HVAC technician removing a dirty air filter

Your Ultimate HVAC Maintenance Checklist for Spring

As the weather gets warmer, it’s time to start preparing your home and your HVAC system for the hot summer months that lay ahead! One of the best things you can do for your equipment is preventive seasonal HVAC maintenance in the spring to ensure your air conditioner runs at peak efficiency, just in time […]Read More
AtlasCare technician working on outdoor air conditioner unit

Is Your Air Conditioner Working Efficiently?

The summer season is fast approaching! As we head into the hottest days of the year, you’ll want to be sure your home air conditioner works efficiently. After all, even the best air conditioning units can run into issues that leave homeowners without relief from the summer heat.  At AtlasCare, we recommend booking your air […]Read More
Photo of Roger Grochmal

The Dog Days of Summer

As we move into the dog days of summer, we see a lot of thunderstorms with this oppressive heat and humidity. These storms can deliver a significant amount of rain 5-10 cm (2-4in) in a very short period of time. Many storm sewers can’t deal with this kind of sudden deluge and like all systems […]Read More

Are You Cool Enough?

When we find ourselves in a prolonged heatwave such as we are now experiencing, we get a lot of calls with the complaint that the house isn’t getting cool enough. It may not have been that important to us in the past but in the time of coronavirus when we are all spending so much […]Read More

What It Means If Your AC Still Uses R-22 Refrigerant

Pop quiz: what type of refrigerant does your air conditioner use? Don’t worry too much if you don’t know the answer! Most people are in the same boat. After all, air conditioners are a closed system, with the refrigerant totally out of sight and out of mind. Still, it pays to know what’s going on […]Read More

How To Save Money With A Simple Plumbing Check

When was the last time you called a plumber? If you’re anything like most people, it was probably when you needed some plumbing work done in your home. The majority of our plumbing calls come from customers who need a specific repair or upgrade (ideally as soon as possible.) But isn’t that the only reason […]Read More

5 Easy Ways To Warm Up Your Home This Winter

Once the calendar flips from October to November, life starts to get busy ‒ fast. There’ll be presents to wrap, gatherings to attend, dinners to make...in fact, things probably won’t slow back down until next year! Read More

Why is a Frost-Free Hose Bib Necessary In Canadian Homes?

As the weather starts to change and the temperature drops, you’ve probably already started preparing for the long winter season. You know there’s a lot to do around the home this season, but one area you might overlook is your hose bib ‒ or, as many people call it, your outdoor faucet. During the summer, you might use your hose bib to water the garden, wash your car, or even hook up the sprinkler for your kids. When the warm season comes to a close, you pack away the hose, shut off the valve and move onto something else. But what about the water that’s still sitting in the pipe? Even if you purge the line, you could still end up with costly water damage if you don’t have a frost-free hose bib.Read More

Benefits of a Humidifier for Your Furnace (Especially in Winter)

We want to help you understand the importance of having a furnace humidifier and how installing one can ensure everyone stays nice and cozy this winter! Read More

How To Know If Your Sump Pump Is Working Properly

We know how easy it is to let your home’s plumbing fall by the wayside, especially when everything seems to be flowing smoothly. But it’s quite important to have your plumbing system checked every now and then, even when nothing appears to be wrong. That’s especially true of your sump pump. You might not use […]Read More

Must-Know Facts About Kitec Plumbing: Recall, Lawsuit & Repair Costs

After January 9, 2020, you can no longer get compensation for the cost of replacing defective Kitec plumbing. You will have to pay out of pocket, which could easily amount to several thousand dollars down the drain. But there is still time to make sure you get reimbursed for having these faulty pipes removed from […]Read More

How A Backwater Valve Protects Your Home From Sewer Backups.

Sewer backup is one of the last things you ever want to happen to your home. It’s nauseating just to imagine. But sewer backups do happen…and truth be told, they’re happening more and more frequently in our neck of the woods. Fortunately, you can greatly reduce the risk of a sanitary sewer backup in your […]Read More

AtlasCare Announced Title Sponsor of Golf Fore MS Peel-Dufferin

September might just be our favourite month of the year. Granted, it marks the bittersweet end of the summer season (and the start of six to eight months of cruel weather.) But it also brings us one of the single most anticipated events on the AtlasCare calendar: the annual Golf Fore MS Classic. This year’s […]Read More

Atlascare Giving Back To The Community

Since our start back in 1932, helping others has been an integral part of AtlasCare’s company culture. Whether it’s raising funds, spreading awareness or donating our time to a local cause, we’re always looking for ways to give something back to this community we call home. Sometimes, we all get together to contribute as a […]Read More

Why Your Home Insurance Might Not Cover Water Heater Damage

You know that home insurance is important. But are you completely certain that all your home’s systems are covered? In our previous blog on home insurance, you learned of the various kinds of water damage that are and are not covered under the standard home insurance policy in Ontario. There, we talked about damage caused […]Read More

The Truth About Air Duct Cleaning

Duct cleaning. Is it the secret to pristine indoor air quality? An instant cure for your allergy symptoms? Or just another way for contractors to take your hard-earned money? So many companies market products and services that claim to improve the quality of your air. If you live in the Greater Toronto Area, there’s a […]Read More

What NOT to Do When Your A/C Stops Working

What should you do when your AC suddenly stops working? Don’t Lose Your Cool! Call the air conditioner specialists at AtlasCare for the fastest emergency service in the GTA. At AtlasCare we mean it when we say we’re “always there when you need us.” We proudly provide a 4-hour service window, day or night. Call […]Read More

The Benefits of Whole-Home Humidification

The goal of many homeowners during the winter is to keep their families warm.   That’s a wonderful thing except it comes at a cost: the warmer the air the drier it becomes.   Ideally, your home should fall under the 40-50% humidity range for both your home and your health.   Your furnace can often strip the air of […]Read More

How Keeping AC On Can Help You Save Money

Like most of us, you try to save a few extra dollars whenever you can – especially when it comes to major expenses like your hydro bill. You might have even considered shutting down your central air conditioning off whenever you leave the house. But that would mean coming home to a stiflingly hot house […]Read More

Water Damage & Basemet Flooding Insurance Coverage In Ontario

What does it cost to repair a flooded basement? What if your sewer backs up due to overland flooding from heavy rainfall, or your sump pump fails due to a power outage?  These problems are becoming all too familiar here in Southern Ontario. Sadly, the risk of urban floods will likely continue to increase as we experience earlier snowmelt, more intense rainfall and other effects of climate change […]Read More

What You Should Know About Your Home Ventilation

How much do you really know about your home’s ventilation system?  Home ventilation is something we all tend to forget about. It goes on while we go about our days unaware…until something goes wrong.  Ventilation may not be noticeable, but it is certainly crucial. It directly affects both the quality of your air and your life at home! There […]Read More

How to Protect Your Home from Flooding this Spring

Significant snow melt combined with heavy rainfalls spelled the recipe for disaster in many Northern Ontario communities this spring. Many roads in the Bracebridge area, Ontario’s main cottage country, were washed out by floodwaters, as water levels from nearby lakes rose dangerously high.  This prompted the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing to activate a disaster recovery […]Read More

10 Air Conditioning Mistakes That Make Your Hydro Bill Soar

Good news: the temperature is rising. Bad news: your hydro bill is soaring, too. You want to stay cool this season, but at what cost? For most Canadians, central air conditioning only accounts for 3% of their overall energy use. But if your wallet is feeling the heat, it could be because you’re driving up […]Read More

6 Signs Your Air Conditioner Might Not Survive the Summer

It may be mild today, but you know that summer is just around the corner. And based on the past few summers we’ve had in the Greater Toronto Area, this one could be another scorcher. Are you confident your air conditioning unit will keep up during a heat wave? If your air conditioner is a […]Read More

Could 2019 Be Toronto’s Hottest Summer Ever?

Over the last four years, we have experienced the warmest years in a row on record. 2016 was Toronto’s hottest summer yet, with the next couple of years coming close as well. While it’s possible that 2019’s summer could follow the last couple years, there is reason to believe that 2019 could be our hottest […]Read More

3 Smart Reasons To Replace Air Conditioner In The Winter

Replacing an air conditioner during the summer months is common. Sometimes, unforeseen problems arise and there’s no way around it. However, if you anticipate that your air conditioning system is in need of replacement, winter is the best time to do it! We’ll discuss why below. 1. It’s the Low Season HVAC companies are usually […]Read More

Ontario Energy Rebates: Furnace And AC Rebates Available In 2019

Update: the provincial government has announced that the Save on Energy Heating and Cooling program is cancelled effective April 1st, 2019. We will leave the information in this post for reference and update this post as new rebates become available. Ontario homeowners upgrading their heating systems or air conditioners in 2019 may be eligible for […]Read More

AtlasCare Crowned Top Choice Award HVAC Company in 2019

Oakville, Ontario – February 14, 2019 — Top Choice Awards has announced the 2019 Top Choice Award Winners, your city’s most trusted businesses. We at AtlasCare are proud to announce that we have been crowned the winner for Top Choice Air Conditioning and Heating Company of 2019 in the Greater Toronto Area. AtlasCare has set […]Read More

Reasons You Should Never Buy HVAC Parts & Equipment Online

When it comes to big purchases, how often do you check to see if you can find the item cheaper online? Nowadays, it’s practically second nature to look up prices on the Internet before we buy. There are dozens of apps and websites dedicated to helping us do just that. In many ways, the Internet […]Read More

5 Possible Causes Of A Frozen Air Conditioner

A frozen air conditioner? Strange as it sounds, it happens. We answer hundreds of calls for air conditioner repair in Toronto and the GTA each year, and there are always a few homeowners asking how to fix a frozen air conditioner. So, why do air conditioners freeze in the first place, and what can you […]Read More

What to Consider When Installing an Air Conditioner in Toronto

A central air conditioner is a significant and long-lasting investment in your home. Knowing what to consider when choosing a central air conditioner is important to ensure you choose a reliable system that fits your home and budget. Keep these facts in mind as you prepare for a central air conditioner installation in Toronto. Types […]Read More

6 Ways Reduce Summer Energy Bill Without Touching The Thermostat

One of the easiest ways to reduce summer energy bills? Turn down the air conditioner and allow the temperature to rise a few degrees in your home. But in this weather, that’s a sacrifice few of us can make. Here are six other sure-fire ways to reduce your summer energy bills without laying a finger […]Read More

Reasons Your Air Conditioner Isn’t Working Like It Used To

Air conditioners typically have a lifespan of between 10 and 12 years. At that point, it’s not surprising for the unit to falter. But when a newer air conditioner is not working as well as it used to, it means something’s going on behind the scenes. Below, we’ll point out some of the possible reasons […]Read More

Can You Install Central Air Conditioning in a Heritage Home?

They don’t build homes like they used to. Heritage homes come with decades of charm and a warm, architectural design you can’t find in modern-day homes. But that architecture also creates challenges when it comes to installing modern amenities like air conditioning.   Most homeowners who have invested in a century home aren’t eager to tarnish its […]Read More

5 Ways To Keep Children Cool When The AC Breaks

Another school year is said and done. For many of us, that means the kids and grandkids will soon be spending a lot more time at home, taking over our refrigerators and living room TVs for a few months. Hopefully, your AC has had its yearly a check-up in preparation for what’s forecasted to be a very hot summer — otherwise, you could […]Read More

5 Steps To Take Before Switching Air Conditioner

Signs of spring abound in the city. The temperature’s rising, the days are growing longer, and the snow has finally melted away. Know what that means? Soon, it will be time again to fire up the air conditioner! But before you do that, you should ensure the unit is ready to operate efficiently. Take these […]Read More

Essential Facts On The Health Effects of Air Conditioning

We all know the link between indoor air quality and our health. But does it make a difference if the air circulates through an air conditioner? Is air conditioning bad for you? Before you switch on the A/C this summer, learn the essential facts about the health effects of air conditioning. Health Effects of Air […]Read More

Should You Rent a Furnace or Air Conditioner in Ontario?

The option to rent your furnace or air conditioner (in addition to water heaters, which have long been a rental option) is now a reality in our marketplace. They allow for monthly payments and predictable repair costs that are more attainable for some than an initial cash outlay. When I ask someone why they might […]Read More

5 Ecobee Smart Thermostat Features You’re Missing Out On

Time flies! It seems like just yesterday that we first got our hands on the ecobee3 smart thermostat. Now, the Toronto-based company behind the ingenious technology is rolling out the ecobee4 in Canada. This next-generation device improves on its predecessors and comes fully-equipped with Amazon’s digital assistant, Alexa. If you haven’t seen an ecobee smart […]Read More

5 Products to Turn Your Home Smart!

By now, you’ve probably heard the buzz about technology that can turn your home ‘smart’. But what is it that makes these devices so smart? A smart home device is one you can control with a remote, smartphone, tablet or even your own voice. Wireless connectivity has become a feature in everything from appliances to […]Read More

8 Ways To Improve Energy Efficiency In Your Home

Whether we want to admit it or not, fall is just around the corner and now is a perfect time to think about how to prevent the cold from creeping through our home…and wallets! Take the time to inspect your entire house and ensure there aren’t any major concerns before you begin winter-proofing your home. […]Read More

Energy Changes on the Horizon

Much is being reported in the press these days about the rising cost of energy. There is talk about renewable energy versus fossil fuel versus nuclear generated electricity; the merits of electricity versus natural gas and electric vehicles versus combustion engines. Don’t forget climate change and carbon reduction. There are a lot of “versus” on […]Read More

More Control = More Comfort

One of the big revolutions in the HVAC industry is around thermostats and controls in general.   The old round or rectangular thermostat with two switches and a mercury bulb are real dinosaurs. In fact, they’re being changed out with such volume that we have an industry recycling program to recover the mercury from old […]Read More

Demystifying Duct Cleaning

Over the past couple of years, it has been a rare day when I have not received a phone call at dinner time from an overseas telemarketer trying to sell me duct cleaning, despite the best efforts of our government to establish do not call lists and issuing penalties for violators. In January 2013 CBC […]Read More

Rental Furnaces and Air Conditioners

The whole issue of renting furnaces and air conditioners has been getting a lot of attention lately – largely for the wrong reasons. One reason why so many companies, including the big water heater monopolies, have gotten into renting furnaces and air conditioners is that they made so much money renting water heaters. While the […]Read More

Why Replace a Furnace and Air Conditioner Together?

I recently had to buy a new car, not because I wanted to but because my last one was stolen (that’s a story for another day). I decided to get the same model as one I had owned 10 years ago. The car was essentially the same in look and feel but was totally different […]Read More