Determining the Right Size of Your Surrey Heating System

Do you often feel cold at home even with the heater on? For that matter, do you even feel any heat from the furnace or boiler at the basement? If you answered "yes" to either or both of these questions, there's a good chance that you don't have the right heater size.


Experts say it's not easy to determine what furnace or boiler fits the bill since several factors come into play. Still, it's necessary to get a clear idea of how much heating capacity you need for your home. This doesn't only apply to heating Surrey homes use, but also to air conditioning and plumbing. It's for this reason that sizing should be done by a professional.

Windows, siding, and roofing

Most of the time, the heater doesn't do the heating alone; rather, it works alongside other things that provide insulation. To note; windows, sidings, and roofs contribute to the collective effort of keeping the home at a comfortable temperature.


If you have quality windows, sidings, and roofs, you won't need a bulky or powerful heater because they help retain the heat for longer periods, reducing the need to operate the heater frequently. Statistics Canada reports that the average temperature for homes ranges between 20 to 22 degrees Celsius when the occupants are awake and 16 to 18 degrees Celsius when they are asleep. You shouldn't need a very powerful heater for that.

Manual J and Manual D

Manual J and Manual D are two familiar terms in the Surrey heating industry. These are used by heating contractors in load calculation and duct design for specific buildings' HVAC systems. Due to the complexity of such calculations, contractors today use computer software, rather than pen and paper to get an accurate assessment.


Both Manual J and Manual D are required by most building codes to determine how much heat should be supplied to the home. Nevertheless, many contractors still prefer the "rule of thumb," like one ton of cooling or heating for every 400 square feet. As a result, most of the heating and cooling systems in many North American homes are oversized by 30 to 200 percent.


Determining heat load isn't easy; and the consequences of an undersized or oversized heating system are critical. Furthermore, energy costs are notably higher than they were a few decades ago, such that many Canadians cannot afford to pay more than what is actually needed. Heating Surrey BC homes should be done with as much accuracy as possible; and using software may prove necessary. Consult with a reputable firm such as Milani on how to properly go about this.

Tips in Finding a Trustworthy Plumber in Vancouver

Vancouver may have experienced a cool spring this year, but locals are advised to brace themselves for extreme heat in the coming days. In fact, the local government has already issued tips on how to keep cool this summer and has set up drinking water stations in various parts of the city to help everyone stay hydrated all day.


Homeowners should be advised that temperatures exceeding 32 degrees can be harmful to a plumbing system. Extreme heat can boil water in the pipes, causing them to burst. Since repairing or replacing pipes may be too risky to undertake on your own, it’s best to call on a plumber in Vancouver.


Finding a plumber is easy as there may be several in your area. However, finding a plumber you can trust to do a quality job takes a lot of work. Asking recommendations from your friends or neighbors is a good place to start. This way, you can get first-hand information about the plumber’s professionalism, fees, and the overall quality of his service.


If your friends or neighbors hire a different plumber each time for their plumbing needs, chances are that they weren’t happy with the services they’ve been getting. That being the case, you can then do your own research. Contractors for home improvement projects typically work with a plumber so you can also ask them for recommendations. You can also ask your real estate agent. It's good to have several options before you make a final choice.


It's important to check if the plumber has a license to work in your area. You must also check their affiliations, if any, with the Plumbing Heating Cooling Contractors Association or the Quality Service Contractors. Having these affiliations means they've passed strict standards in work quality. A Vancouver plumber working under a company that has been accredited by the Better Business Bureau would also be someone you can trust.


Once you find a plumber you think may be right for the job, request him to do an inspection and assessment of your plumbing system. He should be able to give you the exact details of the repair or replacement work you'll need and what it could cost. A trustworthy plumber from reputable companies like Milani will provide you with an accurate cost estimate so you can plan your budget accordingly.


Skilled plumbers can do repair work within a reasonable timeframe. However, the quality of their work is still more important than how quickly the work is accomplished. An expert plumber Vancouver homeowners can rely on ensures that your plumbing system is running smoothly before signing off on the completed work.