Ottawa Humidifier Services
Installing Whole-Home Humidifiers in Ottawa and the Surrounding Area
Dry air can lead to a range of discomforts and health issues, including dry skin, irritated respiratory passages, and static electricity build-up. A humidifier can combat this problem by adding moisture to the air, contributing to a more balanced and comfortable indoor environment.
If you are worried about your home’s indoor air quality, you should consider exploring our Ottawa humidifier services at Francis Home Environment. Our team is made up of indoor air quality air quality experts who can test your indoor living spaces and determine whether a whole-home humidifier can resolve the air-related issues you are experiencing. We aim to make this process as straightforward and stress-free as possible, and you can enjoy peace of mind with our satisfaction guarantee!
Our professionals are prepared to install a whole-home humidifier that sets your home’s indoor air up for success. Discuss your options today by calling (343) 453-5603 or contacting us online!
How Do Whole-Home Humidifiers Work?
Whole-home humidifiers are integrated into a home's HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) system to maintain consistent humidity levels throughout the entire house. These systems work by introducing moisture into the airflow that circulates through the ductwork. When the HVAC system is engaged, air passes through the humidifier unit, which adds water vapour before the air is distributed to different rooms. This helps ensure that the air reaching each area of the home carries the added moisture, which helps to achieve a uniform and balanced indoor environment.
The core element of a whole-home humidifier is its water panel or evaporator pad. As warm air passes over the water panel, the water evaporates and mixes with the air.
There are different types of whole-home humidifiers, such as bypass, fan-powered, and steam humidifiers. Bypass humidifiers rely on the HVAC system's blower to push air through a water panel, whereas fan-powered humidifiers use their own fan to increase air movement and efficiency. Steam humidifiers, on the other hand, generate steam directly by heating water, which is then introduced into the airflow. Each type is designed to cater to varying needs and preferences in terms of complexity, water usage, and humidity output.
Signs You May Need a Whole-Home Humidifier
Not sure if you need a humidifier? Recognizing the signs that your home could benefit from a whole-home humidifier is crucial for maintaining optimal indoor air quality and comfort. Dry air can make itself apparent in several ways.
You may need our Ottawa humidifier services if you are consistently dealing with any of the following problems:
- Persistent dry skin and irritated eyes. Prolonged exposure to dry air can strip moisture from your skin, causing it to become dry, flaky, and itchy. Similarly, your eyes might feel irritated, red, or dry, especially in the colder months when indoor heating systems are in constant use. A whole-home humidifier adds necessary humidity to the air, reducing these discomforts.
- Frequent respiratory issues. If you or your family members frequently suffer from nasal congestion, throat irritation, or exacerbated symptoms of allergies and asthma, dry air could be a contributing factor. Proper humidity levels can help maintain the mucous membranes in your nasal passages, making it easier to breathe and reducing the likelihood of respiratory infections.
- Static electricity problems. Dry air may be behind the sudden shocks of static electricity that can occur when touching door handles, light switches, or even other people. Increased humidity levels introduced by a whole-home humidifier can mitigate this issue by maintaining a more balanced moisture level in the air.
- Unexplained damage to wooden furniture and flooring. Wood is highly sensitive to changes in humidity levels. In an overly dry environment, wooden furniture, flooring, and musical instruments can shrink, crack, or warp. By maintaining consistent humidity through the use of a whole-home humidifier, you can help protect these valuable items from damage.
- Dry and cracking paint. Just like wooden furnishings, the painted surfaces in your home can suffer from dry air. Cracks in paint can be both unsightly and indicative of a need for improved humidity control. A whole-home humidifier can help maintain the moisture levels required to keep your paintwork in good condition.
- Excessive dust and allergens. Dry air tends to circulate more dust and allergens, which can settle on surfaces and worsen allergy symptoms. Maintaining appropriate humidity levels helps to weigh down these particles, making them less likely to become airborne and easier to clean.
Each of these signs alone may seem manageable, but together, they highlight the pressing need for better humidity control. Investing in a whole-home humidifier can not only alleviate these issues but also contribute to a healthier and more comfortable living environment for you and your family.
How Long Do Whole-Home Humidifiers Last?
Whole-home humidifiers are designed to provide consistent humidity control for several years, but their lifespan can vary significantly based on factors such as the type of humidifier, the frequency of use, and the maintenance practices followed by homeowners. On average, a well-maintained whole-home humidifier can last anywhere from 10 to 15 years. However, understanding the specific factors that influence the durability of these systems can help you maximize your investment.
One of the primary determinants of a humidifier's longevity is the type of system installed. For instance, bypass humidifiers and fan-powered humidifiers tend to have a similar lifespan of around 10 to 15 years. In contrast, steam humidifiers might have a slightly shorter lifespan due to the additional wear on the heating elements and the potential for mineral build-up.
Regular maintenance plays an important part in extending the life of a whole-home humidifier. Simple tasks such as cleaning the unit, replacing the water panel or evaporator pad annually, and ensuring that mineral deposits do not accumulate can prevent major issues that could shorten the system's lifespan. Regular inspection of components and timely repairs can also address minor problems before they escalate, which can in turn significantly enhance the durability of the humidifier.
Environmental factors and water quality are additional factors that can influence the operational life of whole-home humidifiers. If your home has hard water, a whole-home humidifier may experience more rapid mineral build-up on its components, which could require more frequent maintenance or lead to earlier replacement. Installing water softeners or using filtered water can mitigate these effects and help preserve the condition of the humidifier.
We stand by the whole-home humidifiers we install, which are built to last. Our technicians can walk you through best practices for caring for your specific whole-home humidifier.
Speak to one of our experts to learn more about what our Ottawa humidifier services can do for your home! Call (343) 453-5603 or contact us online to get started.
Our FAQS
Providing You With Answers & Solutions
-
What is the Difference Between HVAC and Furnace?
Again, this is another common question that we often receive from homeowners who are looking to install a new HVAC system into their homes. While an HVAC unit is responsible for heating, cooling, or ventilating your home, a furnace is simply a type of heating unit that comprises the home’s overall HVAC system. A furnace is either powered by electricity or natural gas. If you have natural gas in your home already, then chances are your furnace is also powered using this method compared to electricity.
Further, regardless of the type of power used, the energy will produce heat onto a burner. The produced heat is then moved through what is known as a heat exchanger. The warmed air is then transferred out of your furnace system using your home’s ductwork before diffusing into each room of your home through air vents. At the same time, as your furnace produces heat, the combustion gasses created to do so are safely vented outside of your home using a flue pipe to ensure you do not come in contact with any carbon monoxide.
The main components of your furnace system include:
- The control system, also known as the thermostat
- Gas valves
- Burners
- Heat exchangers
- A motor blower
- Ducts
- Ventilation system
- Flue pipe
Together, they work to heat your thermostat to your liking regardless of what time of year it is.
Are you thinking of installing a furnace in your home? Do you need repair or maintenance services for your furnace? Call us directly or book an appointment with Francis Home Environment today for more information on all HVAC.
-
What is the Difference Between AC and HVAC?
This is a common question we receive from homeowners who are looking to install a new HVAC unit into their home, as there is some confusion about what each unit is. Therefore, to provide you with clarity, let’s take a look at what these differences are in more detail.
Simply put, an HVAC unit is a heating, cooling, and air ventilating unit that is installed in your home. It allows homeowners to control the temperature inside their home to their preferences using a thermostat. This thermostat works to either increase or decrease the temperature. It also allows you to monitor your indoor temperature and set schedules for your heating and cooling cycles.
On the other hand, an HVAC unit is in charge of circulating air inside your home. As a result, it helps homeowners keep their indoor air clean by removing any dust, hair, dirt, and other airborne contaminants that can affect your health. In addition, it also helps ensure your indoor air quality is not stagnant. Generally speaking, HVAC units will fall into these categories.
- Air conditioners
- Heat pumps
- Boilers
- UV air purifiers
- Humidifiers
- Water heaters
- Furnace
As you can see, an air conditioner is a type of HVAC unit responsible for heating your home. These can either be ductless or work using the ductwork of your home. The air conditioning unit will draw hot air into your home’s ductwork through a vent before it is drawn into your unit’s compartment. If you have a ductless system, it will draw air from the outside of your home before it is drawn into its compartment. The warm air is cooled using a refrigerant liquid that removes the heat from the air before it is blown back into your home using ductwork or through a vent on your air conditioning unit. The process of cooling the air is continued until the desired temperature set on your thermostat has been reached.
The main components of your home’s air conditioning unit include:
- Refrigerant
- Compressor
- Condenser coils
- Air ducts, if applicable to your home
- Expansion valve
- Evaporator coil
AS you can see, it is easy to get these two systems mixed as they are technically the same thing, yet they are different as well. Therefore, if you want to learn more about installing an air conditioning unit in your home or require repair or maintenance services for your home’s current air conditioning unit, the team at Francis Home Environment is here to help.
-
How Much Does HVAC Installation Cost in Ottawa?
At Francis Home Environment, we recognize that every homeowner and home is different. And with over 85 years in the industry, we can confirm that when it comes to installing an HVAC into your home in Ottawa, there isn’t a one size fits all solution. Therefore, before we are able to provide you with an installation cost for a new HVAC in Ottawa, homeowners must first schedule a free at-home consultation with one of our technicians.
During your consultation, a professional HVAC technician will listen to your unique needs as a homeowner before conducting a thorough inspection of your property. Once this is complete, a Francis Home Environment professional will be able to provide you with suggestions and recommendations on how to maximize your home’s energy efficiency while staying within your budget.
Therefore, while we are unable to provide you with an installation cost online, we can provide you with a list of factors that will ultimately play a role in the final price so you can have a better understanding of what to inspect.
Here is a closer look at some of these essential factors unique to your home and lifestyle:
- The type of HVAC system you wish to install into your home.
- The type of HVAC system currently installed on your property.
- The scope of the project at hand.
- The Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio of the HVAC unit you need for your home to operate as efficiently as possible.
- The cost of labor relative to the size of your project.
- The installation techniques needed to connect your new HVAC unit based on the size, layout, and other factors of your home.
Another important consideration that will help us determine the appropriate size of your HVAC unit is the number of British Thermal Units (BTUs) required to heat and cool your home. This energy unit measures how much power it takes to heat one pound of water. Each HVAC unit has a different BTU number. This number is determined by:
- The age of your home.
- The quality of your home’s insulation, in addition to its heat gain and loss.
- The total square footage of your home.
- The layout of the rooms and floors throughout your home.
- The style and quality of ductwork you have installed in your home.
- The height of your ceilings.
As you can see, choosing the correct HVAC unit for your home, along with the process of installation, are pretty complicated. As such, it’s common for homeowners to feel overwhelmed, especially when they do not have professional guidance to rely on. For example, without the professional advice of an HVAC company, you risk installing a unit into your home that is either too small or too large for your home. When this occurs, you will inevitably use more power to cool and heat your home than is required. In the end, it will end up costing you more money on your monthly energy bill. In addition, with a system that is the wrong size, you risk causing damage to your home that can end up costing you money over time as well.
However, with the help of Francis Home Environment and our licensed, expert HVAC technicians, we’ll work with you closely from start to finish to ensure you feel well-informed and confident in the decisions made for your home from start to finish. Regardless of the type of project at hand, Francis Home Environment has your best interests in mind, so you can rest assured knowing your home is in good hands.
At Francis Home Environment, we’re happy to offer all Ottawa homeowners financing when purchasing a new HVAC system!
For more information on installation costs and choosing an HVAC in Ottawa that will optimize your home’s energy efficiency based on the unique features of your home, call us directly or book a free consultation with Francis Home Environment today so we can get you back to enjoying your home in no time.
-
What to Look for in an HVAC Servicing Company?
When it comes to choosing a company to partner with for your HVAC services, sometimes, it can be not easy to select one that is reliable enough to get the job done right the first time. Therefore, it is essential that homeowners do their due diligence and research before signing a contract with any HVAC servicing company, as it can end up costing them more money in the long run if something is not repaired or installed correctly.
Therefore, to ensure that homeowners feel well-informed when making their decision, here are some of the most critical factors that you should look for in an HVAC servicing company that prove they are trustworthy and suitable for the job:
Years of Experience
One of the first and most important factors in choosing the right company for your HVAC services is choosing a business that has years of experience. While newer companies may provide quality work, it can lead to a hit or miss scenario. On the other hand, a company with years of experience has the knowledge and skills to keep a business up and running for an extended period of time.
Positive Customer Reviews
The most telling sign that a business is reliable with its ability to offer you quality results is positive customer reviews. Customers are what make any business successful. Therefore, if the company has positive testimonials on its website and other social media pages from previous clients, then you can feel confident that what they are saying is true.
Proper Licensing
All HVAC technicians and companies in Ottawa are required to have all the proper licenses and certifications to operate legally. Therefore, if you are looking for more confirmation that a company you’re thinking of working with is legitimate, ask them for proof of documentation to ensure that it is accurate and valid.
Insurance/Warranty on Services
Further, the company you choose to partner with should also come with insurance and/or warranty on all services they offer. That way, if something should go wrong, you can rest assured knowing that you will not be reliable to pay for any repairs or modifications once a technician has finished servicing your home.
Get a Free Quote
Companies that are unwilling to give homeowners free quotes should not be trusted. A professional company should provide you with a free estimate on the services you need, and all costs should be confirmed before any work is conducted in your home.
What Homeowners Say About Us
4.9 Stars On Google From Over 4,100 Homeowners
-
“Professional, friendly and efficient. He diagnosed the issue within seconds and had it fixed within minutes. He gave our system a thorough checkover after completion and had lots of useful advice for cheap maintenance and care.” - David C.
-
“We have been dealing with them for years and always have a good experience. I highly recommend Francis.” - Laura P.
-
“I own a home that was built in the 1960s and this team was able to find a solution for every problem that came up.” - J.W.
-
“The technician worked extremely hard to troubleshoot the issue in our extremely warm house. He utilized another team member via video call to assist him with the technology.” - Marshall M.
-
“A team that works well together, pleasure to have them in our home. This is the second big job done by Francis Fuels here, not one complaint. Good products, great reliable service and to top it off, friendly, kind and respectful.” - Catherine L.
-
“Service has always been top-notch for the many years we have been with them. Highly recommended for both service and installation of equipment and add-ons.” - Arthur W.
The Francis Home Environment Difference
Certified Technicians Providing Exceptional Service
-
Comfort Guaranteed
We guarantee all of our installations, for a peaceful home and mind.
-
Trusted Experience
Francis Home Environment has been serving families in Ottawa and the surrounding area since 1933.
-
Locally Based & Operated
We’ve been serving local families for over eighty-five years, which shows both our dedication and experience.
-
Serious Service
We offer ‘round-the-clock service so that you’re always covered.