Now that the summer season is in full swing, furnace repair may be the last thing on the mind of many property owners. However, summer is actually the best time to perform regular maintenance tasks before the harsh Edmonton winter once again becomes a reality.

How do plumbing professionals conduct furnace repair and maintenance? They first conduct a visual inspection on your furnace’s interior and exterior. To do so, they often come equipped with infrared cameras. Why is this tool vital in detecting potential issues?

The Technology Behind Infrared Cameras

Infrared imaging solutions have actually been used for decades in fields such as astronomy and surveillance. These cameras basically function by detecting the thermal heat of an object and transforming these readings into electrical signals that will display on a monitor.

This unique method allows infrared cameras to literally “see” in the dark. More importantly, it enables them to detect small heat sources that would otherwise be invisible to the naked eye.

Modern Furnace Repair

Much has been said about the importance of furnaces in everyone’s lives. After all, this system gives you warmth during the cold winter season. That’s why it’s best to schedule maintenance and repairs during the period when your furnace isn’t being used daily.

The average lifespan of any furnace is approximately 20 years. However, this does not necessarily mean that the unit will function perfectly during these two decades. Over time, small faults within this system can lead to heat loss. This inevitably results in higher energy bills and reduced levels of efficiency.

This is where professional plumbers come in. They will simply use a portable infrared camera at the furnace and judge if the unit is losing any heat. This is actually one of the best ways to detect a small issue before it evolves into a major problem.

Of course, such an approach will be used alongside other tried and true methods. The result is that there is literally no project too large or too small that professional plumbers are unable to handle.

Preparing for the Harsh Edmonton Winters

Edmonton holds the honor of being one of the coldest cities in Canada. With average winter highs reaching only 4.4ºC, being prepared for what lies ahead is extremely important. If you suspect that your furnace may not be functioning as it should or if you have noticed a gradual increase in your heating bills, don’t hesitate to contact plumbers such as those from Capital Plumbing as soon as possible.