Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers for common HVAC concerns. For any further assistance call Empower 800-375-8984.

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Furnace

Steps at a Glance:

  1. Turn off your HVAC system.
  2. Locate the air filter compartment.
  3. Remove the old filter and check the airflow direction arrow on your new filter.
  4. Insert the new filter and secure the compartment.
  5. Turn the system back on and enjoy cleaner air!
For the pleated 1 inch filters we carry, we recommend changing it every 1-3 months. For the thicker 4 or 5 inch filters we carry, we recommend changing it every 4-6 months. If you have pets, cook frequently at home, smoke indoors, or have allergies, the filters may need to be changed more frequently based on your needs.

To keep your furnace in tip-top shape, we recommend an annual preheating season maintenance. Visit our maintenance membership page to learn more about the maintenance and sign up up for a plan:
Maintenance Plans
We have come across some customers with washable filters. One thing to keep in mind is that the filtration efficiency of these filters is often lower and not on par with disposable filters. This means they are not able to filter as effectively as disposable filters and may not capture as many particles to help improve indoor air quality. Washable filters should also be cleaned much more frequently compared to disposable filters.
Using multiple 1 inch filters stacked together to replace a single 4 or 5 inch filter is not recommended. Furnace filters are designed with specific dimensions and airflow requirements to effectively filter the air passing through your system while maintaining proper airflow. Stacking multiple 1-inch filters can restrict airflow and potentially cause your furnace to work harder, leading to reduced efficiency and potential damage to your HVAC system. Additionally, it may not provide the same level of filtration as a single, properly sized filter. It’s best to use the correct size filter recommended for your furnace to ensure optimal performance and efficiency.
Before purchasing a replacement system you should always make sure your system is sized properly to match your needs and budget. It is recommended to get your system measured and designed by an HVAC professional who can determine a proper size and make an appropriate recommendation.  To schedule your free consultation call – 800-375-8984
Prior to contacting a contractor to book a service call, you may check the following first.
  1. Make sure that the breaker for your furnace AND the switch for it are turned on. The furnace switch often looks like a light switch and is located on the wall somewhere near the furnace.
  2. Ensure your furnace filter has been changed appropriately, as not changing the filter for an extended period of time results in blockage and overheating. If this is the case, please change the filter ASAP and reboot the furnace.
  3. Check to make sure the thermostat is on and displaying, and set to the correct setting/temperature. If the thermostat is blank it could be due to low battery, if the unit is battery operated. Additionally, not having the correct settings will also result in the unit not to work appropriately.
Once you’ve checked the following and were not able to get the unit to come back on, please call Empower to schedule a service call – 800-375-8984

Avoid costly breakdowns and high energy bills this winter with proactive HVAC maintenance. Our January checklist and DIY tips will help you keep your system running efficiently and your home warm all season long.

 

Avoid costly breakdowns and high energy bills this winter with proactive HVAC maintenance. Our January checklist and DIY tips will help you keep your system running efficiently and your home warm all season long.

 

Air Conditioner/Heat Pump

To keep your AC/Heat Pump in tip-top shape, we recommend an annual pre-cooling season maintenance. Visit our maintenance membership page to learn more about the maintenance and sign up up for a plan:

Maintenance Plans

Unlike AC which is only on during the hotter months of the year, the heat pump unit is on all year round, and therefore should not be covered.

Make sure that your Air Conditioner breaker is turned on.
Check the outdoor unit for any obvious blockages such as leaves and debris. 

Call Empower to schedule a service call with one of our licensed technicians: 800-375-8984

As a temporary fix you can switch your thermostat setting to Auxiliary Heating. This will kick your furnace on and give you heat until a service technician can visit to resolve the heat pump issue.
Learn how to change to auxiliary heating in this short video:

If you observe what appears to be smoke rising from your heat pump during cold weather, there’s no need for concern as this is part of its normal operation. The steam is released during the heat pump defrost cycle which is a part of normal operation.

During the heating season it is normal to see some water around the outdoor unit while the heat pump is heating your home. This is condensation that is draining from the unit and is a part of normal operation especially during the defrost cycle of the heat pump.
Watch this short video to learn more:

Boiler/Combi Boiler ​

To keep your furnace in tip-top shape, we recommend an annual preheating season maintenance. Visit our maintenance membership page to learn more about the maintenance and sign up up for a plan: 

Maintenance Plans

You can try to double reset your unit by resetting the unit and letting it run through the reset sequence fully twice. This MAY temporarily restore usage to your unit while you wait for a technician to arrive, however we do not recommend it as a long term solution, a service all should always be booked to take a look at this issue.

Tank/Tankless​

<span style=”font-weight: 400;”>To keep your Tankless in tip-top shape, we recommend an annual maintenance with flushing. Visit our maintenance membership page to learn more about the maintenance and sign up up for a plan:
Maintenance Plans
You can try to double reset your unit by resetting the unit and letting it run through the reset sequence fully twice. This MAY temporarily restore hot water to your unit while you wait for a technician to arrive, however we do not recommend it as a long term solution, a service call should always be booked to take a look at this issue.

Thermostat

Auto – In the “Auto” mode, your thermostat will automatically switch between heating and cooling modes based on the temperature you’ve set.

Heat – When your thermostat is set to “Heat” mode, it instructs your heating system to run continuously until the temperature reaches the set point. If a heat pump is installed, the system will automatically alternate between using the heat pump and the furnace for heating based on the outdoor temperature.

Aux – The “Aux” setting typically appears on thermostats with heat pump systems. When the outdoor temperature drops too low for the heat pump to efficiently extract heat from the air, the auxiliary heat (furnace) kicks in to provide supplemental heating. Selecting “Aux” mode manually activates this auxiliary heat source.

Ensure that thermostat is receiving power. If battery-operated, replace the batteries with fresh ones and see if display comes back on. 

For thermostat service call or replacement estimate call – 800-375-8984

How to change batteries: 

This message can often appear during the cold weather when the primary heat source, such as heat pump, is struggling to meet the heating demands. We can expect to see this message during the fluctuating temperatures. The alert can be turned off in thermostat settings. 

If the alert appears during the time when Heat Pump should be capable of heating your home it’s advisable to investigate further to ensure there are no underlying issues causing the prolonged operation of auxiliary heat. This may involve checking for any obstructions or blockages in the outdoor unit of your heat pump, ensuring proper insulation and sealing of your home to minimize heat loss, and scheduling a professional HVAC technician to inspect and service your heating system if necessary.

Financing/Rental

Yes! We offer both rental and financing on all of our units. For more information please set up a visit with one of Empower Home Comfort Consultants. 

Absolutely! Numerous HVAC contractors provide flexible financing choices along with promotions and rebates. Reach out to Empower Home Comfort to explore the available offers we have.

Typically, no. Numerous lenders provide financing plans with no upfront payment required, allowing you to proceed without any initial expenses.

Other

Change your filters on a regular basis, and clean your outside coils once a month during the cooling season.

Regularly cleaning and replacing the air filter is among the most effective methods to enhance system performance. Conducting annual maintenance is beneficial for maintaining the system in optimal working order. Additionally, installing a programmable thermostat assists in running the system efficiently by activating it during necessary hours.

These systems are highly effective! Air purification systems stand out as vital enhancements to your HVAC setup. They guarantee the circulation of clean air throughout your system, effectively eliminating dust, pollen, allergens, and various airborne particles from your living space. Furthermore, certain systems are capable of eliminating static electricity, odours, and smoke that might linger within your home.

Visit our air purification page to see what kind of air cleaning systems may work for your home or business:

Indoor Air Quality

Every person and every home entails a different comfort need. The threshold of irritancy and triggers that affect people’s health and comfort combine to determine the proper solutions. High threshold levels may require simple solutions like a better air filter. Low threshold levels may require an air purification system for the reduction of triggers and irritants. With a Home Health Report Card, Service Experts can help you decide which indoor air improvement products are right for you.

According to studies created by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, exposure to air pollutants indoors can be 100 times higher than outdoors. Frequent dusting and vacuuming can help reduce the amount of dust and dust mites present in your home. However, not all airborne particles can be eliminated. Filtration devices can help eliminate particles that are too small to be caught by a vacuum. Some filtration devices include UV light units, air filters, energy recovery ventilators (ERVs), heat recovery ventilators (HRVs) and electronic air cleaners. 

To schedule a free consultation for indoor quality assessment and recommendations call 800-375-8984

If you’ve recently made an energy-efficient upgrade in your home and are anticipating a government home efficiency rebate, please be aware that due to high demand and participation, there may be delays in processing. The current estimated wait time for the rebate is approximately 8 months. Contact Enbridge for an update on the rebate application status.

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