Pro West Heating, Author at Pro-West

Factors To Consider Before Hiring An HVAC Contractor

There are many HVAC contractors working in the market. All of them claim to be working professionally according to their skills. Thus, it is up to you to seek out and hire a professional HVAC contractor. A contractor who claims to be professional and reliable should be able to provide the best HVAC services and source reliable, high quality HVAC products. To find the right contractor, one should know the characteristics of a good contractor. When you need HVAC services, you should look for an expert near your area. To find the best person to provide the best HVAC services, you must know the factors which should be considered while finding a professional contractor. This blog post will help you understand those factors.

Relevant Work Experience

Work experience is the most important factor to focus on when hiring an HVAC expert. A contractor without experience can damage your HVAC system and waste your money. Contrarily, an experienced contractor is able to understand the requirements of your HVAC system in a building. A contractor with good credentials can provide good services. An experienced HVAC contractor gives the best advice for your HVAC system installation, repair, and replacement. A contractor can analyze the need for an HVAC system and suggest the system which will work best in the building.

Contractor License

A contractor with no license is unreliable. It is never advised to trust a person who does not have a license to provide services in your area. Such contractors are working illegally on their own. You can not claim any damage or fraud from the contractors who are not registered with the government and do not have the relevant documents. So when looking for an HVAC contractor, try to reach contractors who have permission to give services in your area. A license is given to reputed contractors only, so you will get the services of an expert if you book a licensed contractor. Having a license means this person has been working in this field for a long time and gives reliable services. Thus, when looking for a professional contractor, you should check the license and any certificate which shows the person has the ability to work.

Working Ability

A person’s ability to work describes the level of services that will be provided. The efficiency of the services is linked with the abilities of the contractor. Thus, a prospective HVAC contractor’s abilities should be judged. A contractor should be able to demonstrate the ability to provide reliable HVAC services in a specified time frame. A contractor who is able to do so will have completed many projects in his career. Find a contractor whose services and HVAC products are being used in the market.

Reviews

Looking for an experienced contractor means the HVAC contractor should have worked with many clients. These clients leave reviews about the services they got from the contractor. It is crucial to have a look at the reviews of a contractor before hiring them. By checking their reviews, you will be able to make the right decision about the contractor. There are some resources such as rating and complaint bureaus where authentic information and reviews are available. Checking online reviews is also a good option. Websites of contractors are reviewed by their customers. You can personally contact someone using the services of a prospective HVAC contractor to learn about their efficiency. Whatever way is used, gathering information about the contractor is crucial.

Price

Obviously, it is important to get the best services at the best price. Every customer considers the pricing when hiring an HVAC contractor. HVAC system products and services are always expensive. So it is better to find a person who has the best services at reasonable rates than other contractors in the market. While considering the pricing for HVAC services, the quality should be considered. If a contractor is providing less expensive services, but the quality and reliability are not satisfactory, it is best not to work with them. If you do so, you will have to pay again and again to repair low-quality HVAC systems and services. A qualified contractor will have slightly higher rates but provide high-quality services.

About Pro West Heating & Air Conditioning

Giving high-quality services is our mission. Pro-West Heating & Air Conditioning can solve issues with your HVAC system. Our experts provide top-notch advice about efficient systems that can fulfill the unique heating and cooling needs of your building. If you need installation, repair, or replacement services for your HVAC system, please give us a call. We will soon have a meeting with you to understand your requirements.

Top Benefits Of Hiring A Professional AC Repair Company

Air conditioners have become a basic necessity with summers’ ever-increasing scorching heat. They are the only source of comfort when you get back home after a long tiring day and want to have a peaceful place to enjoy its cooling. However, as air conditioners are used for a long time and for an extended period of time, they tend to sustain a significant amount of wear and tear.

As a result, their performance is often compromised due to the wear and tear or any indoor or outdoor unit problem. As a homeowner, it might be difficult for you to repair your AC on your own due to a lack of knowledge, tools, and skills.

Hiring a reliable HVAC company for AC repair is one of the best decisions you can make to improve the longevity of your AC system. This blog post highlights the top benefits of hiring a professional AC repair company.

They Have The Necessary Experience

One of the biggest benefits of hiring a professional AC repair company is that they have the necessary experience for it. The structure of an AC indoor unit or outdoor unit is quite complex, without the necessary repair experience, you can lead yourself to more problems down the road. A professional HVAC company has the required experts who will be able to solve your problem much more quickly and efficiently, so your AC won’t create the same problems again.

These Companies Are Insured And Licenced

Hiring an insured and licensed company will not hold you responsible for any damage or something that goes wrong during the AC repair process. Therefore, it is necessary to hire a licensed one and ensure that the AC repair contractor has passed a series of tests to ensure everything goes fine.

They are familiar with the ins and outs of the AC repair process. On the other hand, if you hire a company without any insurance or the necessary licenses, they might not cover any damages if something goes wrong during the repair or fixing process.

They Can Also Repair Unnoticed Parts

There might be some parts that are visibility damaged, and you think that only those parts need repairs and treatment. However, a professional company knows what gets affected and which parts need repair that might not be visibly damaged. In such cases, pros can find the hidden problems with your AC system that might be costing you more money and not giving you enough cool air.

They Can Handle Emergencies

A professional AC repair company knows how to handle emergencies promptly. It sometimes happens that problems can occur at inconvenient times, for example, during the summer, and you might want to fix your AC as soon as possible. You must hire a company that knows how to handle emergencies instantly and can help you with AC repair services in such situations.

They Have The Right Equipment

A professional AC repair company has the right set of tools and equipment to perform the job. They are familiar with the mechanical structure of the AC and know which part to disassemble and how. Having the right set of tools is important; otherwise, the parts might get damaged during the repair process.

Final Words

Apart from the benefits mentioned above, a professional AC repair company can clean your AC unit as well as work on it to achieve its peak efficiency. They fix those parts that might cost you money and repair any hidden damaged parts. Moreover, they can also offer you warranties and guarantees on your repairs for at least 30 days after the service has been rendered.

About Pro West Heating & Air Conditioning

PRO WEST’s experts mean ensuring a quality job and customer satisfaction, which are just two of our fundamental priorities.

Our highly qualified technicians tackle everything — from repairing minor cooling problems in your HVAC system to cleaning huge mounds of dirt in your air ducts to anything in between. Moreover, our experienced technicians and sales staff ensure you have the right system for your needs.

If you need any type of HVAC services in Vancouver and the lower mainland, contact us today for personalized service.

Guide To Installing An AC In The Kitchen

Cooking is an amazing art, and many people enjoy this hobby. It is quite fun for people who have a habit of eating homemade meals and cannot rely on restaurant foods. Cooking is all fun and games until summer hits, and your kitchen is full of heat. Then only a professional chef or a real passionate cook can stand in the kitchen heat and make meals for others. However, it can become quite difficult to be in the kitchen without AC in summer. The temperature going between 40-50 degrees Celsius can make it quite difficult for you to bear the summer heat and stoves. Hence, put an air conditioner in your home kitchen. It is not flammable under normal conditions, and it is safe to use in the kitchen. But many people are quite suspicious about installing an AC in their kitchen and keep on using their hand held fans or similar items. If you are one of them, this blog post might help you. Here we mention what you need to know about installing an AC in the kitchen.

Can You Install An Air Conditioner In The Kitchen?

Many people are quite confused about whether to install an air conditioner in their kitchen or not. However, considering all the safety measures and steps, installing AC in the kitchen is okay. Also, many people have central air conditioners in their homes, which usually work in all house rooms. However, it might not be ideal for the kitchen because it will suck smoky particles from the kitchen and distribute them in all the corners of your house. But if you install a separate AC for your kitchen and keep it separate from the rest of the area of your house, the oily particles will not be distributed to the other parts of your home.

How To Install An Air Conditioner In The Kitchen

Installing an air conditioner in the kitchen requires you to ensure that all safety measures are followed. Moreover, it should provide you with the necessary cooling and not disturb your cooking. Therefore, apart from hiring a professional heating and cooling company, you also need to ensure that the air conditioner doesn’t blow directly onto the gas stove. Otherwise, it will disturb the heating efficiency of the stove, and you will cook very slowly. So whether you are using a gas stove or an electric stove, keeping the cooling direction on the opposite side is necessary so that the heat is not disturbed. Also, avoid putting air-conditioners near the cast because the oily steam will stay around your kitchen cabinet, basin, and countertop. As a result, the air conditioner will suck in more steam produced from your cooking, which is oily and hot. Moreover, you should try to avoid putting appliances under the air conditioner. If hot appliances are put near your air conditioner, they will burn your conditioner over time.

How To Maintain Your Air Conditioner In The Kitchen

Taking care of your air conditioner in the kitchen is necessary to make sure it can last a long time. It means you must clean your air conditioner with some commercial cleaner. Also, oil and food steam can form a layer on the air conditioner’s body, which you need to wipe off regularly with a towel. The best thing you can do to maintain your air conditioner and keep it working for years is to keep it on the opposite side of the heat.

Hire A Professional Heating And Cooling Expert

One wise decision you can make when looking to install an air conditioner in your kitchen is to hire a professional heating and cooling company to install the air conditioner. Such professionals are familiar with the rules and safety measures required to install a conditioner in a kitchen.

About Pro West Heating & Air Conditioning

Install your AC professionally with us. Employing PRO WEST’s experts means ensuring a quality job and customer satisfaction, which are just two of our fundamental priorities. If you need any HVAC services in Vancouver and the lower mainland, contact us today for personalized service. Our professionals are ready to serve you and make your living more comfortable.

Top Causes Of Rust On Air Conditioners & How You Can Prevent It

The air conditioner of your house is subjected to a lot of wear and tear over the course of its life. Though modern and high-tech units are highly durable and are designed to withstand harsh climatic conditions, they still require regular maintenance for effective functioning.

If you don’t take care of your air conditioning unit then lack of maintenance and high moisture content will lead to issues such as rusting.

A rusty air conditioner not only looks terrible but also affects its performance and functionality.

Hence you must hire a certified HVAC contractor and get professional air conditioning maintenance services. These maintenance services will keep your air conditioning unit in prime functioning condition.

Also Read: Causes Of Indoor AC Unit Water Leaks

A rusty HVAC will take longer to heat or cool your home and thus will result in high electricity bills. Moreover, if the rust is not removed timely it will spread and deteriorate the other AC components as well and all of this will lead to costly repair or even premature failure.

In this blog post, we will outline the top causes of rust on air conditioners and will also list some ways that will help you prevent your air conditioning unit from rusting.

Top Causes Of Rust On An Air Conditioning Unit

Rust forms on anything when the metal such as iron or steel are exposed to water and oxygen for a certain amount of time. Once the rust starts to form it quickly spreads and causes damage to the metal surface.

Some AC components that are likely to be affected by rust are its ductwork, air filters, drain pan, fan blades, refrigerant lines and compressors.

Here are some of the top causes that lead to rust on an AC:

Excessive Moisture

Moisture is the biggest culprit of rust on air conditioners, which mostly comes from the rain, humid air and condensation.

The outdoor unit of your air conditioner deals with moisture on a daily basis. For example, when the HVAC system draws warm air from your home to be cooled the moisture from the air condenses on the evaporator coils and then drips on the drain pan.

This form of moisture is part of the daily functioning of your AC and is not harmful, however, the problem develops when an excessive amount of moisture stays in contact with your AC components for a longer period of time. This happens when the drain pan of your air conditioner is clogged.

If you live in a coastal area salty humid air will also lead to rusty conditions for your air conditioner outdoor unit. Other factors like your outdoor unit being surrounded by plants and rain falling directly on your outdoor unit will also accelerate the rusting process.

Air Conditioner Aging

Air conditioners typically have a lifespan of about 10-15 years and rusting is a normal part of aging. When your air conditioner unit is near its end of life, it will degrade due to regular wear and tear.

The aging signs such as rusting, high energy bills, weird AC noises and decreased airflow will start to appear once your air conditioner unit has reached its end of life.

How To Prevent Your Air Conditioning Unit From Rust

The only way to prevent rust is by focusing on preventative air conditioner maintenance. Regular inspection and cleaning your air conditioner will remove any dust or debris build-up that could cause rusting.

Here are 2 ways that can help you prevent your AC from rusting:

Clean Your ACs Filters

The easiest way to prevent your AC from rusting is by cleaning your ACs filters once every two weeks. With proper air conditioner filter maintenance, you will be able to minimize rusting.

Professional Inspection & Maintenance

If you want to protect your AC unit from rusting then you will need to conduct regular professional maintenance and inspection of your air conditioner.

The professional HVAC technicians will thoroughly examine your AC and make sure that it is in good working condition. They will also detect if there is rusting in any part of your air conditioner and will stop it from spreading.

About Pro West Heating & Air Conditioning

Pro West Heating & Air Conditioning understands that investing in an AC is a major investment that you can’t afford again and again. For this reason, we would like to emphasize the importance of regular maintenance. Contact us for such services.

Benefits of Getting Water Heater Installation Services By Professionals

Hot water is essential for every home. The installation process of a water heater is quite complicated compared to installing other household appliances. This is because multiple connections are required. Water heaters require electrical connections, and cold and hot water pipes.

When someone needs a new water heater, most hire a technician or plumber to do the job. If you’ve never connected a water heater before, there are several important benefits of considering an experienced professional to install your water heater rather than installing it yourself. If you have a broken water heater that needs to be repaired or replaced, a 24/7 plumbing company can help fix the problem right away. We recommend choosing a company with a proven track record of success.

Professional Advice

It can be a bit confusing when it comes to choosing a water heater model to buy as there are various water heaters on the market. A company that has extensive experience with home water heaters can help you choose a model that best fits your needs and budget.

Right Size And Water Heater Type

When you buy a water heater online or at a hardware store, you deal with a salesperson, not a plumber. Chances are you’re buying the wrong type or size of heater as the seller may not know all the right questions to ask. You may end up spending more than you need to. You can avoid this by contacting a licensed plumber. They can come to your house, check your old heater, and recommend a new, more efficient brand that better suits your needs.

Same Day Installation

Buying a water heater from a local store and outsourcing the installation can take several days. To ensure that you get the best possible services, it is always advised that you hire a professional. They can provide professional installation on the same day and won’t leave till they satisfy their customers.

Code Compliance

When you install a gas or electric water heater, a conventional model or a tankless water heater, it is important to assure that all quality and safety standards are met. When installing a water heater, be sure to hire a professional company. This will guarantee that all quality and safety standards will be met in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations and associated code requirements.

Saves You Money

If your water heater is damaged and can’t be repaired, timely installation of your new water heater will help you save on energy costs. If your water heater is not working properly, your electricity bill will increase as the water will take longer to reach the proper temperature. Installing a new water heater of the latest model will save your electricity bill as it will be an up to date model that consumes less energy.

Leak-Free Connections

If there is a leak in the water supply line to the water heater, it will definitely cause you trouble. It will waste water unnecessarily and cause damage to your property. In addition to this, your water bill will spike.

Temperature Setting

There is a risk of serious injury from burns if the water heater thermostat is set too high. Also, operating the device outside the ideal temperature range will result in wasted energy. Always call an expert to install your water heater. Experts know the safe and proper temperature settings for different types of water heaters and make sure your device is set up for your needs and works efficiently.

Maintenance Advice

Another benefit of entrusting your water heater installation to a professional is that you can ask questions about water heater care and maintenance. They help you understand everything you need to do to run your water heater efficiently.

About Pro West Heating And Air

We provide unmatched HVAC services in Vancouver. We have a team of trained HVAC contractors that can help you with your heating and cooling system repair, installation and maintenance. We ensure 24/7 availability. Learn more about PRO WEST and our elite services. Contact us now!

Causes Of Indoor AC Unit Water Leaks

An air conditioner is supposed to provide you with the comfort and cooling you need in summer. However, your air conditioner might degrade in performance with time, which could call for regular AC maintenance and repair.

Seeing water dripping down your air conditioner can be a very unsettling and unpleasant sight. This is even more disturbing if your indoor AC unit is constantly dripping water and turning your room into a messy puddle. It can become your worst nightmare if you don’t pay attention to your AC’s condition on time. The situation may worsen over time, and you might have to replace your AC or spend quite a lot of money on its repair.

Therefore, to avoid that messy puddle indoors due to your leaking AC unit, you must know why your air conditioner is leaking water. Moreover, your HVAC contractor can help you and give it the immediate attention it needs. This blog post will help you highlight some major causes of air conditioner water leaks.

Clogged Drain Line

This one is the most common reason for an AC to leak water. Your unit collects moisture during the dehumidification process. During this process, it also contains dirt, and over time, if the condensate drain line is not cleaned enough, it can accumulate dirt and debris and cause a blockage.

This blockage prevents the water from draining, and it will start to collect in your unit, causing it to spill out of the drain pan. Water cannot easily drain from the overflow pan when its train line is clogged.

Therefore, you must make sure that your condensed drain line is cleaned regularly and periodically to avoid any kind of clogging. Focus on HVAC maintenance and repair to ensure your AC is still working in good condition and prevent such problems.

Clogged Air Filter

The air filter in your AC is responsible for filtering the air before it transfers it indoors. This filter can become dusty while working for an extended period, hampering the airflow. Moreover, the coils freeze when the air inside the evaporator becomes too cold, leading to ice build up; when this ice melts, the water drips due to the indoor unit.

Therefore, you must periodically replace or maintain your AC filter to avoid such problems. Keep checking your filters to ensure leak prevention, especially when the device is in heavy use.

Condensation Build-up

The air conditioner dehumidifying process includes a condensation process. It contains the air before it is delivered to your room. However, excessive condensation inside the AC can cause leaking water from the air ducts or vents. This water drips on your home’s insulation and causes further damage.

Moreover, it can also lead to mold growth in the air ducts and deteriorate your indoor air quality. Condensation build-up can happen for multiple reasons, such as when the air ducts are not properly insulated. Dirty air filters, blocked ducts, and a blocked drain pump can also leak water as the air is not able to circulate freely throughout your AC system.

Moreover, high humidity in the summer increases the chances of condensation build-up in your AC. Therefore, regular tuning and maintenance of your AC system are necessary to ensure that your ACs’ filters are in perfect condition and there is no condensation build-up.

Other Reasons For An Indoor AC Leak

Some of the other common reasons your AC may leak water, especially through the indoor unit are:

Frozen evaporator coils
Incorrect AC installation
Malfunctioning pump
Failed condensate pump

Why Does An AC Collect Water?

The purpose of an AC is to maintain the temperature and control the homes’ humidity level. When the warm air is taken from your home, it is blown over to the evaporator coils, which causes it to condense, thus making it less humid. Therefore, the resulting moisture drips into the drain pan, but if it is clogged or there is excessive moisture accumulation in your air conditioner, the water will not drain, but rather it will start to steep from the indoor unit.

Final Thoughts

Regular maintenance of your air conditioner can help prevent such issues and avoid water from coming inside your room. Moreover, you can also care for your AC on your own by cleaning its filters and checking its condensation coils. However, it is wise to call a professional HVAC company for regular check ups and to repair anything needed.

About Pro West Heating & Air Conditioning

Pro West understands that investing in an AC is a major investment that you can’t afford again and again. For this reason, we would like to emphasize the importance of regular maintenance. Contact us for such services.

Reasons Why Your Air Conditioner Is Noisy

The summer heat may be descending upon Canada, and you might be thinking of turning on your air conditioners. The use of air conditioners has become more common than ever due to the latest energy-efficient technology that makes it possible for you to enjoy your summers in an air conditioned home while not worrying about higher energy bills.

However, any problem with your air conditioner can be a big headache for you. Until a few years back, air conditioners were pretty noisy, however, thanks to the latest technology, they are quieter than ever now. Noisy air conditioners are disturbing, especially when you are trying to sleep after a long tiring day.

High-efficiency air conditioning units come with advanced sound damping technology that keeps the noise level below 55 decibels. However, sometimes your air conditioner may produce an exceptionally loud noise that you should take notice of.

There are different types of sounds and noises which your air conditioner can make. This blog post mentions all the sounds and reasons why your air conditioner might be causing noise and what you can do about it.

Banging Noises

Banging noises are a common indicator of a problem with the compressor. The compressor is designed to provide refrigerant to various parts of your AC system and remove excess heat from your home. However, with time, certain parts can become loose inside the compressor, which might cause a banging noise.

This banging noise is actually caused by those detached components that might be hitting against the exterior framing of the compressor. A professional HVAC contractor with years of experience might be able to resolve this compressor issue. However, most of the time, it might not be easy to disassemble your AC compressor, and you may need to invest in a new air conditioner. But you can always call your HVAC contractor and ask them if they can solve your issue.

Clanking Noises

This one is another sign of a loose or out-of-balance part of an AC. It might indicate a problem with the compressor, or there might be a loose part inside the indoor unit of the AC. Clanking noises could also mean that there is a problem with the indoor blower or outdoor fan, or maybe its blades are out of balance. Such issues must be solved by a professional HVAC contractor before they turn into a bigger problem.

Hissing Sounds

Hissing sounds might not be as common as other types of banging or clanking noises, but they might be a signal of an air duct leak in your house. It might be due to a malfunctioning expansion valve or an air filter that is not compatible with your system.

Whistling Noise

If you are hearing a whistling sound in the middle of the night don’t worry, your house is not haunted, it is just your HVAC system that needs help. Such noises are caused due to a refrigerant leak which damages your air conditioner and can also affect your family’s health. It might also be due to high internal pressures on your compressor. So don’t panic, just call your HVAC contractor to come and repair your AC.

Whirring Noise

A whirring noise is a sound like a helicopter which might be because of a mechanical problem with your AC’s indoor unit or outdoor unit. It might be the result of bad bearings in the indoor unit or a faulty fan in the outdoor unit. Moreover, when the blades of the fan start to become loose, they cause such noises. What you can do is ask your HVAC contractor to replace your blades to reduce the noise instead of replacing the whole unit.

Final Words

Investigating the weird noises coming out of your air conditioner is necessary to avoid any problem turning into a bigger one. Your professional HVAC contractor will fix any issue there might be with your AC that you are unable to detect. You just need to make sure that you have found a professional HVAC contractor who knows how to do their job.

About Pro West Heating & Air Conditioning

Let PRO WEST Heating & Air Conditioning repair or replace your furnace, air conditioning unit, or other HVAC Appliances in Vancouver and the surrounding areas. Contact for more information.

Get A Heat Pump Rebate By Switching To Electric In BC

A heat pump is an energy-efficient alternative to all the other types of home heating systems such as electric baseboards and natural gas furnaces. Moreover, a heat pump can provide both cooling and heating to help you keep your home comfortable year-round.

But a heat pump uses fossil fuel heating sources such as propane and natural gas to heat your home. These fossil fuel heating sources have a negative impact on our environment, hence it is time that you switch to a cleaner and more environmentally friendly heating system. Now you can get a heat pump rebate by switching to electricity in BC, keep on reading to find out all the necessary information you need to know regarding the heat pump rebate.

You Can Get $11,000 For Going Electric

In BC, now you can get up to $11,000 by switching from a fossil fuel heating source to an electric heat pump. As the world moves towards cleaner and greener ways of heating and cooling, this move is another stepping stone in making this world a better place to live in.

The majority of heat pumps are currently heated by propane and natural gas, both of which are efficient ways of heating heat pumps. The only drawback is that they largely affect the environment, therefore you should switch to electric and get up to an $11,000 rebate.

You can also get additional rebates from the federal government’s Canada Greener Homes Grant for up to $5,000. This is a separate rebate program with its own application process and eligibility criteria, that requires a home evaluation and registration before making any upgrades.

Note: The Canada Greener Homes Grant program is currently facing delays in processing applications for home evaluation, so you may face delays in heat pump installation if you choose to apply for this grant.

Rebate Options

Here are the rebate options available for different types of heat pumps:

Ductless Multi-Split Heat Pump

For customers who replace their fossil fuel heating systems such as oil, propane and natural gas with electric heating systems:

CleanBC Rebate: Up to $3,000
Pro-West Heating & Air Conditioning Top-Up: $3,000
Canada Greener Homes Grant: Up To $4,000
Final Total: Up To $10,000

There are some municipalities that offer additional top-ups depending upon the area you live in.

Ductless Mini-Split Heat Pump

For customers who replace fossil fuel heating systems such as oil, propane and natural gas with electric heating systems:

CleanBC Rebate: Up to $3,000
Pro West Heating & Air Conditioning Top-Up: $3,000
Final Total: Up To $6,000

There are some municipalities that offer additional top-ups depending upon the area you live in.

Central Ducted Heat Pump

For customers who replace fossil fuel heating systems such as oil, propane and natural gas with electric heating systems:

CleanBC Rebate: Up to $3,000
Pro West Heating & Air Conditioning Top-Up: $3,000
Canada Greener Homes Grant: Up To $5,000
Final Total: Up To $11,000

There are some municipalities that offer additional top-ups depending upon the area you live in.

Eligibility Criteria For A Heat Pump Rebate

You must have a residential account with Pro West Heating & Air Conditioning.
Your house must be currently heated with oil, propane and natural gas.
The heat pump must be the primary heating system of your home, all the old and backup systems powered with fossil fuels must be fully removed.
You must apply for the heat pump rebate within 6 months.
You must meet our general eligibility requirements, which include living in an eligible property type.

Heat Pump Eligibility

Your heat pump must be registered on the rebate-eligibility heat pump list.
It must be properly sized to function as the main heating system of your home. A primary heating system must have the capacity to heat a minimum of 50% of the home at 21ºC for the entire heating season.

How To Apply

Firstly review the eligibility criteria above to make sure you are eligible.
Then we recommend you to get three quotes from different heat pump contractors.
Once you have finalized your contractor, install your heat pump and make sure to keep copies of all the installation invoices.
When the heat pump is installed, complete our online application. Pro West Heating & Air Conditioning, CleanBC and applicable municipal rebates are all handled together; there’s no separate application for the fuel-switching top-ups. The top-ups will be added to your rebate amount.

We at Pro West Heating & Air Conditioning have a team of trained HVAC contractors that can help you with your heating and cooling system repair, installation and maintenance. Along with HVAC services, we offer rebates as well, for more information about rebates contact us today.

Make Your HVAC System Eco-Friendly!

Environmental conservation is a global concern. Over the past few years, the degradation of the ozone and ever-rising air pollution have caught everyone’s attention. The results of these occurrences are apparent in the changing world’s climate. The increase in global temperatures every year worldwide has speeded up the melting of glaciers and caused many irregularities in the agricultural sector.

Evidently, the matter of global warming is not something to be controlled at the provincial level alone. Every individual must play a role in combating this issue. You wouldn’t want to leave behind a distorted and overheated Earth for your children, now would you?

As the most dedicated HVAC contractors in BC, we believe it is our duty to acknowledge our social responsibility and educate you regarding this matter. Let us face reality. Canadian winters are unimaginable without a good heating source and vice versa for summer. In this regard, heat pumps are a better and energy-efficient alternative to the typical heating and cooling solutions.

However, heat pumps that utilize fossil fuel for energy production continue to hurt the environment severely. In this regard, the Government of British Columbia, in collaboration with Hydro BC and the federal government, has taken several steps to make BC a better place to live.

Now, it is our turn to work on individual and organizational levels. As an organization, we provide you with this informative blog to help you go green. As an individual, it is your responsibility to be a good samaritan and put the tips ‌into action.

How To Have A Greener HVAC

When it comes to going green, homeowners often have two options:

For some, using more energy-efficient devices that preserve energy is the ideal way.
While for others, a reduction in their carbon footprint on the environment is the best way to show their love for the environment.

Either way, what matters is how you will accomplish your green goals. To motivate you further, here is a fun fact:

Research shows that in Canadian households and businesses, HVAC accounts for the most prominent energy usage share.

This fact should be a starting point for you. Since your HVAC consumes a major chunk of your energy, taking the following steps to make it greener will be a significant endeavor:

Switch Fuels

The first way you can make your HVAC system greener is to follow the government’s lead. As emphasized earlier, the government of BC is unwaveringly working towards making BC a better place to live. In this regard, it is offering homeowners incredible rebates to encourage them to use electrical energy rather than fossil fuel for their heating and cooling needs.

Well, this initiative makes your work relatively easy. Simply switch to electricity and hit two birds with one stone: go green and enjoy the rebate.

Install ACs With A Higher SEER Rating

But if you want to go a step further to show your concern for the environment, consider installing an AC with a higher SEER rating. You must have judged from the price differences that not all ACs have the same level of efficiency. When purchasing an air conditioner, you must pay attention to its SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio).

The higher the SEER rating, the more energy-efficient and greener the AC will be.

The best way to accomplish this goal would be to contact a reliable HVAC contractor like Pro-West and discuss your AC installation needs and options. These professionals will suggest and implement the best solutions possible.

Pay Attention To Air Leaks And Insulation

Improper home insulation and damaged HVAC ductwork are the biggest reasons behind air leaks and, ultimately, an HVAC’s energy inefficiency. If warm air seeps into your house in the summer or cool air is lost due to inadequate insulation, you will ultimately be forced to keep your HVAC on high.

This inefficiency will lead to unnecessarily high energy consumption, which is eventually bad for the environment. A similar scenario regarding air leaks is also evident in the winter.

Thus, you must inspect your home and HVAC ductwork for potential leaks and fix them to conserve energy.

Tune-Up And Upgrade

The more you take care of your HVAC, the longer it will last and the more efficient it will become. Hence, regular maintenance is the best way to make your HVAC more energy-efficient and ultimately greener.

Similarly, older HVACs consume significantly more energy than newer ones. The difference might be a result of the use of better technology in their manufacturing. Thus, if your HVAC is eight years or older, consider upgrading to a more energy-efficient and technically advanced HVAC.

About Pro West Heating And Air

Driven by a commitment to customer satisfaction and the utmost attention to quality, we provide unmatched HVAC installation, repair, maintenance, and other related services in Vancouver. Learn more about PRO WEST and our elite services. Contact us now!

Mission Impossible – A Dead Rat In Your Ductwork!

Do you know what the most dreadful experience is for any homeowner? Finding a dead rat, mouse, or any other rodent rotting in one of the corners of their cherished house. Surely, this scene is not something pleasant to witness. The foul smell that spreads throughout the house when the carcass begins to decay followed by the horror of tracking the source and getting rid of the body is no less than one of Tom Cruise’s famous ‘Mission Impossibles’.

However, the situation becomes a hundred times worse when you realize that the animal is resting in peace in your HVAC ductwork.

In such a situation, you as a homeowner need to ask yourself three important questions:

Where is the dead body?
How do you get rid of it?
What should you do to prevent a similar encounter in the future?

As reputed HVAC contractors in BC, we are here to lend you a reliable helping hand. One thing is clear from the above discussion. As disgusting, annoying, and horrendous (plus any other word that comes to mind) as the task sounds, there is no other way but to find the corpse and get rid of it. Well, the good news is, you will not have to work half as hard as Ethan Hunt if you have us by your side.

Accordingly, we recommend that you immediately request an inspection from a proficient HVAC contractor if you suspect a rodent invasion in your ductwork. But if you are brave enough to take matters into your own hands, then this blog presents to you the steps you should take when there is an animal lying lifeless in your HVAC ductwork.

Steps To Accomplish The ‘Mission Impossible’

It is time to play the role of Ethan Hunt. As a starting point, reconsider the three questions we mentioned earlier. You will realize that the discussion that follows is systematically divided according to these questions:

1. Track The Clues

Honestly speaking, a foul smell may not always indicate a dead animal in your ductwork. Thus, the first step you must take is to find the cause of the smell. You need to follow the scent and find out whether it is really a dead animal. And if it is, where exactly it is. You shouldn’t just rush and open your HVAC ductwork. First, rule out all the other possible areas such as kitchen cabinets, behind the fridge, etc.

During this process, the scent will be your biggest clue. If the smell intensifies when you approach your ductwork, know that the latter is the hot spot.

2. Gather Your Tools

Once you are sure that the smell source is most likely in the ductwork, remove the vent cover and spot the dead body with the help of a torch. At this point, it is imperative to understand that experimentation in the case of something as expensive as an HVAC system is not a very wise decision.

Therefore, if you can easily spot the animal, proceed to gather the necessary tools to get rid of it. But if you can’t see it, leave the matter to a professional.

Some essential items you might require in the former case include:

Gloves
Towels
Garbage bags
Disinfectants
Something to drag the animal if is far from reach

3. Get Rid Of The Corpse

This step is perhaps the most awful one. Now that you have located the carcass, you need to get it out of the ductwork. For this, you need to wear rubber gloves and use a towel to pick it up and place it in the garbage bag. If the animal is not within your reach, use something long such as a bent hanger to bring it closer.

Afterward, follow the right animal disposal policies in your area of residence to discard the animal. Then, use a disinfectant to thoroughly clean the area where the carcass was discovered to completely get rid of the remaining foul smell.

4. Seek Out The Invasion Route

The previous step marks the end of the main and the hardest part of the mission. However, it is not yet time to rest. You need to find out how the animal managed to creep into your ductwork unnoticed. Find the loopholes and get them fixed as soon as possible to avoid going through the same horror again.

5. Request An Inspection from The Most Reliable HVAC Contractors In BC

Ethan Hunt would have a hard time accomplishing any mission without Luther Stickell. In your case, your supporting character would be a reliable and professional HVAC contractor. We recommend that you request periodic HVAC inspections to prevent the above and other HVAC problems. If a loophole is discovered in time, it can be fixed before a rodent finds it.

Pro West Heating & Air boasts the widest range of HVAC and related services in BC. From simple HVAC repairs to heat pump maintenance, everything is at our fingertips. Contact us now to learn more.