FortisBC has extended their promotion for a $50.00 rebate on Vancouver hot water tanks until Dec 31, 2011. This promotion extends to Vancouver, the Lower Mainland and all of BC.

I love their slogan “Puddles are for Ducks, not your water heater”

Here is the link explaining the program

Here is the link to eligible hot water tanks

and here is the link to the form for the hot water tank rebate

Signs you should replace your Vancouver hot water tank are:

• Age of the tank. Vancouver Hot Water tanks generally last between 8-12 years. FortisBC recommends replacing a hot water tank which is 10 years and older. Vancouver plumbers and heating technicians of Papa Plumbing have come across a few hot water tanks which have lasted 25-30 years, these are rare cases and its best to change your hot water tank if it is 10 years of age or older.
• The Vancouver Hot water tank is leaking
• Signs of moisture along the base of the hot water tank
• Water which is rusty, if you get tinted water when you open the tap for hot water

So don’t take the risk and wait for  your Vancouver hot water tank to cause a flood, replace it before its too late !

Hot Water Tank Vancouver

What interesting weather we are having, a few days of rain and then in the middle will be this gorgeous sunny day. I was watching the weather report on Global BC the other morning, and our favorite Global TV senior Meteorologist Mark Madryga was saying that this summer will definitely be a HOT one. Though after visiting the Global website I see rain predicted for all of next week ! Well it is only May.. and we still have great sunny days in June, July and August.

Rainy Days in Vancouver

For us the heat in Vancouver means Air Conditioning !!

There are many types of air conditioning systems that you can have installed in your home. I will review some of these in future blog posts. There are  many factors will determine which type of system is best for you, and of course you want to make sure you get the most appropriate product.

Papa Plumbing and Heating will make the whole process a lot easier for you. Our Plumbing and cooling experts are always on hand to answer whatever questions you may have and we’ll keep you in the loop from start to finish. If you’re having problems with your current system, we’ll give you an accurate rundown of your repair and replacement options.

So give us a call if you have any air conditioning needs, whether you are in Vancouver, West Vancouver, North Vancouver, Burnaby, Richmond, Coquitlam, Maple Ridge, Surrey, Delta, White Rock.. I know I missed some cities but we travel from Hope to Horseshoe Bay !

So don’t be left in the Vancouver summer heat – Let Papa cool you down – ya I was just waiting to say that !!

Stay tuned as we go through some air conditioning options in your home with our air conditioning experts !

Here it is, In Vancouver a  coupon  from Vancouver’s plumbing and heating company: Papa Plumbing

Vancouver Plumbing and Heating Coupon

Should You Get Your Heating Ducts Cleaned?

A hot air furnace heats and distributes air through its ducting system.The ducts are usually made of sheet metal and are most obvious in your basement, where they hang from the floor joists.The return, or cold air, ducts bring air to the furnace, usually collecting it centrally in the house. The return air trunk duct is the big rectangular duct along the basement ceiling that enters the bottom of the furnace. The supply, or warm air, ducting usually exits from the top of the furnace. It starts with a trunk duct on the basement ceiling.The individual supply ducts, in round or smaller rectangular sheet metal, branch off the trunk duct and go to each room, where they terminate in a floor or wall register. Over time, dust and debris will collect in these ducts, particularly in the return air ducts.You may be wondering whether it would be worthwhile to have these ducts cleaned. Duct cleaning will do the following:

• provide you with better indoor air quality (or IAQ),
• reduce the presence of house molds and allergens,
• get rid of house dust,
• result in more airflow and better delivery of warm air, and/or
• reduce energy costs.

What Can Duct Cleaning Do For You?

A thorough duct cleaning done by a professional duct cleaner will remove dust and debris-pet hair, paper clips, children’s toys and whatever else might collect down there.

Dale had a project on his hands a few weeks ago.. here are the pictures of how he fixed up this fish tank.. a behind the scenes look !

A Behind the Scene's Look

Dale's project

Talking to a customer today and I thought this would be a great topic to blog about. Andrew did do a basic soap and water test and didn’t find any leaks. However, our customer still smells gas. We will send someone out again to his place to check everything. Here is a brief description of the Basic soap and water test through this excellent video.

http://bubble-cast.com

Here is a list of points that our plumbing and heating technicians will check when inspecting your fireplace:

Gas Fireplace Inspection

• Clean glass and unit according to the manufactures guidelines.
• Check the entire vent system and termination for condition and operation.
• An inspection of the explosion relief flappers and glass door gaskets to ensure a proper seal
• An inspection of the burner, vents, and air openings.
• An inspection of the gas valve, gas components, and pilot systems.
• Verify correct operation of all optional equipment: fans, thermostats, remote control, safety switches.
• Keep the fireplace area clear and free of combustible materials, flammables or items that could be damaged from high heat.
• Test for carbon monoxide leaks.

This is a check list of a hot water tank inspection that our techs would go through:

• Check operation of safety limit controls
• Check water pressure and temperature relief valve
• Check expansion tank (if applicable)
• Check operation of thermostat
• Check pressure switches and vent blower (if applicable)
• Inspect burners and clean if required
• Examine vent connector and inspect venting system
• Check vent damper operation (if applicable)
• Check and adjust pilot light (if applicable)
• Check flame rectification
• Measure stack (flute) temperature
• Check gas piping
• Check and adjust manifold gas pressure
• Clock appliance to verify correct input
• Combustion / ventilation air adequate
• Inspect heat exchanger
• Clean equipment interior/exterior
• Carbon Monoxide Testing