How Old Is My Water Heater?

September 30, 2018 Evam Canada DIY Hot Water Heater, Hot Water Heater FAQ No comments

On average a water heater will last you 8-12 years before needing replacement. If you were not the first owner of your home and are unsure when your hot water heater was installed it is important for you to find out this information. The good news is that this information is readily available and easy to find on your hot water heater itself. This guide will offer you step by step information to help you determine the age of your water heater and help you decide when it may be time to obtain a replacement.

Decoding serial numbers

The best way to determine how old your water heater is, is to look at the serial number. All water heaters will have a serial number located on the exterior of the unit. This applies to both hot water heater tanks and tankless water heater systems. Most serial numbers will be a combination of numbers and letters.

Some water heater manufactures, such as Rheem make it easy for you to determine the age of your water heater unit. On Rheem units, the serial number contains the year and month that the water heater unit was manufactured. By looking at the 9 digit serial code of a Rheem water heater you can note that the first four numbers of the serial number are the manufacture date.
An example of a Rheem serial code format could be as follows;

0108A1289

In this case the first two numbers, 01, are the month of manufacture while the second two numbers represent the year, 98. In this scenario the water heater would have been manufactured in January of 2008.

Types of Serial Codes

Not every water heater manufacture provides the date in such an clear pattern as Rheem. Listed below are a few examples of common water heater manufacturers and how they list their serial numbers and where you can find serial number information.

Navien – depending on the model of water heater you will see a different style of serial code. Navien provides a chart to help you decode your serial number.

Rinnai – similar to the example above the date of manufacture can be fpund in the first four numbers of the serial code. The first two numbers are the year and are then followed by the month.

What if I still can’t find it?

If you are having difficulty finding your water heater serial number it may be helpful to . A technician will be able to help you locate the serial number on your water heater unit and will also be able to help you determine your water heaters manufacture date.

Don’t forget maintenance

Always remember that regular maintenance will help to keep your water heating running for as long as possible. See our previous blog post for information on water heater maintenance and learn how to keep the water in your home hot while also helping to extend the life of your water heater for years to come.

Which Way Do Furnace Filters Face

September 30, 2018 Evam Canada DIY Furnace, Furnace FAQ No comments

It’s time to change your furnace filter. You have the new one ready to go and have removed the old one. So now what? It’s important to make sure that your furnace filter is placed correctly. An improperly replaced air filter can lead to a variety of problems for your furnace as well as cause it to run inefficiently. This leaves us with the question, which way do furnace filters face?

Although it could be as simple as observing how the old filter went in, there are two simple steps you should take before installing your new furnace filter.

Step 1: Locate the arrow on your new furnace filter. This arrow should towards the furnace. If you are switching brands of furnace filters it you may wish to consider taking a look for this arrow to ensure it is the same as filters you have used in the past.

Step 2: That’s it! Once this is done you have successfully replaced your furnace filter and are ready to go.

As you can see, replacing your furnace filter is a simple task that can be done on your own. There is no need to fear changing your furnace filter.

How often should I replace my furnace filter?

Now that you know how to replace your furnace filter correctly you should make a note for yourself to ensure you are replacing your furnace filter often enough. As a general rule it is a good idea to change your furnace filter monthly while it is in use.

Changing your furnace filter regularly has many benefits including keeping your furnace running efficiently and extending its life. In addition to these important benefits it also provides improved air quality to your home. If you live with pets or in a dusty environment, you may wish to consider changing your furnace filter more regularly in order to achieve optimal air quality within you home.

Get on a maintenance schedule

Changing your furnace filter is just one important step to ensuring that you have a healthy and efficient furnace all winter long. In addition to regular furnace filter replacements, you may wish to consider following our furnace maintenance checklist to help you make sure that you have a furnace ready for cold winter days.

It is important to keep your furnace clean and in good working order to help avoid emergency situations and extend the life of your furnace. Many of the items on our maintenance checklist can be performed on your own with little equipment. Simple tasks such as keeping the unit clean and vacuuming your vents can help you keep your furnace healthy.

If you are uncomfortable doing DIY furnace maintenance or have concerns about your furnace’s performance, it may be a good idea to get in touch with a technician. A qualified technician will help you feel confident that your furnace is in good order and ready for the winter season.

How To Turn On A Furnace

September 30, 2018 Evam Canada DIY Furnace, Furnace Troubleshooting No comments

If you have an automatic furnacing turning it on can be as simple as setting the thermostat to the desired temperature and simply pressing the on button for heat. As easy as this is to do on a cool day you don’t want to do this before you have done a few steps.

Performing some basic furnace maintenance will ensure that you have a functioning furnace to heat your home when you need it. Don’t wait until a cold winter day to get your furnace ready. Consider starting your regular furnace maintenance in the early fall or end of summer to ensure that it is ready to go, and you won’t be caught in the cold.

What to do before turning on your furnace?

Before turning on your furnace for the winter make sure you have completed the following tasks. To help you stay on top of your regular furnace maintenance we have created a DIY furnace maintenance checklist. Use this list to keep yourself on a regular maintenance schedule and ensure you don’t miss any important steps.

Cleaning – Cleanliness is important for your furnace. A clean furnace will function more efficiently and will last longer. Cleaning your furnace is as easy as taking a vacuum to the exterior of your furnace and changing the filter. Make sure that the area surrounding your furnace is clean and clear of any debris. Consider getting your ducts cleaned as part of your yearly maintenance routine.

Damage – Check the exterior of your furnace for any signs of damage. If you have obvious signs of damage to your furnace you may wish to contact a technician before turning it on.

Inspection – Inspect your furnace to ensure that all components are in working order, check for leaks in ductwork and issues with your unit.

What if my pilot light is out?

If your pilot light is out you will be required to relight the pilot light before you will be able to turn on your furnace. Although this is a necessary step you should still follow the steps above to make sure your furnace is ready before attempting to relight the pilot light.

Pay extra attention to cleaning and damage when looking at relighting your pilot light. Your pilot light may have gone out due to dirt or damage. Contact a technician if you require assistance in relighting your pilot light and always call your natural gas provider if you smell gas.

Should I contact a technician?

If your furnace is clean and in working order you should be able to set your furnace to your desired temperature. But if you have any concerns or need help with furnace maintenance or repairs it may be a good idea to call a qualified technician to help.

It is a good idea to get a yearly tune up for your furnace to ensure it runs effectively and safely throughout the winter months. Remember that keeping your furnace and surrounding are clean is a great way to stay on top of furnace maintenance.

Should You Cover Your Air Conditioner In The Winter?

September 30, 2018 Evam Canada Air Conditioner FAQ, DIY Air Conditioning No comments

If you’ve ever seen a covered air conditioner on one of your neighbours’ homes you may be wondering if this is something you should be doing too. Air conditioner covers can keep snow and debris out of your ac unit. It might seem like it would be important to cover your air conditioner, but it may not be necessary depending on where you live.

Most air conditioners do not need to be covered in winter but there are a few exceptions. This post will help you determine whether you need to cover up your air conditioner unit in the winter months or leave it as is.

Why wouldn’t I cover my air conditioner?

Although well intentioned, covering your air conditioner may cause you more problems than prevent them. This is due to the fact that a covered air condition can attract an assortment of unwanted guests. Animals can enter a covered air conditioner and use it as a shelter for the winter. This runs a risk of animals damaging your air conditioner as well as it may leave nests and feces in the unit. An animal in your air conditioner can be a real problem and can be prevented by not covering your unit.

Mold and mildew may also accumulate inside of a covered air conditioner. Blocking airflow to the unit in wet months can cause a buildup of mold. This can cause your air conditioner to become blocked and not be able to run efficiently. If it is not necessary for you to cover your air conditioner it may be more beneficial for you to keep it uncovered to avoid these potential problems.

When should I cover my air conditioner?

If you are in for some truly terrible weather it may be a good idea to consider temporarily covering your air conditioner. If you are expecting to experience a severe storm that involves hail or a potential for debris to damage your unit, covering it may be a good idea. You may also choose to cover your air conditioner unit in the winter if you live in a climate that experiences severe winters.

Covering your air conditioner is a preference but it is not a necessity and may actually contribute to damage to your unit. If you choose to not cover your air conditioner that is ok. It is made to be outside in all types of weather and you may even avoid some issues by not using a cover.

What should I do in the winter?

It is perfectly fine to leave your air conditioner uncovered in the winter. But you should still perform regular maintenance on your air conditioner to ensure it will run efficiently in the summer months. The most important thing you can do to at home to help your air conditioner perform better is to keep it clean. Remove tall weeds and any debris that may be around your unit.

You may wish to consider using our DIY air conditioner maintenance guide to help you stay on top of your regular maintenance. If you don’t feel comfortable maintaining your air conditioner on your own, consider calling a qualified technician.

What to do when your AC is short cycling

September 2, 2018 Evam Canada Air Conditioner Troubleshooting No comments

If you are experiencing problems with your air conditioner turning on and off again in short increments you are very likely dealing with a short cycling issue. When an AC unit is shorty cycling it will turn on and then off again for short periods of time. This means that your air conditioner is working inefficiently, and it will not function properly or cool your house. A short cycling problem does need attention for the sake of your comfort in your home as well as for your air conditioner’s lifespan. The good new is that you maybe be able to fix this is on your own. In this post we will discuss reasons why your ac may be short cycling and help you decide if you need to obtain outside help.

How to fix a Water Heater Pilot Light

September 2, 2018 Evam Canada Hot Water Heater Troubleshooting No comments

We’ve all been there. You hop in the shower early in the morning and are rudely greeted by freezing cold water running down your back. After hopping out of the shower in shock you now need to figure out why you didn’t get the steaming hot shower your excepted. If you have a gas hot water tank it could very likely be that your pilot light has somehow turned off and now needs to be light again. This can be a relatively simple fix that can be performed at home without the help of a technician. By following the simple steps listed below you can get that water tank working up and ready for a much more enjoyable shower.

How often should you clean your furnace

September 2, 2018 Evam Canada Furnace Maintenance No comments

Furnace wcleaning and maintenance directly relates to the health of your furnace. It is important to consider that by keeping on top of furnace cleaning you are helping to prevent a costly repair or a loss of heat when you need it most. But how often should we clean and service a furnace? This article will touch on some of the ways you can help keep your furnace clean and when you should consider getting furnace cleaning and maintenance done professionally.

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