What is the right heat pump for my home?

August 29, 2023/in Latest News /by Ace ciwebgroup

Let’s talk about the different scenarios and heat pump configurations we commonly see in homes in Ontario. In Ontario, we have homes of varying ages and construction styles and even some with additions or other structural changes that have been made over time. We also have cities and rural communities where homes have different fuel sources. Oftentimes oil and propane furnaces are used in the rural areas whereas natural gas furnaces are used in the city. As a result, all these different heating and cooling configurations influence which type of heat pump system is best for a given situation.

Scenario 1 – Oil furnace to heat pump Conversion

Here is a scenario we encounter frequently in our rural areas. This is becoming a popular transition as the cost of oil is becoming prohibitive. In some cases, it costs thousands of dollars per year in fuel costs. An article from CBC (October 2022) noted that the fuel cost for a 3-bedroom bungalow would cost $5,625 in heating. In some cases, the average heating cost was roughly $37/day vs. $13/day 10 years ago.

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/prince-edward-island/pei-heating-oil-cost-1.6627175

If you want to replace an existing oil furnace or propane-forced air system with a heat pump, you are likely looking into a centrally ducted heat pump. We are seeing most customers in these situations convert to a fully electric heat pump system. When choosing a central heat pump system, to get the best possible efficiency during the winter you will want to choose a cold-climate heat pump that provides the level of efficiency required to work in colder temperatures.

The below models are our go-to options for this type of system:

Daikin Fit, Tosot Apex, Mitsubishi Zuba Centrally Ducted

You may also want to consider upgrading your electrical service in order to accommodate the new system. You will also want to consult with the contractor if they are going to remove the oil or propane tanks as well.

Scenario 2 – Propane furnace to Heat Pump Conversion

Another common heat source is propane, with many homeowners in rural and even in smaller regions and towns of Ontario using it. Similar to heating oil, propane is becoming costly to operate.

This CTV article notes that between 2021 and 2022 propane prices increased 28% going from 68 cents to 86 cents per liter.

https://toronto.ctvnews.ca/canadian-propane-costs-soar-due-to-supply-chain-issues-1.6018945

Just like oil conversions, we are seeing people with existing propane furnaces converting to full electric heat pump systems. Keep in mind that converting from a propane furnace to a full electric heat pump would have the same electrical and removal considerations as mentioned above.

There is another option that is a little more cost-effective, at least upfront, for propane customers who may still want to keep their propane fuel source while still reaping the benefits and efficiency of a heat pump. This is where the hybrid heat pump comes in. As of June 1, 2023, the HER+/Greener Homes program has approved some very exciting new hybrid systems.

Previously, hybrid heat pump systems required that the outdoor and indoor units be paired to qualify for rebates. This meant that if you wanted to do a hybrid system you would have to change both your furnace and air conditioner. Even if one of those two separate items did not need to be replaced.

However, stand-alone/retrofit hybrid systems are now available and approved for rebates. For example, in this scenario, a homeowner with a new furnace can pair the retrofit hybrid heat pump with their existing propane furnace. In practice, this is like installing a new air conditioner except, in addition to cooling, the heat pump will also provide high-efficiency heating with the low ambient heat pump. In this way, the heat pump will also provide heating in the winter reducing your gas consumption. You would only need to supplement your heating with your existing furnace when it’s very cold. In many cases, the furnace will run less than half of the time as before, saving on fuel and energy costs.

Scenario 3 – Home or cottage with no ductwork

Another scenario we commonly see is a home without existing ductwork. In this scenario, it often makes sense to go with a ductless, multi-head heat pump system. There are both standard and low ambient heat pump options. Low ambient options typically come at an increased upfront cost but the efficiency is higher.

Ductless systems are very flexible with multi-head options of up to 5 heads on a single outdoor unit. Refrigerant line sets and power can be run to hard-to-reach locations much easier. Also, without the need to install pesky bulkheads to accommodate ductwork a lot of headroom can be saved.

Keep in mind, if the ductless system is your only source of heating you will most likely want to install baseboard heating as backup in case the system goes down or the temperatures are extremely cold and supplemental heat is required. The good news is that in many homes that don’t already have ductwork they likely already have baseboard heating installed. Additionally, the heat pump will provide highly efficient heating most of the time meaning that you are still saving money on energy costs.

Scenario 4 – Natural Gas furnace to Hybrid Heat Pump Conversion

Do you have a natural gas furnace that is 20 years old and considering an upgrade? In that case, it might make sense to take advantage of the rebates currently available and invest in a hybrid heat pump system that provides both super-efficient heating and air conditioning.

Hybrid heat pumps are a unique option.

Natural gas heating systems are still relatively cost-effective compared to homes heating with oil or propane. That said, with the HER+ rebate, installation costs will be similar to that of a standard system and you should see an improvement in overall operating cost as well as future-proofing your heating system against rising gas costs.

Another benefit is an overall decrease in operating noise as heat pump inverter condensers have a quieter operation than your traditional AC. During the heating season, the heat pump will provide heating to your home until the temperature reaches low enough that the efficiency cannot keep up with the heat requirements of the home. Once this happens the gas furnace will turn on to provide supplemental heat. The secondary fuel source is what makes this a hybrid system.

Conclusion

There are many reasons why customers may choose to completely go off any gas fuel furnace system and go with a fully electric heat pump and forgo gas for good. In other scenarios, some customers may want to get off oil but would like propane as a secondary fuel source as they are in a rural environment, and have gas fireplaces or a generator. The situations above are our most common scenarios but there is no one size fits all solution. An experienced HVAC company can look at your specific situation, make recommendations and provide cost comparisons to find the best heat pump solution for your home and budget

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The Heat Pump Home Rebate Process Guide

June 16, 2023/in Latest News /by Ace ciwebgroup

We’ve written several posts about the benefits of installing a heat pump system in your home. We’ve also made references to the rebates that are available for such upgrades to put money back in your pocket.

Let’s make it even easier with our new step by step Heat Pump Home Rebate Process Guide! View below, or download the PDF here.

Residential Air Conditioner Exterior Unit

How to Best Maintain your HVAC System

May 19, 2023/in Latest News /by Ace ciwebgroup

In the same way, your car needs maintenance and its engine oil changed regularly to ensure it continues running smoothly, your home’s heat and cooling system also needs regular maintenance to ensure it continues to operate properly and at its best. In fact, whereas your car runs when you turn on the engine and drive it, your home’s HVAC system is likely to have to operate much longer and arguably work a lot harder during the heating and cooling season.

In this article, we’ll highlight the importance of maintaining your heating and cooling system, what you yourself can do to help ensure your system is operating optimally, and the benefits of getting professional preventative maintenance done to ensure the comfort of your home.

What you can do to ensure your HVAC system is operating properly

Change your filters

The most important thing you can do to maintain your system is to regularly check and change your filters. Filters remove dust, hair, and other particles from the air so they do not spread into the home. Clean filters allow more airflow to pass through which helps your system run more efficiently. We recommend that you replace your filters every three months but it’s important that you check them often and change them as needed since excess dust from work inside or outside the home, pets, and other factors may require them to be replaced more frequently. Other factors that affect the frequency in which you replace your filters include the type you use, size, and MERV rating. Some filters can be changed less frequently but we recommend every three months as a general rule of thumb.

Eliminate clutter near your furnace or air handler

Make sure you keep the area around your furnace and air handler clear of clutter. Excess clutter around your heating system has the potential to be a fire hazard. Also, keeping this area clutter-free allows professionals easy access to your system for more thorough maintenance and service.

Keep your outdoor HVAC equipment clean and free of debris

Most AC condensers are installed outside, oftentimes near trees or bushes, so it’s important to inspect the area regularly and make sure the unit is free of debris, dirt, and other objects including fallen leaves and grass clippings. It’s important to keep the area around the unit clear at least by two feet from all sides to help maintain proper airflow as a dirty condenser can be inefficient. Oftentimes, if an AC or heat pump is not keeping up it could simply be because the AC unit and coils are too dirty.

When to think about upgrading your system

Maintenance is very important for any type of system but like all equipment, your heating and cooling system will become less efficient over time, require more service, and will eventually need to be replaced. The average lifespan of an HVAC system is about 15 to 20 years. Although these systems are not cheap the good news is that with the generous home energy rebates currently available, as well as high-efficiency technologies like Heat Pumps, there’s literally never been a better time to make the change.

Generally speaking, if the maintenance or repairs on an existing system are going to cost you close to 25 – 50% or more than the cost of a replacement it is time to think about purchasing a new unit. At some point, it will cost you more to keep an older system going versus replacing it with a new unit which has the added benefit of having a new manufacturer’s warranty and new workmanship warranty from the provider. A reputable heating and cooling contractor will be able to assess your current system and provide you with insight into the best options available to you.

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Benefits of a professional preventative maintenance plan

In addition to taking the actions we’ve outlined above it’s also important to get a certified professional to conduct more comprehensive maintenance and inspection on your HVAC system at least twice a year. It is beneficial to schedule these visits once in spring before the cooling season and again in the fall before the winter months and the heating season begins.

A good HVAC professional will conduct a thorough inspection and maintenance of your system beyond what a typical homeowner would be able to do themselves. As well as, provide a report card on the condition of your equipment.

There are many benefits and savings associated with professional maintenance and we highlight some of the main ones below.

HVAC Warranty:

In addition to having your system installed properly and your equipment registered, it’s essential that regular maintenance is completed so that your HVAC warranty does not lose its validity due to improper maintenance.

Lengthen the life of your equipment:

Proper maintenance will allow your system to be free of dust, debris, and obstructions resulting in it working more efficiently and thus increasing the life of the system.

Improve air quality:

Regular maintenance, filter changes, and cleaning result in less dust, dirt, and debris moving through your system improving your system’s airflow, overall function, and air quality of the home.

Greater visibility & understanding of your home’s heating & cooling system:

A good HVAC company will not only perform proper maintenance but also provide you with useful information regarding how your system is performing. With this information, you can make informed decisions about scheduling the necessary service or potential upgrades.

Peace of mind:

Having your system professionally maintained makes it one less thing you have to worry about. Pre-scheduled site visits are done by a professional so you don’t have to worry about them.

Overall it’s important to choose the right system, have it installed by an experienced contractor, and then finally ensure it is maintained properly. By doing so you’ll have a system that works great and keeps your home comfortable for years to come!

If you have any questions about your own system or would like to learn more about our preventative maintenance plans please feel free to contact us today.

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Do Heat Pumps Work in Canadian Winters?

March 23, 2023/in Latest News /by Ace ciwebgroup

By now you probably have heard about some of the many benefits heat pumps provide and perhaps you’ve considered them for your own home. They’ve become increasingly popular over the past few years and for good reason. They’re much more energy-efficient than traditional heating and cooling systems and they can also provide long-term cost savings on your monthly bills. However, if you live in colder climates, such as the one here in Canada, you might also be wondering how well they work during winter months. Air source heat pumps work by absorbing heat from the outside air and then transferring that heat indoors to warm your home. Therefore, it makes sense to wonder how much harder they’d have to work when the outside temperature is very cold and if they’d be able to heat your home at all.

In fact, part of the reason why some people still are apprehensive about heat pumps for cold climates is that a few decades ago the units manufactured weren’t nearly as efficient as the ones available today. Unfortunately, for some, that reputation has persisted but it’s no longer true.

The good news is that heat pumps work great in pretty much every environment, including in very cold climates. Heat pumps have been used as far north as the arctic circle and they’ve become extremely popular in countries with cold climates such as Norway as an ultra-sustainable heating source.
https://reasonstobecheerful.world/heat-pumps-norway-efficiency-emissions/.

Although the basic principles of heat pumps haven’t changed in recent years there have been significant improvements in their individual components and these changes have greatly improved their performance. Some of the components that have been improved include better compressors, improved coil design, ultra-efficient fans, and better motors. Specifically, cold climate heat pumps have been designed and classified to work in temperatures way below freezing. Even better, many of these heat pumps qualify for the generous home energy rebates currently available in Ontario.

How do Heat Pumps Work?

First to understand why heat pumps work well during Canadian winters we first need to understand a bit about how they work.

You can also find more details about this here:
https://www.marxmechanical.com/latest-news/what-is-a-heat-pump-how-does-it-work/

Essentially, heat pumps do not produce heat, which would require a lot of energy, especially during colder conditions. Instead, they transfer heat from one place to another. And even in very cold temperatures like the ones we experience during Canadian winters, there is still heat that exists in the air that can be transferred into your home.

That being said, there are certain things you’ll want to consider when choosing a heat pump solution that will work for both hot and cold weather conditions.

What to Consider when Choosing a Heat Pump for Winter

Now that we understand a bit about how a heat pump works well in cold climates there’s some important factors to consider to ensure you have the right system installed in your home.

Choosing the Right Installer

Arguably, the most important factor is making sure you go with a reputable HVAC installer. Every home has its own specific heating and cooling needs to consider and a good installer will help design a solution that’s optimal and gives you the best value for your dollar.

You’ll want to choose someone that has installed a lot of these systems successfully and understands how best to optimize them. Ways to do this include looking at their reviews online, comparing multiple installers, and of course calling them and speaking with them directly.

In addition to providing you with the right technical information, a good installer will also be able to guide you when it comes to other factors, like getting access to financing for the project and helping guide you with home energy rebates.

Feel free to contact us here at Marx Mechanical if you’d like to learn more about heat pumps for your home.

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Choosing the Right System

From ducted heat pumps vs mini splits systems, cold climate heat pumps, hybrid gas and electric heat pumps, there are a lot of differences between models and unit sizes and so on, the options and choices can be confusing.

Many homes have very different designs, duct layouts, insulation, existing fuel source as well as other factors that affect which heat pump you should purchase for your home. There is a solution for almost all configurations. Below we mention a few scenarios to consider.

Ducted Heat Pumps

If you are looking to convert your home from a conventional forced air or propane/natural gas heating system a ducted heat pump system might be the right option for you. A ducted heat pump has an indoor unit or air handler which will replace your furnace and can be retrofitted into your existing ductwork. Common systems include full electric heat pumps or a hybrid fuel source heat pump. You will want to consider a cold climate heat pump in most of these cases to ensure you have efficient operation even in very cold weather.

When converting from a traditional forced air system, you will want to discuss with your contractor if electrical upgrades are required as well as what should be done with the oil and propane tanks, if you no longer require those fuel sources in your home.

Ductless Heat Pumps

Many older homes do not have ductwork and it would be cumbersome and costly to install them, as well as the bulkheads required to accommodate the ductwork. In this scenario ductless heat pumps, also known as ductless splits, are a great option. Ductless units have multiple configurations from single head units to multi heat units allowing for room-level control of both heating and cooling. The indoor heads come in a variety of configurations, including cassette units for seamless integration into the ceiling, traditional wall heads and even ducted cassette units for minimal ductwork in special situations. Cold climate options are also available with ductless systems.

Supplemental Heating

Let’s talk about supplemental heating. Most of the time during winter, a heat pump will provide you with the majority of heating in an ultra-efficient way thus saving you money. However, in extremely cold temperatures, the efficiency of a heat pump will begin to drop and backup heating will be required to maintain your set temperature. Please note, this would not be the case with a hybrid system. Supplemental heating, like an electric auxiliary heating element incorporated within the ducted system or electrical baseboards for ductless, is a fail-safe measure to ensure you have heat during all weather conditions.

Maintaining your Heating System

In any climate, maintenance is another factor to consider when choosing a heat pump solution but especially for those in cold climates. For example, there’s nothing worse than having family and friends over during the winter holidays and having your heating system stop working. In order to ensure your system is working properly at all times you’ll want to ensure components like filters, coils, fans, ducts, and other components are clean and working properly.

Whether you decide to maintain the system and do regular checks yourself or opt into a preventative maintenance plan ensuring your system works well at all times is important.

Feel free to contact us if you’d like to learn more about our Marx Comfort Club program.

Heat Pumps: A Great Choice for Winter Heating

Heat pumps have quickly emerged as one of the best options for both heating and cooling here in Canada as well as many other countries all over the world. They’re much more energy-efficient than traditional systems which are great for the environment as well as providing substantial cost savings to homeowners.

In addition to those benefits, they work quietly circulating air and providing a comfortable environment in your home.

With the right installer & the right system, you’ll be able to enjoy the many benefits of a heat pump system, no matter how cold the weather gets.

Get Started with Marx Mechanical!

Heat Pumps – What You Need to Know Blog Image

What is a Heat Pump & How Does it Work?

February 25, 2023/in Latest News /by Ace ciwebgroup

In the simplest terms, a heat pump is a unit that transfers heat from one location to another.

An easy way to think about it is that a heat pump works exactly like an air conditioner in the summer. It absorbs heat from the inside of the home and rejects it to the outside; effectively cooling or removing heat from the air inside the home. In the winter months, the heat pump works in reverse absorbing heat from the outside and rejecting it inside.

Part of the confusion when trying to understand a heat pump comes from thinking a heat pump somehow produces cold or hot air. In reality, what it’s doing is just transferring heat from one place to another.

You might be asking yourself what the heck is the “pump” part of this system: A heat pump “pumps” refrigerant through a cycle that effectively changes the pressure and therefore the temperature of the refrigerant. As long as the refrigerant temperature is lower than the air temperature it can still absorb heat. In the same way, as long as the refrigerant is warmer than the air it will reject heat.

The beauty of heat pump technology is that the energy required for this process is not used to create heat but to just move it from one place to another. In this way, the efficiency is very high per unit of energy. At optimal conditions reaching 300% or more.

Almost all heat pumps fundamentally work in the same way. The differences are with regard to the configuration of either ducted or ductless systems. There are many options in this regard which depend on the application and requirements of the home. There are added considerations which we’ll discuss further below.

Main Components of a Heat Pump System

There are two main components to a heat pump system:

Outdoor Unit

This outdoor unit contains a compressor, condenser coil, reversing valve, fan motor, electronic expansion valve, and computer boards. The unit itself looks very similar to a traditional air conditioner. It works to absorb heat from the outside air in winter months. During the summer months, it does the opposite and absorbs heat from the inside and rejects it outside

Indoor Unit

The indoor unit is comprised of an evaporator, blower, and computer boards and is sometimes referred to as an air handler or ductless head. The indoor unit can be either a ductless head or an air handler. The ductless heads are stand-alone units located in each room you want to heat or cool. A fan coil is similar to a traditional furnace system and integrates seamlessly into your heating system.

Types of Heat Pumps

The main types of heat pumps are geothermal (ground-source) and air-source. The simple difference between these two systems is the heat source which in these two cases is the ground or the air.

Geothermal heat pumps transfer heat between your house and the ground. These systems boast lower operating costs but they have higher initial costs to install.

An air-source heat pump is the most common and they transfer heat between the outside air and the home.

Air-Source Heat Pump: Ducted Vs. Ductless Heat Pumps

Air-source heat pumps can be ducted or ductless.

Similar to a standard furnace, a ducted heat pump system uses a centralized air-handling unit that uses a fan to direct the air throughout the ducts in your home.

By comparison, a ductless heat pump system uses smaller wall-mounted units instead to distribute air into the specific rooms they are installed in. And as the name suggests having ducts installed is no longer necessary. These units are often called mini-splits and because they’re ductless they’re great in applications like an extension to a home where it might not make sense to install air ducts.

What are the Benefits of an Air-Source Heat Pump?

ULTRA-EFFICIENT:

Because heat pumps only transfer heat and do not require the need to create heat like other more traditional HVAC systems, they require less energy to operate and are one of the most efficient heating and cooling systems available.

VERSATILE:

Heat pump systems are able to both heat and cool your home. Also, if you decide to install mini-split units you have more flexibility in managing the temperature for each room of your home, including additions.

WHISPER QUIET:

Inverter heat pump technology provides variable-speed fans and compressors. In addition, heat pumps typically have sound jackets on the compressors. Lastly with soft start and stop functions all of these factors contribute to a quiet operation.

ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY:

Unlike other types of systems, heat pumps run on electricity and do not use fossil fuels making them an environmentally friendly choice.

HEALTHIER AIR:

Many heat pump solutions incorporate air filtration which keeps micro-particles from entering your home.

MINIMAL MAINTENANCE:

Due to the fact there are no combustible components there is less field maintenance as is required with a standard furnace. However, similar to an air conditioner, it’s important to keep the air filters of your heat pump system clean and the outdoor unit clean of dust and leaves.

What Maintenance do Heat Pumps Require?

Heat pumps require minimal maintenance but there are a few things you should do to ensure your system runs optimally for years to come.

Change the filters regularly
Clean the outdoor unit regularly and keep snow and debris away
Get the heat pump inspected annually

Feel free to give us a call to discuss our maintenance program.

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Do Heat Pumps Work in Winter?

Yes! Believe it or not, there’s heat in the air even during cold winter months. Even then heat pumps are able to absorb that heat and transfer it into your home. Heat pumps are significantly more efficient than they once were and work well in cold climates. In fact, there are specific heat pumps made for colder climates as we’ll highlight below.

What is a Cold Climate Air-Source Heat Pump?

A cold climate air source heat pump is more efficient and provides heat at lower temperatures compared to conventional heat pump systems. This makes them an ideal choice for colder climates. While supplemental heating is still incorporated, as we outline below, a cold climate air source heat pump is more cost effective and has a lower carbon footprint compared to systems that burn fossil fuels.

Do I Require Supplemental Heating?

Short answer Yes. In cold climates like here in Canada supplemental heating like an electric auxiliary heating element incorporated within the system or electrical baseboards is required. At extremely cold temperatures, the efficiency of a heat pump will begin to drop, and backup heating will be required to maintain your set temperature. Supplemental heating like this is a fail-safe measure to ensure you have heat during all weather conditions. Supplemental heating such as these also can work with your heat pump system during very cold conditions to ensure you get to temperature.

Is a Heat Pump System Right for Me?

In most cases, installing a heat pump system makes a lot of sense. It can help save you money on your monthly bills, provide comfort to your family throughout the year, as well as being an environmentally-friendly choice.

A reputable HVAC company in your area can help you decide the exact system that’s right for you and make sure it’s installed correctly. They can also inform you of potential government rebates, such as Ontario’s Green Homes and Enbridge’s HER+ Programs, and connect you with the right energy advisor.

Overall, heat pumps are increasingly becoming the go-to smart choice to heat and cool homes.

If you’d like to learn more about them and see if they make sense for your home please feel free to contact us.

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What to Expect When you Call Marx Mechanical for Service or Repair?

February 24, 2023/in Latest News /by Ace ciwebgroup

Is your furnace or air conditioner making a funny sound? Is the temperature on your thermostat dropping or not reaching the appropriate setting? Is there air coming out of the vents but it is not warm or cool? Are you unsure what is going on with your HVAC system and need some help? Marx Mechanical and our team of trained service technicians are here to help!

What to Expect When I Call, Text, or Email Marx Mechanical

If you call our main service line 289-301-0720, you will be greeted by one of our customer service representatives. They will start by asking for some of the details of your heating, cooling or other HVAC problems. Common questions include: the age of the equipment, size, make and model, previous service history, any sounds, smells or other clues that can help with the diagnosis.

In addition to a phone call you can also email us at sales@marxmechanical.com, or send a text message to 289-301-0720 to receive a quick response.

What Should I Expect the Service to Cost?

Once we have an idea of your service needs, our CSR will then outline what you should expect with regards to pricing. It will go something like this:

Marx Mechanical has an initial Dispatch/ Diagnostic fee of $195+ HST which covers the fuel, drive time and 1 hour of work onsite. In order to diagnose the problem with your HVAC equipment our technician will have to make a trip out to your home. While onsite the technician will inspect and test your equipment to determine the root cause of the issue. Commonly, within this first hour, the technician will either be able to perform a repair (if it is something routine) or will communicate that there is a larger problem that will require a quote for repair or replacement.

If the service is complex and requires more time and attention, beyond the first hour of service we have a time and materials price model that will allow the technician to remain onsite to continue diagnosing or repairing the equipment.

“Time” is charged out at an hourly rate of $99 + HST and materials are charged out as required by the nature of the repair.

Please note that Marx Mechanical will ask for a credit card only to be placed on the file before dispatching a technician to your home. Credit cards will only be charged once the service is complete.

Example 1

Technician is dispatched to site spends 1 hour onsite and is able to complete repair or get system back up and running within the first hour.

$195 (Diagnostic Fee) charged via credit card once the technician leaves site

Example 2

Technician dispatched to site and determines that an OEM part is required to complete the repair. Dispatch fee is charged for the initial visit and a quote is provided for the full repair to be approved by the customer before proceeding.

$195 (Diagnostic Fee) charged via credit card once the technician leaves site
Quote provided for OEM blow motor repair
Cost for work once approved: Labour cost ($294) + OEM Blower ($859) =$1,153 + HST

Example 3

Technician is dispatched to site and spends 1 hour diagnosing the issues. At the one hour mark the technician communicates to the customer that more time is required to complete the repair the same day which takes an additional hour to replace an ignitor and repair some loose wiring. In this scenario you can expect the following charges.

$195 (diagnostic fee) + $99 (1 hour) + $65 (ignitor+wiring) = $359 + HST Charged via credit card once the service is complete.

What if the Repair Cannot be Made on the First Visit?

If while onsite we determine that an OEM part needs to be replaced or something more complex is going on with your heating or cooling system we will provide a detailed quote with our recommendations for repair or replacement. You’ll then be able to review and approve the work before we return to complete the work. This allows for transparency and ensures that everyone is on the same page about scope of work and expectations on additional costs. Our goal is to provide repair or replacement quotes in a timely fashion, ideally on the same day or at the latest the next day from the initial service. In some cases, there may be delays due to part availability and supply chain constraints.

What Do Typical Parts Cost?

To give you some ballpark numbers of parts, here are some prices for common replacement parts. Prices do not include HST. Prices for your specific unit will depend on the make model and other details related to the diagnosis. Below prices are for parts only with labour being charged separately.

Furnace

Furnace Blower Motor ($500 – $2500)
Ventor Motor ($500 – $2000)
Control Board ($150 – $1000)
Pressure Switches ($30 – $100)
Flame Sensor ($30 -$100)
Ignitor ($30 – $100)

Air Conditioner

Capacitor ($30 – $75)
Contactor ($30 -$100)
High Pressure/ Low Pressure Switch ($30 -150)
Fan Motor ($400 – $2000)
Compressor ($1000 – $2000)

Service Call Disclaimer:

Unless you are an existing customer or Marx Mechanical installed your equipment, due to the unknown condition and history of your equipment we cannot guarantee the final cost of a repair before we first have a look at the equipment and get a chance to diagnose the problem. This means that the minimum cost for a service call is $195 plus HST. Even if you do not carry on with any further recommendations or quotes the initial diagnostic fee will apply. If our technician must stay past the initial hour, further time and materials charges will apply as described above.

Our commitment is to ensure that our technicians communicate with you once the first hour has finished so that you can make a decision on how best to proceed.

When Considering Repair vs Replace

Lets use a furnace as an example:

Depending on the age of your furnace, there are considerations to consider when deciding whether to repair or fully replace the unit. In many cases, if the furnace is over 10 years old and out of warranty and the repair is over 25 – 50% of the cost to replace, it usually makes some financial sense to replace the unit.

The reason for this is that mechanical systems get a lot of use and as they age, more and more issues can crop up. If a furnace costs say $5000 (ballpark) dollars to fully replace and the repair cost is around $2000 dollars, a repair could be the incorrect decision in the long run as there is no guarantee that other issues will not come up shortly after the initial repair. Sort of like if an older car needs new brakes and then a transmission all in the same month. These are unrelated systems in a car and they can break independently of each other. Sometimes, depending on the customer’s situation it is better to do a full replacement and get a brand new 10 year warranty plus 2 year workmanship warranty as well as the peace of mind that additional repairs costs won’t be around the corner again.

We never want our customers to end up in a situation where the cost of the repairs amounts to what could have been a replacement and they are still living with an old piece of equipment. We try our best to make the best judgement possible and ask our customers to work with us to make the best decisions for their individual situation. That usually requires communication and transparency from both parties to ensure things go as smoothly as possible.

What if I am Just Calling for an Installation or Replacement Quote?

Marx Mechanical provides free quotes on installation and replacement services that do not involve a service call and diagnosis!

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Home Energy Rebates for Ontario Homeowners

February 5, 2023/in Latest News /by Ace ciwebgroup

Our Simple Straightforward Energy Rebate Guide:

Useful information on home rebates for heat pumps and other energy-efficient upgrades.

Homeowners such as yourself can now take advantage of the many rebates currently available in Ontario. The home retrofit grants currently available for eligible homeowners can be used for all types of upgrades including those for heat pumps and other energy-efficient improvements.

As of January 2023, the Canada Green Homes Grant is being co-delivered by Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) and Enbridge Gas in Ontario. The program is now called the Home Efficiency Rebate Plus (HER+) program.

These grants help you retrofit your home with energy-efficient solutions that will save you money, have a positive effect on the environment, and help make your home more comfortable for you and your family year-round.

Get up to $6,500 in rebates on Heating & Cooling solutions!
Get up to $600 towards energy audits!

Why Retrofit my Home?

First, you might be asking yourself, why should I even think about retrofitting my home in the first place?

Great questions! You’ve come to the right place.

First, heating and cooling solutions have improved tremendously over the past few years.

There are now many great options available that offer you comfort during cold winters and hot summers. At the same time, they rely less on traditional energy sources which will insulate you from rising energy costs and save you money in the long run.

Along with the available rebates you can also apply for the Canada Greener Homes Loan which offers an interest-free loan of up to $40,000.

These rebates along with the interest-free loan allow you to take advantage of many energy-efficient heating and cooling solutions while saving you money!

Protect yourself against rising energy costs

First, like many other things in life, the price of traditional energy sources like natural gas continues to go up and spike. Although you don’t have the option to stop heating and cooling your home you can equip your homes with more efficient solutions. Heat pumps and other energy-efficient solutions allow you to rely less on energy sources, become more self-reliant, and help insulate yourself from rising costs.

https://ici.radio-canada.ca/rci/en/news/1824946/why-natural-gas-prices-have-surged-to-some-of-their-highest-levels-in-years

Invest in energy-efficient solutions and save money

New technology like heat pumps are becoming increasingly popular. Not only has the technology improved over the past few years but there are more options like hybrid heat pumps that work seamlessly with a traditional system. The available rebates make it affordable for you to take advantage of these technologies today so that you can start saving money on your monthly bills now. That’s more money in your pocket now and well into the future.

Environmental benefits

In Canada, about 35 percent of homes are currently heated with natural gas furnaces. Residential homes are a major contributor to Ontario’s overall greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions with 60% of energy consumption in an average home used for space heating.

By switching to a more energy-efficient solution you’re able to reduce your home’s impact on the environment while also saving money. It’s a win-win situation!

Ok, now that we’ve discussed some of the reasons why energy retrofits might benefit you, let’s now talk about the rebate process.

Contact one of our Comfort Advisors to learn more.

How Does the Homeowner Rebate Program Work?

Simple Process for Applying and Getting Approved for Home Efficiency Rebates

So now that we’ve discussed some of the benefits, let’s now go through the process and discuss exactly how you can apply and get approved for both the HER+ rebate program and the Canada Greener Homes Loan.

We understand how confusing the process can be so we want to make it as easy for you as possible to understand and apply.

If you still have any questions regarding the process or what upgrades are best for your home feel free to contact one of our experienced comfort advisors.

The Ontario Homeowner Process for New Applicants:

1) Go to the Enbridge HER+ program web page to get started:

Below is the main page for the rebate program. You’ll want to start by first filling out the short questionnaire.

https://www.enbridgegas.com/residential/rebates-energy-conservation/home-efficiency-rebate-plus

2) Get a pre-retrofit evaluation

Before you get approved you’ll need to get a pre-retrofit audit done on your home. A list of Registered Energy Advisors can be found on the HER+ webpage or call us directly to be connected to one of our preferred advisors.

Connect with a registered energy advisor here to get rebate information for your specific home

3) Receive a custom home energy audit report.

Once your pre-retrofit audit is completed you’ll receive a custom report with recommendations on upgrades your home qualifies for.

4) Apply for the Canada Green Home Loan (Optional)

With your pre-retrofit audit in hand you’ll be able to apply for up to a $40,000 interest-free loan.

https://www.nrcan.gc.ca/energy-efficiency/homes/canada-greener-homes-initiative/canada-greener-homes-loan/24286

Maximum: $40,000
Minimum: $5,000
Repayment term: 10 years, interest-free
Loan type: Unsecured personal loan on approved credit

5) Complete your upgrades

Complete at least one eligible upgrade.

Feel free to contact us regarding the recommended solutions and pricing. Even if we do not cover your geographical area we’re happy to provide you with useful information to help ensure you find a reputable contractor.

6) Schedule your post-retrofit energy evaluation.

Your energy advisor can help you schedule this and ensure your eligible rebates are applied.

7) Receive your rebate!

Receive up to $6500 in rebates on eligible heating and cooling solutions.

Also, receive up to an additional $600 for completed energy audits.

8) Get peace of mind through our warranties and membership program.

As an added step, if you choose us for your retrofit we will register the warranties for your system.

You’ll also have the option to sign up for our membership program. Our program provides you with scheduled maintenance on your system and discounts on a number of our services.

Congratulations!

That’s it you’re done! Once complete you would have increased the comfort of your home for your family by installing an energy-efficient heating and cooling system.

And by taking advantage of the available rebates you’ll save money while making a positive impact on the environment.

Take advantage of this great opportunity today!

Get Started with Marx Mechanical!

Home Efficiency Rebate Plus FAQ

https://www.enbridgegas.com/residential/rebates-energy-conservation/home-efficiency-rebate-plus/faq

Air Conditioning Lingo

March 23, 2022/in Latest News /by Ace ciwebgroup

Air ConditionER Lingo

Tonnage

The word tonnage is often thrown around by HVAC technicians. What does it mean?

Many people think it has something to do with how many tons of air the unit handles in a given time but air conditioning tonnage has nothing to do with weight.

Tonnage is a term that describes how much heat the AC unit can remove from a home in one hour. The measurement for heat is the British thermal unit (BTU). One ton of air conditioning can remove 12,000 BTUs of air per hour. British Thermal units is a measurement of how much heat energy is required to melt ice.

Credit: AC Warehouse

Central AC

Most homes have a central AC unit or the ductwork and furnace/ air handler set up to accommodate an AC. Air conditioners come in various sizes for residential markets. Essentially ranging from 1.5 tons to 5 tons of cooling there are options for all sizes of homes. Composed of an outdoor condenser and an indoor evaporator, an air conditioner works by absorbing heat energy from inside the home and rejecting it outside. Although it feels like the system is creating cold air it is actually simply a process of removing heat from the air and circulating that air around the home. This process removes humidity at the same time allowing for a more comfortable conditioned space.

Seer Ratings

Central air systems come in all shapes, sizes and efficiency ratings. The most common air conditioner for a typical residential home is a 13 Seer air condition of whatever tonnage is appropriate for the size home. The seer ratings means (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) which is a measure of an air conditioner’s cooling efficiency. The higher the SEER, the more efficient the product. The benefits of higher efficiency units is lower cost of operation but up front costs will be quite a bit more depending on the SEER rating you are looking for. Reach out to the Marx Team today to discuss options that are best for your home and budget.

Top 5 Reasons to Get a Professional HVAC Tune-Up

July 27, 2021/in Latest News /by Ace ciwebgroup

All Mechanical Systems Require Regular Maintenance

When it comes to saving money, there is a short-term view and long-term view. Most of the time, it’s easier to make decisions that would mean being able to save money when you see what something costs up front. That’s a good thing! You get to keep some money while being able to buy what you need or want.

However, there are times when spending a little bit of money up front would result in greater savings overall. How is spending more money now going to help you save, you may ask? Professional Tune-ups.

Consider Regular HVAC Maintenance

Your furnace and air conditioner are designed to function optimally for as long as they can. They are built to last, but over time, both your heating and cooling equipment are subjected to wear and tear which affect their performance and lifespan.

Although HVAC equipment are meant to last a long time and can withstand extensive daily use, this does not mean that they shouldn’t be given regular maintenance.

As a homeowner you may not realize that in the span of a year, the HVAC systems operate for as much as 3,300 hours. It may not sound like a lot, but to give a bit of perspective, that’s similar to a car driving over 200,000 miles at 65kph for 3,300 hours!

For a journey like that, a responsible car owner would arrange for lubrication, oil changes, tire maintenance, and tune-ups along the way to make it safely to their destination without their vehicle breaking down.

In order for your furnace and air conditioner and for you to be able to maximize its lifespan, routine HVAC tune ups are a necessity. Here are the top five reasons why you should get a professional HVAC tune-up:

Increased Reliability

You can rest assured that your air conditioning and heating system won’t suddenly go berserk on you, when a professional HVAC technician regularly checks and tunes it up for maximum efficiency. A trained eye can see which parts need maintenance or replacement and when doing so, increases the health and longevity of your HVAC.

Energy Costs Savings

A fine-tuned system consumes energy more efficiently, giving you the right amount of cooling or heating. The efficiency ensured by regular HVAC maintenance can add up over time in the form of lower utility bills. Think of it this way, the money you spend on tune-ups pays itself off and also ultimately helps you save money by ensuring your HVAC is efficiently consuming energy instead of requiring more of it.

Safety

That odd sound and clanking noise is indicative of something wrong with your machine. Particularly true for heating systems, having odd noises looked at as soon as possible can mean a huge difference when it comes to safety. Tune-ups can and will prevent accidents caused by faulty indicators or damaged heating systems.

By having a professional HVAC technician perform a tune up, you can also catch issues which may not always present themselves as visible symptoms. Symptoms such as leaks and other internal machine damages.

Improved Comfort and Air Quality

You can enjoy consistent performance and cleaner interior air with regular maintenance. Cleaned out filters or those which may need replacing can be addressed. Your interior air will be cooler or hotter as needed while being allergen- and microbe-free as well.

Maximized Lifespan

An HVAC system that is well-taken care of can serve you for a long time. By allocating the necessary budget for routine checks and tune-ups, you will get he most value out of your heating & cooling system.

If you have questions, give us a call at +1-289-301-0720 and we can walk you through it.

Signs that Your AC Is Not Functioning Properly

June 29, 2021/in Latest News /by

Can You Tell if Your Air Conditioner is Broken?

A brand-new air conditioner is great! It keeps your home cool and does so consistently. Good quality air conditioners can be at peak performance for years. This gives you that cool and clean air even when it’s sweltering outside.

However, over time and due to various factors, the performance of your air conditioner can deteriorate. This is expected from any type of equipment. With regular A/C maintenance, you can prolong the life of your air conditioner for up to 15 years!

If you are diligent on maintenance, you will most likely not encounter the common signs of a malfunctioning AC.

But if you’ve skipped on some maintenance or have an older unit, below are the signs that your air conditioner is not working properly:

The temperature you set is not holding

When you notice that your AC can no longer pull the temperate down or if the temperature you’ve set it at fluctuates, it may be time to have your air conditioner serviced. If you hold your hand or a light material close to the register, you may also observe an insufficient air flow from your diffusers which potentially indicates a frozen or dirty evaporator coil.

The inside of the house feels humid

Relative to not being able to hold the temperature, a malfunctioning AC may make the house feel humid. Because it no longer effectively removes heat and humidity, you may observe a certain level of humidity you didn’t notice before when your air conditioner was working at 100%. If you notice humidity inside of your home it may be time to have your air conditioner serviced.

Funny noises

It is normal for your air conditioner to make some buzzing or humming sounds during operation, but hearing unusual noises means something is likely malfunctioning. Loud, sudden, clunks and rattling noises could mean issues with the internal components namely outdoor fan motor compressor or blower motor. The compressor, condenser fan, blower fan motor or contactor could all cause strange sounds when malfunctioning. If your air conditioner is making any abnormal sounds it might be time to call your trusted HVAC specialist for a consultation.

Water leaks

Some condensation may be observed from the outer body of the outside condenser or the furnace area inside the home. However, an excessive amount of water dripping from your unit especially at a fast pace means there is an accumulation of water inside. While A/C units use refrigerants to cool your home, there should never be an accumulation of water in or around your unit. An active leak is a sign that your AC needs professional maintenance.

Bad odours

HVAC systems can sometimes deal with microbial growths in and around the evaporator coil. This may be caused by improper or insufficient cleaning and can easily be diagnosed and fixed. If you notice unwanted odours from your AC, it is best to have it cleaned sooner rather than later, as microbial growth can only get worse from there. An inspection by an HVAC specialist can determine if your AC needs a tune up or perhaps a deep clean which can be done at the same time. One effective method is by using a parts safe chemical cleaners to get rid of any unwanted microbial growth.

Most of the Time, You’ll Notice

Many of these signs are easily observed when you pay attention to your air conditioner’s performance. If you notice one or multiple signs, it would be best to call an HVAC specialist to check on the status of your system.

Leaving the problem undiagnosed can result in more damage, ultimately meaning more expenses in the long run. With regular maintenance and professional servicing, you can rest assured that you’ll get the most out of your AC’s lifespan.

Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us today for an assessment of your Air Conditioner or Join the Marx Comfort Club and let us maintain your system for you!

If you have questions and further concerns while deciding whether or not to get a heat pump installed or are looking for maintenance to keep your heat pump in top performance, give us a call at +1-289-301-0720 and we can walk you through it.

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