Have you ever wondered why some rooms in your home feel uncomfortably hot, while others remain perfectly cool? Here’s the simple answer: uneven air conditioning.
Uneven air conditioning is a common issue homeowners face, especially during the summer. However, it’s more than just being uncomfortable – having uneven air conditioning can also increase your energy bill.
But we have good news, Advance Heating and Cooling specializes in discovering and resolving problems just like these, ensuring every room in your house is cool.
Join us as we look at the most common causes of uneven air conditioning and how our experts at Advance Heating and Cooling can help.
Uneven cooling in your home can have multiple contributing factors, each impacting your comfort and utility bill. Let’s identify these issues, discover the solutions, and determine when it’s time to consult an expert:
Large windows can be aesthetically appealing but can also come with problems. Windows that face the sun absorb more heat during the day. The sun can overpower your AC, causing certain rooms to be warmer than others.
Using blinds or heavy curtains can minimize sunlight. If you want to enjoy the natural light, we can provide a more permanent solution by installing solar films or energy-efficient windows.
Old and poorly maintained ducts can cause leaks or blockages, restricting airflow to certain areas of your home. Inspecting ducts for damage or blockages can improve circulation issues.
Duct tape can be used for minor leaks, however, for larger issues, an inspection and repair of your ducts from our technicians can ensure they are in top condition.
Depending on the size of your AC unit, it may not be able to circulate air effectively throughout your home. The result of a small AC unit causes uneven temperatures across multiple rooms.
To determine whether your AC unit is the right size, use an AC BTU Calculator. For an accurate evaluation, consult with our team at Advance Heating and Cooling to see if you are due for an upgrade.
If your thermostat is near heat-producing appliances or direct sunlight, it can often misread your home’s actual temperature, causing your AC to shut off at inappropriate times. A good way to mitigate this is to relocate heat-producing appliances away from your thermostat.
Using curtains or blinds where light touches your thermostat can also be helpful, as direct sunlight can mess with the unit’s calibration.
Cool air can escape while hot air infiltrates your home due to poor insulation, leading to hotter temperatures where it shouldn’t be. Check your insulation along your windows and doors, along with your attic, if possible. Adding insulation can be a DIY air conditioning project. For complete coverage, our insulation services can accurately fix these issues.
Furniture, curtains, and dust can prevent air vents from properly distributing air. Rearranging the layout of your furniture, replacing curtains with window-length blinds, and removing dust or crumbs can clear obstructions. For optimal airflow, we can adjust the entirety of your ventilation system.
Over time, filters can clog with dust, restricting airflow and reducing the efficiency of your air conditioning. Replace your air filters regularly, ideally every 1-3 months. How often you should change your air filters depends on how much air conditioning is used, the size of your house, and what your household conditions are.
Like regular insulation in your walls, old windows can have cracks that let cool air out and hot air in. Caulk or weather stripping can temporarily relieve smaller cracks in your windows.
Each of these uneven cooling issues can be frustrating when trying to enjoy your home this summer. While some problems are easily fixable on your own, the expertise of Advance Heating and Cooling can provide effective and long-lasting solutions to maintain an energy-efficient home.
When minor DIY adjustments to your home only last temporarily, it may be time to look for a more efficient and permanent solution. These interventions often require the expertise of a professional, which is why Advance Heating and Cooling is your best bet to ensure your AC runs effectively throughout each room of your home.
Like anything we use, objects in our homes can deteriorate over time. Ducts can be a significant cause of uneven cooling, energy loss, and reduced system efficiency with common problems such as leaks, holes, and poor connections in ductwork. Advance Heating and Cooling provides intricate ductwork inspections, offering repairs or replacements of damaged ducts. Implementing our services allows your AC to perform to the best of its ability, saving you money.
An aging or undersized AC unit may struggle to evenly distribute cool air throughout your home. An inadequate system can lead to continual stress, resulting in frequent breakdowns and an increased energy bill. A task that can be hard to manage on your own can be passed into the hands of our professionals.
We can inspect your current AC system and recommend an upgrade or replacement that will properly circulate throughout the dimensions of your home. Upgraded HVAC services provide better cooling, energy, consumption, and cleaner air quality.
To maintain a consistent temperature throughout your home, proper insulation plays a significant part in keeping things cool. Air that seeps through cracks can also increase your energy bill due to your AC having to overcompensate. Advance Heating and Cooling can assess your current insulation and make installations where necessary.
Large floor plans and multi-level homes may need proper zoning systems to manage temperature changes in each area. Zoning systems allow you to individually control each part of your house to ensure comfort on each floor or room. Installing advanced zoning systems is not a task that can be done as a DIY project – unless you’re a pro! Contact the experts for specialized projects like this.
These advanced solutions provided by Advance Heating and Cooling address the root causes of uneven temperatures, saving you from a costly energy bill and heat!
Having a comfortable home may not need professional intervention right away. Minor issues can be tackled with basic knowledge and regular checks. Here are some practical tips for air conditioning that will help these household issues run smoother, and when to call our professionals.
An easy yet significant task that can tackle your air conditioning issues is checking and replacing your air filters. As we mentioned earlier, dirty (or clogged) filters prevent airflow and can lead to uneven cooling.
Locate your air filter slots
Remove old filters and check for an accumulation of dirt and debris.
If the filters look grey, they may be clogged. This is when they need replacing.
The consistency of the temperature across all rooms of your house heavily relies on proper thermostat settings. Consistently adjusting your thermostat settings to accommodate the room it's in can help save energy and keep comfort levels balanced.
The positioning of your furniture, or long drapes can cover vents can prevent air from circulating, leading to hot and cold zones in your home. For unobstructed vents, adjust your furniture, and consider window-length blinds to keep your vents clear. Make sure both supply and return air vents are clear of any dust, allowing for consistent airflow in each room.
While these DIY air conditioning tips can help with smaller issues, there’s no substitute when it comes to a permanent and solid solution. Regular servicing by Advance Heating and Cooling can fix problems that you are unable to solve yourself, while also preventing further issues down the line. Both of which can, ironically, save you time and money in the long-run.
Addressing uneven cooling in your home and the actions required can prevent temperature spikes and a costly energy bill. If you've tried simpler fixes such as using curtains to block out sunlight or taping your ducts but still notice problems, it might be time to consult with professionals.
Contact us at Advance Heating and Cooling for a proper inspection of your home and see what services we can provide to ensure maximum daily comfort.
If you live in Kitchener, it is quite possible that you have bought a home or are thinking of buying a home that was built between 1995-2007. Homes built during this period may contain a hidden danger: Kitec plumbing, which poses a serious risk of significant water damage.
As a homeowner, it’s important to understand the effects Kitec plumbing may have on your house, and what you can do to stay on top of it.
Here, we explain how to identify if you have Kitec plumbing in your household and its associated risks, along with the necessary steps to protect your home from water damage, and costly repairs. Let’s be proactive and save your current or future home from becoming an expensive inconvenience in the future.
Advance Heading and Cooling is here to help. Do not hesitate to reach out to us for any of your HVAC or plumbing needs, including 24/7 repairs. Our experienced team is just a phone call or email away!
From 1995 to 2007, Kitec plumbing was installed in many homes in Kitchener and across Canada–the reason being that it was a cost-effective product that was easily installable compared to typical copper pipes.
Kitec pipes were manufactured by IPEX Inc. and were purposely made to be marketed as a simpler, and more affordable way to install plumbing.
Kitec plumbing incorporated many materials into their pipes, including metal, plastic, resin adhesives, and brass. The outer layers of the pipes are coloured bright orange for hot water lines and bright blue for cold water lines. Many homeowners and installers liked this approach as it made it easier to distinguish between the two. The materials used to structure the pipes provided a durable and flexible solution that made plumbing seem simpler at the time.
Unfortunately, Kitec plumbing's affordability came at a high price: premature failure and costly repairs. Copper piping, while more expensive upfront, proved to be a far wiser investment in the long run.
In the beginning, Kitec plumbing was well-received and seemingly made good on its promises. However, it didn’t take long for Kitec plumbing to start having issues. After a while, homeowners who used Kitec plumbing found that their pipes were corroding, leading to significant damage to their plumbing.
Due to the volume of these issues, Kitec decided to recall their products in 2005. As of now, homeowners who have never replaced their Kitec plumbing are at risk of costly water damage repairs.
Not sure how to identify Kitec plumbing in your current or future home? We have the answers to help you take preventative action.
One of the only beneficial aspects of Kitec piping is its noticeable colouring: bright orange for hot water and bright blue for cold water lines. Knowing when your home was built, or when piping was installed can also determine if you have Kitec plumbing. Once you’ve found these pipes, you will also see the label ASTM 1281, which proves its identity.
You may be wondering where to look for Kitec pipes in your house. Common places you can look for the tell-tale colours and labels are:
Near your water heater
Under your kitchen sink
In the bathroom
These are the most accessible areas to find out if you have Kitec plumbing.
Colour: Bright orange pipes for hot water and blue pipes for cold water.
Label: The ASTM 1281 is printed on the outside of the pipes.
Year: Kitec piping installations were present in Kitchener homes between 1995 and 2007.
Your water heater is a good starting point for a plumbing inspection. It's often the most accessible place to check what type of pipes are installed in your house. If you’re still unsure, the kitchen sink or bathroom are other places to examine.
If you think you may have Kitec plumbing in your house, and you’re still unsure, it may be best to consult a licensed plumber. Our professionals can accurately define Kitec pipes and help you take action to protect your home from future plumbing issues.
Even though Kitec plumbing was viewed as a less expensive and practical option when it was first introduced, it eventually came with its own set of challenges.
One of the main issues reported is that Kitec pipes and brass fittings are prone to corrosion. The brass fittings may have seemed like a durable option at the time, but their high levels of zinc reacted with the composition of the pipes and caused a build-up of zinc oxide. This buildup limited proper water flow and weakened the fittings.
Additionally, the pipes were prone to corroding on their own. Kitec used an aluminum layer in their piping, inadvertently causing water to react with other elements, leading to deterioration in a shorter amount of time. The combination of corrosion and the expansion and contraction of plastic and aluminum layers from temperature changes eventually caused the pipes to burst.
Recognizing the potential for extensive damage from plumbing failures is key to preventing these costly issues.
Burst pipes can lead to extreme water damage, and expensive repairs, which end up costing more than replacing your plumbing system entirely.
Water damage can affect the structure of your home, ruining walls, floors, carpets, furniture, and valuable possessions.
Chronic leaks can run up your water bill and harbour mold, which puts you and your family members at risk of serious health problems, especially those with breathing problems and allergies.
Given these negative consequences, it is important to address these plumbing issues head-on. Don't wait for Kitec plumbing to wreak havoc on your life. Replacing it now provides peace of mind and eliminates the worry of future damage, health risks, and costly repairs.
Without taking preventative measures, replacing Kitec plumbing can be quite costly. Depending on the size of your home, expenses can range from a few thousand dollars to tens of thousands. With this information, you have the power to save yourself a hefty bill.
Investing in new plumbing largely outweighs the potential costs of damage done to your home, and replacement costs combined. Water damage can lead to expensive household repairs, structural problems, ruined possessions, and the need for mold removal. Now that you are aware of the risks Kitec plumbing may cause, it is in your best interest to replace your plumbing sooner than later, to maintain the integrity of your home.
A class-action lawsuit resulting in a $125 million settlement against Kitec’s manufacturer, IPEX Inc. was a way for affected homeowners to receive compensation for the damages their homes endured. Unfortunately, as of now, the deadline to file a claim against IPEX has passed.
With insurance, however, homeowners who were affected by Kitec’s faulty plumbing may be able to cover the cost of a Kitec plumbing replacement to avoid future water damage expenses.
Contractors may also be held accountable. If your contractor failed to disclose that Kitec plumbing was recalled in 2007, then there may be an option to receive financial compensation. Review your insurance policy and discuss with a legal representative if these aspects apply to you.
If you suspect your home has Kitec plumbing, taking action as soon as possible is the best way to prevent future hassles. Here are the steps you should take:
Look for the bright orange and blue colouring, and the ASTM 1281 label to see if the year your plumbing was installed was between 1995 and 2007. Once you have confirmed, or you’re still wondering if you have Kitec plumbing, you can hire our licensed and certified plumbers to inspect your pipes.
Having a plumber evaluate the current condition of your pipes by determining signs of corrosion and wear will provide you with answers on the urgency of replacing your plumbing. Pipes and fittings that are in poor condition are warned with immediate action to prevent a potential burst.
Investing in proper plumbing can save you big bucks. Discussing with our plumbers about the costs of Kitec plumbing replacement based on your home's size is a necessary step to avoid added expenses associated with water damage and mold remediation.
In the event of a pipe burst or a leak, knowing how to shut off your household water main is a crucial action to minimize damage. To shut off your water supply, find the location of your main shut-off valve and turn the water off. Letting your family members know about this procedure can reduce risks, especially when you're not home.
Regularly checking your plumbing system allows you to stay on top of any minor issues. Minor leaks or long-term wear can affect plumbing fixtures, hoses, valves, and brackets. Stay on top of your plumbing to avoid irreversible damage.
By determining whether you have Kitec plumbing and facing the issues it presents head-on, you can proactively avoid a significant headache. Understanding the risks, replacing old plumbing, and regularly inspecting your plumbing are preventable ways to maintain the upkeep of your home. To learn more about your household’s plumbing, contact Advance Heating and Cooling for our expertise in reliable plumbing services.
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