such events is a must. Use a company that stands behind its work and will offer to resolve problems when they arise, no matter what.

4. LOOK FOR INCLUDED MAINTENANCE DEALS

Use a company that offers at least two years of free maintenance on your AC unit. The longer you maintain your system, the better it will run. Scheduled services at least twice a year can eliminate a whole host of problems that may need ac repair.

5. REPLACE THE WHOLE SYSTEM TOGETHER

Try to install a complete comfort system including: air circulator, evaporator coil, outdoor condenser (air conditioner or heat pump ) and thermostat. Systems run better when they are properly matched. It can also be cost effective to have everything installed in one go, instead of over time.

IMPORTANT AIR CONDITIONER TERMS

Sometimes knowing the lingo is half of the battle when searching for a new AC. Keep these terms in mind when shopping for your new unit:

SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) – The higher the SEER, the more efficient the unit, the lower the operating costs.
Compressor – The pump that moves the refrigerant back and forth between the indoor evaporator and outdoor condenser.
Evaporator Coil – The network of tubes filled with refrigerant. It takes heat and moisture out of indoor air and liquid refrigerant evaporates.
Ductwork – The piping where air is supplied.

If you keep these tips and considerations in mind, and keep up with regular service checks and maintenance, you should have a unit that performs well for many years to come. Contact us at Woodbridge GTA ClimateCare for help with all of your AC questions and needs.

Are Unico Air Conditioners Modernizing HVAC In Older Homes?

Wed, 27 May 2026 20:07:29 GMT

Installing modern air conditioning in older homes can be tricky, especially when trying to keep the original look and feel intact without major construction. Traditional HVAC solutions often fall short in addressing these issues effectively without compromising the historic value of the property. This is where the Unico System comes into play: a small-duct high velocity system with a minimal footprint.

Keep reading to find out how Unico provides a totally viable AC solution for older homes.

Many of these structures were built without the ductwork necessary for traditional central air systems, making standard installations difficult without significant modifications that could disrupt their integrity.

Some of these challenges include:

Structural Limitations: The lack of existing ductwork and the potential for structural damage from installing new ducts are major considerations.
Preserving the Aesthetic: Maintaining the original appearance of old homes is often a priority. This can limit the types of air conditioning systems suitable for installation, as many require alterations that could permanently change character-defining features.
Space Constraints: Older homes often have smaller rooms and less closet space, which complicates the installation of large indoor air conditioning units.
Energy Efficiency Concerns: Many older homes are not as well-insulated as newer builds, which can lead to higher energy costs.

TYPES OF AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEMS SUITABLE FOR OLDER HOMES

For homeowners looking to add air conditioning to their historic homes, there are several less invasive options:

Window or Wall Units: While not the most aesthetically pleasing solution, these units can be installed without major renovations and removed seasonally.
Ductless Mini-Splits: These systems require no ductwork and involve minimal structural alteration, using an outdoor compressor connected to indoor air handlers by small conduits.
High-Velocity Mini-Duct Systems: These systems use very small, flexible ducts that can be weaved through existing walls, ceilings, and floors, greatly reducing the need for structural modifications.

High-velocity mini-duct systems are ideal for whole-house HVAC in older homes as they are less invasive and preserve architectural integrity. Mini-splits and window units may not seamlessly integrate or provide complete home coverage.

This high-velocity system uses small, flexible ducts that integrate seamlessly into existing structures without the need for major renovations. Unico systems help provide enhanced comfort to historic homes while providing by evenly distributing air and reducing

humidity levels more effectively than traditional systems.

WHAT DOES HIGH VELOCITY MEAN?

High velocity refers to an HVAC system that moves air rapidly through very small, narrow ducts. This compensates for the lower volume of the system.

WHAT IS A SMALL OR MINI-DUCT SYSTEM?

A small or mini-duct system uses compact, flexible ducts that can fit within the existing structures of a building.

WHY IS THIS SOLUTION BEST FOR OLDER HOMES?

This system is best for older homes because it minimizes the need for structural alterations while efficiently distributing cool air.

CHAT WITH US ABOUT INSTALLING A UNICO SYSTEM TODAY

To learn more about integrating the Unico System into your older home and maintaining its unique charm, contact Woodbridge GTA ClimateCare for a professional consultation. We’re here to help you find the perfect HVAC solution for your unique home. Contact us today to get started.

Common Boiler Warning Signs to Watch for This Winter

Tue, 24 Feb 2026 21:11:27 GMT

Winter is when your boiler works its hardest and when small issues can quickly turn into big problems. The last thing any homeowner wants is a heating failure during a cold snap. This is when service availability is notoriously limited, and repairs are often more urgent (and costly).

Knowing these early boiler warning signs can help you address problems before they disrupt your comfort and your plans.

Cold or Uneven Radiators

If your boiler is running, but some radiators stay cold or only warm up partially, it’s a sign that something isn’t right. Common causes include trapped air in the system, sludge buildup, or circulation issues.

Left unresolved, cold radiators force your boiler to work harder, increasing energy use and wear, often right when demand is highest. That very well may lead to failure when you need it most.

Unusual Kettling or Rumbling Noises

A boiler should run quietly. If you hear rumbling, whistling, or kettle-like noises, it usually means limescale is restricting water flow inside the heat exchanger.

Scaling reduces efficiency and can lead to overheating or internal damage. During winter, these noises often worsen as the system runs more frequently. Only regular maintenance can keep this at bay.

Pilot Light or Ignition Problems

Older boilers rely on a pilot light, while newer systems use electronic ignition. If the pilot keeps going out, or your boiler displays error codes or fails to start, heating can stop entirely.

Ignition issues won’t fix themselves. During cold snaps, a simple ignition fault can quickly turn into a no-heat emergency if ignored.

Frequent On-and-Off Cycling

A boiler that turns on and off repeatedly in short bursts is short-cycling. This can be caused by thermostat problems, incorrect sizing, pressure issues, or internal faults.

Short-cycling increases fuel consumption and puts unnecessary strain on components, which is exactly what you want to avoid during extended winter use.

Why You Don’t Want to Delay Boiler Repairs in Winter

Even minor boiler problems tend to escalate faster in cold weather. Delays in repair can lead to:

Higher heating bills
Reduced system lifespan
Sudden breakdowns during extreme cold
Limited service availability around holidays

Addressing warning signs - like the ones listed above - early helps protect your comfort and avoids last-minute repairs that cost a fortune.

You Know Who to Call: Woodbridge GTA ClimateCare

If you notice any of these signs, it’s best to have your boiler checked by a professional before winter conditions worsen. At Woodbridge GTA ClimateCare, our technicians can diagnose issues, recommend practical solutions, and ensure your system runs safely and efficiently throughout the holidays.

Contact us today to book an inspection. We proudly serve Toronto, Etobicoke, Mississauga, Richmond Hill and the surrounding communities.