Surrey and Coquitlam are both cities in the Canadian province of British Columbia. The main difference between the two is that Coquitlam is a suburb, whereas Surrey is a large metropolitan area. Regardless of which city you live in, proper home maintenance has similar importance and processes. For instance, if your Surrey heating system breaks down, then you can perform similar ways of troubleshooting for repairs as when you are in Coquitlam. These are a few things you can do to check if your heating system is operating properly.

The Thermostat   

Your heating system’s thermostat is the device that senses and controls the temperature so that it is kept at a set level. If the system is on but the display is dark, check for a possible faulty or drained battery. Dust the electrical connections within the thermostat, as dirt and dust particles may interfere with its proper operation.

Heat Pump

The heat pump basically transfers heat from a heat source to a heat sink against a temperature gradient, a quantity that describes the changes in temperature as a function of distance and altitude. It is composed of an indoor and outdoor unit. Switch on your unit and listen outside for the sound of the motor and compressor (the latter has a more distinct hum than the motor). If one turns on but not the other, your unit may have some electrical problems.

Gas Heater

In contrast to the heat pump, gas heaters are powered by fuel. One of the most common problems of this unit is noise. Strange sounds coming from your heater may be due to access panels that have become loose, damaged belts, a dirty burner, etc. If your burners are off and the sound remains, your pilot light might need adjusting.

Repair or Replacement

After identifying the problem in your heating system, you can now decide on whether you should call in professional contractors for repairs, or simply buy replacement parts to install yourself. Many contractors like Milani Plumbing, Drainage and Heating can help you out either way.

For more serious heating issues, call a dependable plumber in Coquitlam or Surrey for maintenance. Don’t take for granted the value of a well-functioning heating system and the consequences of a damaged one. Whether you live in a cozy suburban area or in the fast-paced metropolis, your home needs warmth—literally and figuratively—to withstand the cold seasons.

Canada may be approaching the last stretch of winter, but this doesn't mean the cold weather is over.  In the British Columbia city of Port Moody, for instance, the temperatures remain below 10 degrees Fahrenheit. Thus, homeowners need to regularly check their furnaces to ensure that they are functioning at their optimum. Having strange noises emanate from your furnace is a sure sign that something is amiss.  But what exactly could these noises mean? Here's a look at the possible meanings of those unusual sounds:

Groaning

People usually groan when they're in pain; and the same might be said of your furnace. A groaning noise typically means your motor’s main bearing assemblies (the mounts of the motor shaft that allows it to rotate smoothly) have had enough, and are calling out for lubrication, or renewal. Call on Port Moody furnace repair specialists like the ones from Milani Plumbing, Drainage, and Heating to have these affected parts repaired or replaced as needed.

Squealing

A squealing sound from a pig may seem cute, but the same can't be said when it comes from your furnace. This is because this noise usually indicates an air leak, something that's a serious matter that must be looked into immediately. Don’t attempt to pin down the source of the leak by yourself. Leave this job to the professionals.

Clicking

Like the squealing noise, this problem may seem nonthreatening at first; but it's likely to turn into something worse if you don't address it. A loud click usually means there's a leak in the gas valve; so when you hear this sound, immediately turn your furnace, as well as your gas line, off to stop more gas from leaking out. Again, don't try to trace the source of the leak on your own; call in the professionals instead.

Popping or Rattling

Popping and rattling sounds from your furnace typically mean loose ductwork. You can tighten the loose ductwork by attaching metal braces to affected portions. You can also add flexible insulation to the ducts to eliminate the rattling or popping noises.

Once you hear any of these peculiar sounds, have your furnace checked immediately. A working furnace will help keep you warm for the rest of the winter. To further ensure a warm and comfortable home, consider hiring Surrey plumbing contractors to inspect and service your water heating system.