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R_B Plumbing and Heating Natural Gas Installation

March 23 2022

Why Spring is Perfect for a Natural Gas Installation

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With all the hoopla over heat pumps this winter, and your cooling options for summer, you’ve probably already turned your attention to the better weather. I know that we have! With the focus on electric heating for inside your home, you may have a natural gas service to your home and now also have less or in some cases, nothing to do with it. Natural gas is still the most efficient and least expensive form of energy for your patio – not to mention convenience. And there are so many things that we can do with it! So many options in the marketplace to create outdoor rooms and atmosphere.

First up, some space planning. What will your outside space do for you? Will it be an extension of your living room? A covered area, with a TV and a fireplace? In that case, you might hang your patio heaters from the roof. Or will it be an intimate lounge space with a luxurious moon bed with tiki torches for atmosphere. You might plan a circle with a fire pit, or a fire table for an al fresco dining experience. My favourite outdoor room set up is definitely the outdoor kitchen. This is as much because I love to be outdoors as because in our family it’s traditionally been a male dominated task meaning I don’t have to cook!

No matter what your design choices and style aesthetic, you’re sure to find a natural gas appliance to make your new patio space welcoming, warm, and efficient!

R&B Plumbing and Heating’s Top Natural Gas Recommendations

Natural Gas Fireplaces

These framed or frameless kits can easily be installed to look like a feature or built into a privacy wall. They offer both ambience and heat and come in a variety of sizes and looks. They will have weather protected switches and stainless steel burners, built to last. Check out this outdoor room fireplace by Montigo

Natural Gas Patio Heating

In my opinion, this is the best return on investment for your patio. It extends the season, and your living space, and permanently installed heaters can increase the resale value of your home. You can have all the outdoor appliances you like but if it’s too cold to enjoy, that’s not as good.

There are several types of natural gas heaters on the market and freestanding ones are simple so I’m going to tell you about your permanently installed options. We install Calcana infrared patio heaters. The advantage of infrared is that it’s not trying to heat the air, but it heats the objects beneath it. This reduces the wind chill factor. They come in various lengths and sizes for either a residential or commercial application.

Natural Gas Tiki Torches

These can be strung in a line that’s buried along the yard for a nice trail, or strung along a railing, these can often be teed together to make a string, although the cost of the pieces can add up. A few in a small space can have a large impact, and a certain romance! They are also widely available. Just be sure to pick one that’s for natural gas rather than canisters or propane if that’s your fuel of choice.

Natural Gas Fire Pits

These are a standalone version of a campfire come in endless different styles. With a spark-free flame quality they are often able to be used in places with a fire ban. We often install these with the feeder line under the patio so there’s no trailing hoses to trip over or to spoil the look.

Natural Gas Tiki Torches

Pulling up a chair around the table with the flames dancing down the centre of a dining table can create a candlelight ambience that won’t leave you scraping wax (or going to IKEA for more candles – because we all know you never come out of there with just candles!)

For the firepit and fire tables you’ll often see them advertised with a cupboard that will hold the propane canister. The propane canister won’t be needed with the natural gas hook-up since you’ll be running off of your house feed. Re-purpose that extra furniture or sell it! But first, make sure the one you choose can be converted or used with natural gas.

Natural Gas Barbecue

The natural gas barbecue! Oh, what an invention! Maybe it’s just me but changing out and refilling propane bottles is not my favourite thing. While barbecuing with natural gas certainly is. Barbecues that have the conversion kits are much more readily available, and the entire out door kitchen series by Kerrisdale Lumber is an example of how many features can be incorporated into your outdoor space.

Or if you’re looking for something closer to home, Johnstone’s has an outdoor natural gas kitchen package.

TIP: Make sure when you buy a gas patio appliance, furniture or feature, that it has a natural gas set-up or conversation kit available. With the prevalence of propane as the patio gas for many years, you may have to work a little bit harder to find one with a natural gas ability.

Questions homeowners think about before running planning a natural gas installation

How many gas-powered appliances do you expect to connect on your patio?
What sort of permit will you need, and will you need a permit for each of the future appliances you want to connect?
Will R&B Plumbing and Heating manage the conversion of the propane appliance to natural gas? (YES!)
How can I tell if my Natural gas service needs to be upgraded?
Can my old appliances be converted?
Are the R&B Plumbing and Heating technicians certified installers with a natural gas license? (YES!)
What maintenance can I expect for any of my patio natural gas items and features that I want?
How soon can you supply and install my natural gas patio line and accessories?

By having as much detailed information for yourself and our R&B technicians ahead of time, we’ll be able to give you better service and peace of mind.

Book Your Natural Gas Installation Today

We’re an outdoor loving population here on the Westcoast, so a little investment in your outdoor space this spring, will extend your season long after Labour Day.

Connect with us to find out more, or to arrange a free estimate for our natural gas services.

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November 26 2021

How to Avoid a Plumbing Emergency

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How will you know when your water heater bursts, your sewer backs up, or something has chewed through a pipe to cause a flood? Most times, we find out by stepping off the last basement step into a pool of water. By then the water has moved through your lowest level and started seeping into real property and you’re probably about to get onto a first name basis with your insurance adjuster. Is there a better way? You bet! We’ve got a product that will be watching for your plumbing emergency, and what will alert you that your water needs to be shut off!

40% of homeowners will experience a flood in their lifetime and 60% will experience some type of burst pipe. Often times these pending disasters have been brewing for weeks without their knowledge. Plumbing emergencies rarely happen when we’re looking, and typically don’t make enough noise to draw our attention.

What’s the cost of a flood?

The cost of a flood is high. First there’s the deductible. My policy has a water damage deductible of $2500. Not to mention, many policies, if you read the fine print, have an extensive list of limits and exclusions. Let’s remember as well, that when you have a loss you’ll have increased future insurance premiums. My friend calculated that their water loss cost them $15,000 above what the insurance covered.

For as little as $1250 for a basic installation (as this blog is written!), you can get an emergency water shut off system. There are several on the market, but the one we prefer is Popular Science 2018 winner, Flo by Moen.

FLO by Moen (3/4″) Backed by years of product development and industry leading technology, Flo by Moen detects and stops leaks. From your toilet, shower or faucet, to the pipes in your foundation and behind your walls, this smart water valve monitors all of them so there’s no surprises on your water bill or catastrophes when you come home from vacation.

Monitors your daily usage.
Allows the user to set water consumption goals.
Real, human telephone support if you need assistance with set up or operation.
Texts, emails or phones the user when an alert is triggered.
If you’re on vacation (Attention all you Snowbirds) and no amount of water use is expected, set the system to “AWAY” to ensure any break is not attributed to use; someone running a bath, for example.
Integrates with home automation systems (Alexa, Google).
FloProtect App subscription with enhanced features is $5USD/month.
Available locally through R&B.

The Flo is great for the engaged and passionate water police, but also doesn’t complicate the app with these extras unless you want to buy the subscription. We like that it has some excellent options for those who are less tech savvy as well, like the real person factor and the Snowbird Switch.

Why Use an Emergency Water Shut Off System

The advantages of any emergency water shut off systems go further than just preventing loss. They can also give you eligibility for reduced insurance rates with typical discounts of 5-10%.

How to Choose the Right Unit (and avoid the cost of emergency plumbing)

The good news is this, there is no bad decision unless you decide not to make the choice! Emergency plumbing services are stressful and costly at the best of times. Avoid emergency situations before they arise by taking preventive measures to protect against flooding and leaks. To get a free estimate for your home and protect yourself from damage and inconvenience, contact us today.

CONTACT R&B FOR MORE INFO

For more information on what an annual service and safety check actually entails, call R&B today. And if you’re a recipient of our quarterly newsletter, be sure to look for your discount offering.

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September 7 2021

Carbon Monoxide Detectors

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Why is it that when faced with the expense of an annual safety check and furnace or boiler service that we’re so reluctant to spend that money? Is it because we can’t see or measure the results? Categorizing those few hundred dollars into ‘discretionary spending‘ rather than “necessity spending” may seem like a perfectly justifiable thing to do until we consider the consequences.

Carbon Monoxide poisoning. It’s invisible. Undetectable. If we notice, it’s because we’re sick or things are dying. Or we’re dying. Its roulette of epic proportions and often we don’t even know that we’ve bet. Health link BC has a lot to say about it and way down at the bottom is a message about CO detectors. They are the last line of defense and not a substitute for all the other things you will want to do first.

The most common source of carbon monoxide inside the house in our region is from a failing furnace or boiler. There is no shortage of sources that detail how important it is to be getting annual service and safety checks, as strongly recommended by Fortis BC, and the GAS SAFETY BRANCH of BC.

CO Detectors should be the last resort. Once it gets to the point where your carbon monoxide detector is triggered, it’s often too late for options like repair. The annual safety service will identify parts that are heavily loaded with carbon, starting to disintegrate, reducing the cleanliness and efficiency of the burn and adding build up on all the ignition parts. If this is ignored year after year, and it’s discovered by the triggering of a CO detector, then there will likely be far too much to repair.

Spending money on service is often avoided since it doesn’t produce obvious results like haircuts or grocery shopping. The truth is, your family has the option to become aware that the levels of carbon monoxide might be increasing long before they become dangerous. This is because flue gasses, one of the items that are checked during a service, can be acted upon long before they might vent into the home.

Now if you have a carbon monoxide (CO)detector that’s great. Their purpose is to ensure that gas fired appliances are running at safe combustion levels and not producing excess carbon monoxide that is accumulating inside the home instead of being fully vented.

Do you and your kids know what it sounds like?

If your children are anything like ours, once they get involved in a game, there could be a police siren right next them to them and they would tune it out. They are usually confident it doesn’t apply to them. Even the noises that do apply to them don’t seem to matter, like ringing phones, minute timers etc., but they do know what the smoke alarm sounds like and what to do about it.

With the CO detector it should be the same. Carbon monoxide units all have test buttons on them and its good to press and hold that button for at least 15-30 seconds to really impress on their minds that this pattern of sound is important. The next test should be, can they hear it from everywhere in the house? If not, it would be good to establish a list of things for the babysitter to check after she puts kids to bed and before she starts texting for the evening. Write it down.

Now that they know what it sounds like, do they know what to do if they hear it? Is it an emergency? Always. Resist the impulse to push the reset button because everything seems fine – or worse unplug it. And remember, carbon monoxide detectors are calibrated to go off before the average adult would experience symptoms. Children are much more susceptible.

CONTACT R&B FOR MORE INFO

For more information on what an annual service and safety check actually entails, call R&B today. And if you’re a recipient of our quarterly newsletter, be sure to look for your discount offering.

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June 14 2021

Drain Cleaning

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If you’re a homeowner, right now drain cleaning for your storm sewer is probably the furthest thing from your mind. In fact, you’re probably really enjoying your garden right now. Maybe you’ve spent a weekend raking out the winter and it’s looking pretty fresh.

Now take a moment to consider what’s going on beneath the surface. Some of the debris you just raked out from under the foundation plantings – just like what’s in your gutters – has likely also found it’s way into your storm sewer. While that’s not a big deal right now when the weather is mostly great, it will be a huge deal in six months. Let’s flash forward to the fall, when the leaves drop again, and the plant roots have spent a luxurious summer season finding standing water in there and filling out that moist space that may already be filled with some high-grade composting material from the previous winter… yes you get the picture. Your storm sewer is quietly filling up.

If you have a property like that, you may require some annual maintenance, or if you’ve had problems in the past (unlike mutual funds) it’s a good indicator of the future performance! In that case, yearly inspection and drain cleaning is advised.

Enter Drain Cleaning

If you think you need drain cleaning, don’t wait until it rains! The best thing is to get out in front of it on a dry day with a camera. Why dry? The camera will tell us what’s in there, but only if we can see it.

Is Drain Cleaning DIY?

While DIY drain cleaning is not always possible due to the equipment required, there are several things that homeowners can do to reduce the frequency and even the cost.

Keep drain grates clear so debris doesn’t wash down into pipes.
Know where your clean-outs are. Clean-outs are access points that can be opened to allow for an auger or other machine to clear the lines. They are usually white (although they can be other colours) and have a large square nut on a plastic cap.
Sewer clean outs are often inside the home. They can be located under sinks, in cupboards, in basements, in walls, closets in various sizes depending on their use.
The ones for your storm sewer when present will usually be located outside. An informed homeowner can save time and money by directing technicians the clean-outs.
Avoid or even consider moving plantings with deep roots that are over the drain lines.

When you need R&B:

While drain cleaning is a fairly non-technical task, a little knowhow and experience will make the job go faster. Also good to know, this is a two person job! Drain cleaning equipment usually consists of:

Large sectional auger that can extend up to 200 feet; it has different end fittings for root grinding or debris clearing.
Video diagnostic camera, that can show us what the issues are,
A line locator to pinpoint the location of something like a collapsed pipe
Water Jetter machine, which is similar in theory to a domestic pressure washer but has significantly more pressure and hose length from 100-200 feet.

How Often do I need to get Drain Cleaning done?

How often can sometimes be hard to determine. In general, the fewer of those factors (trees/ roots/ ground instability / age) are in place, the less often drain cleaning is needed. Properties that need it less or even infrequently will likely have landscaping that does not produce roots to any significant depth. You may only want to camera those drains on an as needed basis, or when there is cause for concern. One thing I would recommend is to err on the side of caution. It’s stunning how far and long roots grow in a drain – well beyond the canopy of the tree! Remember that even if your lot is all gravel, your neighbour or the city may have trees with roots that may encroach on your drainage.

In a perfect world drain cleaning would never be needed. A properly installed drainage system with no pipe sagging or collapse, no roots, or foreign debris would theoretically never need to be cleaned. Unfortunately given our lush park like city, most people will have to consider this maintenance at some point in their home ownership.

Tip: You may wonder when you see water backing up into the house where it’s coming from. If the water is coming from a basement sump, or from a shower basin, it’s likely the main sewer line. If the water is coming from the foundation or standing in the yard, it’s more likely a storm sewer blockage.

Lastly and perhaps most importantly, don’t wait. If you suspect your drain is slow or backing up, call us.

CONTACT R&B FOR MORE INFO

Before you make that leap though, chat with us about your options for grants and most importantly, options for heating. We’ll help you figure out if it’s the best choice for your home.

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March 4 2021

Heat Pump Tips – Six things to know before you buy

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Heat pump, heat pump, heat pump! “Marsha, Marsha, Marsha!” It’s the new star of the show, what everyone’s talking about… It seems like every municipality and government body is jumping on this band wagon and with grants and free stuff and with good reason. There are many incentives and advantages to getting a heat pump installed at your home as your main source of heating plus;

They can also COOL your home in the summer.
They are incredibly efficient – enough to make up for the higher cost of electricity

Do we care how they work? Some of you are content to let things work just like their iPhone works with no idea ‘how’. For the keeners, you can find out about their mysterious ways of working by watching this video:

The City of North Vancouver is amazing and has a great homeowner site for navigating all things heat pump.

The complete guide for Homeowner purchases can be accessed by clicking here. Including;

There is a plethora of information on the advantages, and how to get one, but less on what it’s like to actually own one. With that in mind, I’d like to offer our readers some after sales care…. in advance. Here are the things you should be aware of;

HEAT PUMPS NEED SERVICE JUST LIKE YOUR FURNACE

Once each year, expect to have a visit from your friendly R&B technician to service your heat pump. What will we do?

Vacuum inside and outside of the unit
Clean condenser
Clean evaporator coil with coil cleaner
Clean fan blades
Ensure all electrical connections are watertight
Inspect contactors – are they worn?
Do contactors need replacement?
Do capacitors need replacement?
Inspect Armaflex insulation on the refrigerant piping
Test unit, ensure it is functioning properly
Ensure drain on the indoor unit is not plugged
Ensure drain on the outdoor unit is not plugged
Ensure outdoor unit is level for proper drainage
Ensure interior return air grills and supply air grills are not blocked.
Inform the customer of the importance of replacing (cleaning) filters and frequency.
Record filter size
Check for error codes
And most importantly, leave the unit operational!

The best time to schedule is in the fall before winter weather arrives and in the spring before AC season. This will keep it running most efficiently – which is also why you made the investment, wasn’t it?

HOMEOWNER CARE & MAINTENANCE NEEDS

Every homeowner should know how to spot serious trouble and know when to call an expert for help. Follow these helpful tips to get the most out of your heat pump and save on energy.

Check the heat pump for snow or ice buildup during the winter. Your heat pump needs access to outside air to work properly. If snow or ice buildup restricts the airflow, you’ll lose efficiency, and your heat pump will strain to keep pace with demand.
Remove foliage from around the outdoor unit and keep shrubs at least 18 inches away from the heat pump on all sides.
Make sure your outdoor unit is not sitting in or under a water source (roof run-off, overflowing gutters) that may collect and freeze – restricting airflow.
Clean and change your filters
Keep the registers open. This one is important with any air flow. It does not save energy to close off rooms that are not being used as it was sized to heat or cool the entire home size. (In fact, as you close off registers, the new air handling unit or furnace, will actually increase fan speed to overcome the restricted airflow. This will cause the units to work harder and increase electrical consumption.)
Keep debris, leaves, covers, lawn chairs, etc off the top of the unit. (not much you can do about the cat)

Other tips; During the heating season, try not to set the thermostat below 65 degrees.

In the cooling season, try not to set the thermostat below 72 degrees. It will help lower your utility costs and reduce usage. Plus cooling to 72 is COLD. You’ll probably find that you’re comfortable at 75.

EXPECT SOME REPAIR COSTS OVER TIME

Just like your furnace or existing heating system (or anything else in your house), parts do wear out and repairs will need to be made. The heat pump doesn’t have any more or less expensive parts than a furnace for example, and the same technician can repair it for the same price per hour. The only difference would be if there is a problem with the refrigerant which would require a specialist to repair and recharge.

EXPECT TO HEAR YOUR OUTDOOR UNIT RUN

Because the units are located outside, you will hear them in your yard. Or you will hear your neighbours’. While you can guard against some noise with specially designed wraps and strategic plantings, it’s still noise. And if you’re sensitive to things like that it may bother you. The noise from furnaces and boilers and other indoor air units do exist, but since they are usually located away from the living space in a closet or crawlspace, you usually won’t hear them as much.

NO POWER = NO HEAT

Yes, it’s true, if the power goes out, so does your heat! The good news is that it’s rare for the power to go out in our area for very long. But there are things you should know about when the power comes back on – especially in the winter! Carrier suggests that if the electricity to the heat pump has been off for more than 30 minutes switch your thermostat to EHEAT (emergency heat) mode before restarting your heat pump. This is to give the system time to get back up to speed without putting a huge load on it. Lennox suggests running their systems for 6 hr before trying to engage the heat pump. If after that period of time the heat pump does not work properly a call to your favorite local heating professional (hint: US!) should be made.

OTHER INCENTIVES WILL SWEETEN THE DEAL

If the heat pump solution is right for you, we can sweeten the deal. As a Carrier dealer we have access to the Carrier Infinity Greenspeed Heat Pump which will now come with a FREE air purifier with purchase.

CONTACT R&B FOR MORE INFO

Before you make that leap though, chat with us about your options for grants and most importantly, options for heating. We’ll help you figure out if it’s the best choice for your home.

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February 4 2021

New Heating System Quote – What Questions to Ask

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If you’ve decided it’s time to invest in a new heating system and you’re like most, you’ve done some research. You’re familiar with the standard efficiencies and maybe even the difference between a single stage furnace and two stage-modulating unit. If you’ve received any quotes, you may have also had an opportunity to explore some of the different brands. Even with all that, has a clear choice emerged for you? In this blog, we’re sharing with you, the top five questions you must ask the companies who have quoted for you, along with the answers that you should hear!

Who’s Quoted For You?

If you had some warning that your heating system failure was imminent, or maybe you’re taking advantage of some of the spectacular Fortis rebates and double rebates that must be installed by March 31, 2021.

Perhaps you’ve engaged and received two (or more) quotes from reputable heating companies. If it were happening me, I’d get one from the company that sent me a flyer in the mail – just because they were cheap and I’d always wonder if I didn’t. I’d absolutely get one from my favorite local plumbing company – especially one who was just voted North Shore’s favorite HVAC company (woot woot!) to support my home community, and I’d also ask a friend for a referral or failing that, perhaps phone a big-name company.

Now, you’re probably looking at these quotes and wondering why the prices are so different. What aren’t you seeing? What could you ask to find out? And that is what this blog will answer for you. What are the most defining questions you can ask, as well as the most common questions we get? As a bonus, I’m going to tell you the top 3 reasons our customers tell us they’ve chosen R&B. Spoiler alert, when they make their final decision, it’s never about the price!

1. Grants and Rebates

It seems that many prices come with the grant built into the pricing and some as advice that you’ll get additional money back at a later date. This can be the biggest difference in price. Make sure that when you’re comparing the prices, and you will, that you make that distinction.

But I promised it wasn’t about the price and it isn’t. Getting the grants, is the key. The potential to get the grant is something everyone can offer. What fewer do is give you the pre-filled applications, photos, and access to an email or other submission process that is easy to follow. Ask your favorite furnace company, who does the paperwork?

2. I’ve been quoted on two options… which what’s the right choice for my home?

This depends on many factors. The most expensive option for any home is only the right choice if you or your family will use all the features. If WIFI control is not important to you, then you may not need the high-end controller. If noise is a factor, you’ll want a super quiet unit. If high efficiency is your highest priority, does a smaller size of unit fit your needs?

If you’re planning a renovation, or a teardown, or a move, then you might not see the return on your investment either in terms of a sale price or having that unit adaptable to your future plans.

Often times, the best option isn’t the most expensive option, and it can be refreshing to hear that honestly. By really drilling down with our customer to identify which is the right choice for them is the relationship that we want to have. At R&B, we are accessible to have those conversations with you.

3. What is the warranty on the units and what is the warranty process like?

The warranty that you get with domestic heating appliances like furnaces and boilers is often standard throughout the industry. Many manufacturers will also have optional warranties that you can buy to extend the regular warranty. Here’s what you need to know. It’s not necessarily the length of the warranty but more; it’s what the warranty process is. Do you have to navigate these claims on your own, or does your service provider do it for you? Will the warranty process have a clear entitlement that you can get in writing? Does your warranty require that you keep all service records for every year?

When you install a Carrier brand furnace with R&B, and there is a warranty issue, we take care of you from beginning to end. We will start the warranty process, order the parts, make the claims, follow up on the credits and ensure you’re receiving all the money back that you’re entitled to. As well, Carrier provides buy back and upgrade options for some furnaces that fail in that critical time between the end of the warranty and the end of the furnace life. This brings up the next question.

4. Does your company service the units that they install?

We do. It’s important for a few reasons. Companies, who service what they sell, actually know the equipment. Think of an engine in your car. The assembly line can bolt it in an engine to meet a standard, but it’s the mechanic who will ‘tune’ the engine to truly get the best performance out of it. For home heating, it’s the same – especially with boilers. Part of our installation process is completing a combustion analysis, and adjusting the gas pressure. Without doing that, it may be running in accordance with the manufacture’s acceptable ranges, but might not be achieving peak efficiency – which is what you paid for. Finally, and most importantly, your service technician installer will be able to resolve any faults. At R&B, all our installers are also the repair technicians.

The bonus of using a Company like R&B, that services what they sell is for the service records. From installation through each year of service, your maintenance and care will ensure that you’re getting warranty and longevity out of the equipment. Maintenance you’ll be able to prove with our computerized service records.

5. What is your after-sales customer care program?

There’s the “Taillight” after sales care, that ends when you can no longer see the taillights of the installers van, or the “Customer for Life” after sales care. Which would you prefer? Our after-sales care program;

Ensures that all equipment is registered with the manufacturer
Provides all documentation necessary to access grants and rebates
Contacts you on the anniversary of your installation to provide for the booking of the maintenance.
Records equipment model, serial numbers and date of installation to ensure that you can easily call us up to order filters or check warranties
Follows the address, and the customer. We record equipment by address, but customers by name so we’ll always know who you are, and what our services history is with you. When you sell your home, the information can easily be provided to the new owner.
IBC performance monitoring. If you’ve purchased a Canadian made IBC boiler, there’s an option to register for system monitoring. R&B can respond to faults and errors remotely and often before you’re even aware of a fault, or experience the lack of heat.

Plus bonus the question. It’s a bit technical, but stay with me because it’s an important one! Actual customer question:

Your Question: What do you know about the code for my city? Or in other words, Will I pass inspection?

Each municipality can have their own modifications to the general gas safety code. This means that some will allow you to vent though an exterior wall, but the City of North Vancouver will actually require it to go up through the roof. Knowing which process is allowed where will make the difference between passing and failing your installation inspection. And a company that ends up taking out a chimney to vent out the side when it must go through the roof, will actually cause customers to ” hit the roof”!

Make your best decision.

Armed with these questions, instead of peering at the equipment, and small print, and setting price aside for the moment. I hope these questions will help a clear choice to emerge.

Contact R&B Plumbing and Heating

We offer a number of improvements that can increase the health of your air quality at any price point. From a simple furnace filter to an entire air filtration system, contact us today and let our experienced staff connect you with an air quality system that works best within your budget and with your home’s heating requirements.

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February 5 2020

Furnace Parts – What do they do?

heating All Things Furnace, Ask an Expert, DIY 0

Furnace parts, am I right?

If your heat has stopped working, started to make a strange noise, or if your furnace has started grinding, or gone BANG! Then you’ve called for help. After a thorough diagnosis your brilliant R&B technician has announced what the problem is… and you’re still left wondering, what did he say that was again? How did it break? Why did it fail, and most importantly, why did two parts fail at the same time?
Aside from the most common questions such as…
What will it cost? And,
How long will it take?

…which often can’t be answered, we can answer the question of what it does. Many parts work closely together and the failure of one is the result of the failure of another. Here for your reference are some common furnace and boiler terms and definitions for you.

Heating terms and definitions:

Gas valve – This part will open or close as the system calls for heat so as to provide gas flow for combustion. It also serves to reduce the gas pressure coming in to the heating unit. Just as with a car the air / fuel mix needs to be just right for the combustion to occur and to happen efficiently. Sometimes these parts will fail and not reduce the gas enough, or not open or close, as they should.

Igniter – An igniter is a lot like an incandescent light bulb in that it gets hot and glows. These are often referred to as hot surface igniters because the thin wire receives an electrical current when the furnace calls for heat and the end gets red hot to ignite the gas and start the heating. These wear out!

Flame rod sensor – If it were called a flame sensor rod we’d know what it was! The flame rod sensor, so named by a lovely dyslexic heating master has one simple function and that is to sense if there is a flame present when the gas is turned on. If the gas did not ignite, it would seep into the living space of the home and endanger the occupants. These need to be cleaned at your annual heating appliance service because if they aren’t clean, they can’t sense.

Thermocouple – A common failure in older furnaces and as a relatively inexpensive part may be replaced pro-actively with your annual service. Its function is to shut off the gas if the pilot light goes out and the igniter fails to re-light the furnace.

Pilot assembly – A pilot assembly is made up of the pilot, the igniter and the thermocouple. It is typically replaced in its entirety if there is corrosion on the pilot and it can’t be cleaned.

Pressure switches – These little safety switches are activated when excess pressure in your system pushes on them. When gas or fluid pressure changes (either too high or too low to be safe) the movement of the pressure switch will control the electrical current to turn things off.

High limit Switches – These are actually sensors that are designed to ‘trip’ or switch the furnace off. Their function acts as a safety measure in case the furnace overheats. A common cause of overheating is if the airflow is somehow restricted. Then the furnace will continually cycle on and off and overheat. If you find that your furnace is coming on but not actually staying on long enough to warm up the house, this could be the issue. Although, it could also be the restricted air flow!

Manifold of Burners – The manifold is the row or area where the burners sit. The burners are the actual place where the flame comes out to create heat. These can collect black carbon build up if not maintained and that causes the metal to corrode and become brittle. Once that happens those nice little burn holes become misshapen and the air gas ratio is even works and the heating becomes uneven and inefficiency. The incomplete combustion will lead to even more problems.

Blower motor – For your gas furnace just as it sounds, this part is used to blow the heated air through the ducting of your home. When air circulation is limited, or non-existent your blower motor may have failed. If your blower motor is making noise, it can be due to a lack of lubrication and can seize up completely. Your annual furnace maintenance should include the lubrication of the blower bearing assembly to prevent the pre-mature wear and failure of this heating part. When this part fails, the furnace may turn on, but then trip out on a high limit as the lack of air flow causes it to overheat.

Heat exchanger (Primary) – The primary (first in line) exchanger is really a collection of several parts that make up a whole unit. The job of this unit is to heat the air (or water) generated from process of combustion, while to keeping toxic exhaust carbon monoxide separate from living space. It allows the heat from exhaust air to be absorbed by clean air and circulated throughout your home.

The term exchanger refers to the idea of exchanging the heat for the cold as the exhaust leaves the venting. These can plug or crack or corrode if a furnace is getting water in it from improper condensation management. Anything that interferes with the safe containment of the carbon monoxide is cause for the immediate and emergency shut down of the appliance.

Secondary heat exchanger – Found on higher efficiency furnaces this is a second step in the heating process that uses the residual heat in the exhaust air as it condenses. The action of the water vapor turning to liquid allows the furnace to capture the maximum amount of heat from the exhaust air as it leaves the furnace.

Inducer motor – Controlling the air that moves through the heat exchanger, this motor “induces” a draft that draws the exhaust air through the heat exchanger and towards the outside of the home. They will wear out over time, and typically start to make noise when they do. No inducer motor equals no heat!

Condensate pump – As the exhaust air vents out of your home, it cools and creates condensation. That condensation is collected in a little box the size of a shoebox but not nearly as exciting. If your furnace is installed below grade, that water will get pumped up and out of your home. Sometimes these boxes crack or the pumps fail and need to be replaced. If your condensate pump or drain line has failed you will often see a little puddle of water beside your furnace. Condensate lines need to be cleared and maintained and are a part of the work done at your annual service. Clogged lines can back up into your furnace and cause corrosion or electrical shortages.

Zone valve – These are used on hydronic/ hot water heating systems to control the water flow to certain areas of the home when the call for heat is turned on or off. Each thermostat will activate it’s own zone. As these are activated and have moving parts they do wear out. Commonly when there is no heat in a certain zone but others are working well, we look to the zone valve as the culprit.

Expansion tank – In a closed system where there is water being heated, the expansion tank allows for the thermal expansion of the water by absorbing it within the tank. Over time, the air cushion that is displaced by the water expansion fails and the tank is just full of water. This is referred to as the tank being water logged. When this happens your technician will typically recommend the replacement. Keeping the pressure at correct levels in your hot water system will prevent failures in the system or the release of water from a pressure relief valve onto the floor.

Plumbing code does required that expansion tanks are installed with gas fired hot water tanks, or water heaters, but we often see in older installations that they haven’t been.

I hope that you’ve found this smattering of terms and parts to be helpful. For further information or specific diagnostics on your heating issue, please call R&B and we will help.

November 17 2019

New Heating System Quote – What Questions To Ask

heating Ask an Expert, R&B Recommendations

If you’ve decided it’s time to invest in a new heating system and you’re like most, you’ve done some research. You’re familiar with the standard efficiencies and maybe even the difference between a single stage furnace and two stage-modulating unit. Maybe you attended the Vancouver Fall Home Show where you could explore some of the different brands and what heating systems they have to offer. Even with all that, has a clear choice emerged for you? In this blog, we’re sharing with you, the top five questions you must ask the companies who have quoted for you, along with the answers that you should be looking for to tell you if you’ve chosen the right plumbing and heating company!

Who’s Quoted For You?

Was “new heating system” due to failure on your calendar? With some warning, you might start by putting “best heating system replacement company near me” into Google. You might then engage and received three (or more) quotes from reputable heating system companies. I’d get one from my favorite local plumbing company to support my home community, and then I’d also ask a friend for a referral from a company that they’d had a good experience with. The company that sent me a flyer in the mail – just because they seemed cheap and I’d always wonder if I didn’t, I called them too.

Now, you’re probably looking at these quotes and wondering why the prices are so different.

Are you missing something? What could you ask to find out? And that is what this blog will answer for you. Here are the most defining questions you can ask, as well as the most common questions we get? As a bonus, I’m going to tell you the top 3 reasons our customers tell us they’ve chosen R&B for their new heating system. Spoiler alert, when they make their final decision, it’s never about the price!

Grants and Rebates

I promised it wasn’t about the price and it isn’t. Yet, getting the savings from those grants is key. The potential to get the grant is something everyone can offer. What fewer do is give you the pre-filled applications, photos, and access to a submission process that is easy to follow. Ask your favorite furnace company, who does the paperwork?

You’ve quoted me on Good, Better, and Best, but what’s the right choice for my home?

This depends on many factors. The most expensive option for any home is only the right choice if you or your family will use all the features. If Wi-Fi control is not important to you, then you may not need the high-end controller. Is noise is a factor? Then you’ll want a super quiet unit. High efficiency as your highest priority will steer you towards units will best meet that. Are you planning a renovation, a teardown, or a move? Then you might not see that return on a larger investment either in terms of price or having that unit is adaptable to your future plans.

Often times, the ‘good’ option for a new heating system is all you need, and it’s really the best choice for many of our customers. The price difference will often be in the equipment cost, so a recommendation will always factor in the customer experience and not how much differential revenue there might be. What’s important is not only the price points, but really drilling down with our customer to identify which is the right choice for them. At R&B, we are more than happy to have those conversations with you.

What is the warranty on the units and what is the warranty process like?

The warranty that you get with domestic heating appliances like furnaces and boilers is often standard throughout the industry. Many manufacturers will also have optional warranties that you can buy to extend the regular warranty. Here’s what you need to know. It’s not necessarily the length of the warranty but what the warranty process is. Do you have to navigate these claims on your own, or does your service provider do it for you? Will the warranty process have clear entitlement advice that you can get in writing? Does your warranty require that you keep all service records for every year?

When you install a Carrier brand furnace with R&B and there is a warranty issue, we take care of you from beginning to end. We’ll start the warranty process, order the parts, make the claims, follow up on the credits and ensure you’re receiving all the money back that you’re entitled to. On top of that, Carrier provides buy-back and upgrade options for some furnaces that fail in that critical time between the end of the warranty and the end of the furnace life. This brings up the next question.

Who will service the units once they are installed?

At R&B, we do, and it’s important for a few reasons. Companies, who service what they sell, actually know the equipment. Think of an engine in your car. The assembly line can bolt it in to meet a standard, but it’s the mechanic who will ‘tune’ the engine to truly get the best performance out of it. For home heating, it’s the same – especially with boilers. Part of our installation process is completing a combustion analysis, and adjusting the gas pressure. Without doing that, it may be running in accordance with the manufactures acceptable ranges, but might not be achieving peak efficiency – which is what you paid for. Finally, (and most importantly!) your service technician installer will be able to resolve any faults. At R&B, all our installers are also the repair technicians.

The bonus of using a company that services what they sell (Hey, that’s us!) is for the service records. From installation and through each year of service, your maintenance and care will ensure that you’re getting longevity out of the equipment while meeting the terms of some warranties. Maintenance you’ll be able to prove.

What is your after sales customer care program?

There’s the “Taillight” care, that ends when you can no longer see the taillights of the installers van, or the “Customer for Life” treatment. Which would you prefer? Our after sales care program:

Ensures that all equipment is registered with the manufacturer
Provides all documentation necessary to access grants and rebates
Contacts you on the anniversary of your installation to ensure that maintenance is booked
Records equipment model, serial numbers and date of installation to ensure that you can easily call us up to order filters or check warranties
Follows the address, AND the customer. We record equipment by address, but customers by name so we’ll always know who you are, and what our service history is with you. When you sell your home, the information can easily be provided to the new owner.
Has IBC performance monitoring available. When you register with Wi-Fi system monitoring, R&B can respond to faults and errors remotely and often before you’re even aware there’s a problem, or experience the lack of heat.

Plus the bonus question. It’s a bit technical, but stay with me because it’s an important one! Actual Question by one of our customers:

“I live in the City of North Vancouver, and my current furnace vents through the chimney. I could use the extra space, and hope to remove it. Can you install my new furnace to vent out the side of the house instead?

Will I pass inspection? Or, what do you know about the code for my city?”

Each municipality will have their own modifications to the general gas safety code. This means that some will allow you to vent though an exterior wall, but the City of North Vancouver will actually require it to go up through the roof. Knowing which process is allowed and where will make the difference between passing and failing your installation inspection. And a company that ends up taking out a chimney to vent out the side when it must go through the roof, will only cause it’s customers to hit the roof!

Inspections take time, and deficiencies due to code anomalies, erode confidence and cause a bit of disquiet for customers.

Your Take-away

Now instead of peering at the equipment, and pouring over the small print, we hope you’ll feel have a better idea of what you can ask your estimate providers to help you solidify your informed choice. And we look forward to serving you!

January 24 2019

How often do we need drain cleaning? Ask an Expert

drainage Ask an Expert, Flooding, Housekeeping, Maintenance

Have you always had a question about drain cleaning but been afraid to ask? You aren’t alone. Today’s Ask an Expert topic has you covered:

Dear Rob,

How often should your main drains be cleaned? Is it something you can do yourself or do we need R&B?

Signed,

Can Lay-people Easily Auger Roots?

Dear CLEAR,

Main storm sewer drainage only requires annual maintenance if they have been problematic. If you’ve had frequent backups or past floods, that’s an indication that your drains need yearly inspection and drain cleaning. Properties that are heavily treed or have mature landscaping often have issues with drainage because those trees drop leaves, cones, and needles that float their way inside the pipe on the water runoff. Additionally, established root systems love the wet, dark, easy to fill space that drainage pipes provide. Other detriments to drainage systems include age, and ground instability. For these situations, even if nothing has developed so far, annual drain cleaning maintenance can still be a wise plan.

How Often?

How often can sometimes be hard to determine. In general, the fewer of those factors (trees/ roots/ ground instability / age) are in place, the less often drain cleaning is needed. Properties that need it less or even infrequently will likely have landscaping that does not produce roots to any significant depth. You may only want to camera those drains every few years, just to be sure, or take action on an as needed basis when there is cause for concern. Remember that even if your lot is all gravel, your neighbour or the city may have trees with roots that may encroach on your drainage.

Is Drain Cleaning DIY?

While DIY drain cleaning is not always possible due to the equipment required, there are several things that homeowners can do to reduce the frequency and even the cost.

Keep drain grates clear so debris doesn’t wash down into pipes.
Know where your clean-outs are. Clean-outs are access points that can be opened to allow for an auger or other machine to clear the lines. They are usually black (although they can be white or painted) and have a large square nut on a plastic cap. They can be located under sinks, in cupboards, in basements, in walls, closets in various sizes depending on their use. The ones for your storm sewer when present will usually be located outside. An informed homeowner can save time and money by directing technicians the clean-outs.
Avoid or even consider moving plantings with deep roots that are over the drain lines.
If you’re a keener, you can read more about what to expect, on our drain cleaning page.

Why you need R&B:

While drain cleaning is a fairly non-technical task, homeowners do not typically have all the necessary equipment on hand. Drain cleaning equipment usually consists of:

Large sectional auger that can extend up to 200 feet; it has different end fittings for root grinding or debris clearing.
Video diagnostic camera, that can show us what the issues are,
A line locator to pinpoint the location of something like a collapsed pipe
Water Jetter machine, which is similar in theory to a domestic pressure washer but has significantly more pressure and hose length from 100-200 feet.

Any of these pieces would be a large investment for a homeowner, therefore it is much more cost efficient to have an R&B professional complete this maintenance.

Lastly and perhaps most importantly, don’t wait. If you suspect your drain is slow or backing up, contact R&B immediately.

Ask an Expert

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What’s the cost of a flood?

Why Use an Emergency Water Shut Off System

How to Choose the Right Unit (and avoid the cost of emergency plumbing)

CONTACT R&B FOR MORE INFO

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Do you and your kids know what it sounds like?

CONTACT R&B FOR MORE INFO

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Enter Drain Cleaning

Is Drain Cleaning DIY?

When you need R&B:

How Often do I need to get Drain Cleaning done?

CONTACT R&B FOR MORE INFO

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HEAT PUMPS NEED SERVICE JUST LIKE YOUR FURNACE

HOMEOWNER CARE & MAINTENANCE NEEDS

EXPECT SOME REPAIR COSTS OVER TIME

EXPECT TO HEAR YOUR OUTDOOR UNIT RUN

NO POWER = NO HEAT

OTHER INCENTIVES WILL SWEETEN THE DEAL

CONTACT R&B FOR MORE INFO

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Who’s Quoted For You?

1. Grants and Rebates

2. I’ve been quoted on two options… which what’s the right choice for my home?

3. What is the warranty on the units and what is the warranty process like?

4. Does your company service the units that they install?

5. What is your after-sales customer care program?

Your Question: What do you know about the code for my city? Or in other words, Will I pass inspection?

Make your best decision.

Contact R&B Plumbing and Heating

Discover more articles by R&B Plumbing

Who’s Quoted For You?

Now, you’re probably looking at these quotes and wondering why the prices are so different.

Grants and Rebates

You’ve quoted me on Good, Better, and Best, but what’s the right choice for my home?

What is the warranty on the units and what is the warranty process like?

Who will service the units once they are installed?

What is your after sales customer care program?

Will I pass inspection? Or, what do you know about the code for my city?”

Your Take-away

Dear Rob,

How often should your main drains be cleaned? Is it something you can do yourself or do we need R&B?

Signed,

Can Lay-people Easily Auger Roots?

How Often?

Is Drain Cleaning DIY?

Why you need R&B:

Emergency Plumbing Services Available

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