Tag: installation

What is the best time to buy an air conditioner and how to choose an AC unit?

Posted on by info@techreach.io

So, temperatures are climbing and you want to get a jump start on finding the perfect Air Conditioner, let Maydone help you out with these tips on getting your AC at a lower price and picking the right unit for your home appliance needs. 

Get a jump on the off season 

The best time to go ahead and get a brand new air conditioner unit is usually in the colder months of the year so winter and spring are your best options for finding these appliances at a lower price in any store. But that’s not all, you also can take advantage of special sales and other appliance tricks. 

  1. Black Friday is an optimal date to go shopping for an AC or any other appliance, so keep track of those dates. 
  2. Cyber Monday is a smaller ‘digital’ Black Friday 
  3. Seasonal summer deals have become more common so keep an eye out for those 
  4. Special event sales for labor day or other dates 

How to choose an AC unit that’s right for your home? 

One of the main issues when picking an air conditioner is power. Meaning how much power and what size will work to keep the right temperature in your home. Plus, whether a window unit or central is better for your needs. 

Here are some things to consider:

  • Window units are cheaper and easier to install 
  • Central air systems can also function for heating purposes 
  • Central air require professional installation and more work usually 

When it comes to power these references may help:

  • A small room of about 100-300 square feet would require a potency of around: 5,000 – 6,000 BTU*
  • A medium room of about 250-550 square feet would require a potency of  around:  7,000 – 8,200 BTU
  • A large room of about 350-950 square feet would require a potency of around: 9,800 to 12,500 BTU

*BTU is a British thermal measurement unit that is commonly used for air conditioner appliances, the higher the number the more the power it has.  

How to install a new air conditioner unit?

If you want to go ahead and install your new AC unit yourself you will have to carefully read the models instruction manual and follow every step carefully, to get you started do this:

  1. Prepare the area where the unit will be placed by cleaning and clearing the space. 
  2. Get all your tools together before starting. 
  3. Make sure to have another person helping if the unit is heavy. 
  4. Watch tutorials when possible. 
  5. Have materials ready to clean up any mess. 
  6. Install with power cutoff in order to avoid electrical accidents. 

Call Maydone!

One of the best ways to take care of your new investment is to have top rated professional technicians handle your AC installation. This way you make sure things are in order and that you are all set to enjoy your new air conditioner. 

Maydone has been in business for several years with tons of experience, great reviews and it also offers 24/7 repair service in the Greater Toronto Area. 

What to consider when installing a new appliance?

Posted on by info@techreach.io

Getting a new appliance can be a challenging experience, not only do you have to navigate the thousands of options in the stores but you also have to consider the installation process after you make your decision. There are many aspects of the installation to take into account so get started here and hopefully it helps in your appliance journey! 

Finding the right appliance 

First thing first, you need to find the right appliance for your needs and home. That means researching models plus brands, maybe going to stores to see them in person and finally getting the one for you. There are a ton of good brands you can turn to when in doubt and try to keep a style in mind so it fits with the rest of your decor and other appliances. 

Have confidence in your skills 

One of the most important aspects of installing a new appliance is being confident enough in your skills to do so. Because you are dealing with potentially delicate equipment and your home, you need to be sure you can do it. Get an idea of what the work entails before embarking on it. 

Make sure you have all the tools you need 

Depending on the type of appliance you are installing you will need different tools to get the job done. You might need other tools for installing a dishwasher than you do an AC, so do your research and get organised beforehand. 

Prepare your home as well 

Make sure your home is ready to install the new appliance, this means having the right power outlets or drains, plus making sure the appliances fits correctly. Don’t forget the clean up required after installing. 

Disconnect and read the instruction manual

Getting your old appliance out is as important as getting the new one in. You’ll need to carefully remove the old appliance in order to keep the space, outlets and cords in good shape so you can reuse them if you need to. Best way to go about this is to read the instruction manual that comes with the appliance or get some help from online tutorials. 

When to call for appliance installation help?

Call for help when you need to, so you can prevent damage to your new appliance and your home. There are some things you can do by yourself, and that’s perfectly fine! Calling technicians that have more experience and do this for a living is always a right answer to appliance installation problems. 

Get proper disposal for your old appliances 

Say goodbye to your appliances the right way. If they still work you can donate them to those in need or pass them on to someone looking for an appliance. If they are out for good, do your research to see what is the best appliance disposal service in your area. Avoid getting fined for overlooking this small detail and enjoy your new appliance! 

How to Perfectly Install a New Dishwasher?

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Dishwashers have been around for decades making life at home easier and speeding up the process of dealing with dirty dishes and big dinners. That’s why dishwashers are one of the preferred appliances of most homeowners, and why you should take all the care in installing yours correctly. 

If you decide to go at this yourself because remember you can always trust a professional crew to handle your new dishwasher installation with just one call, then you need to be fully prepared to get the job done right! 

Here are some tools you’ll need to install a dishwasher: 

  • Multiple screwdrivers 
  • A wrench that can be adjusted 
  • A level
  • Some pliers
  • A voltage tester

Plus, a few extra that can come in handy:

  • Wiring materials that match what you have 
  • Tape 

Measure everything to start installing or replacing the dishwasher

While most dishwashers are 24 inches wide you still need to measure to be sure the space that you have is right for the appliance you are installing. So take out the measuring tape and write things down. 

If you are changing sizes in appliances you might need to alter your cabinets and kitchen layout, this will require additional work, so keep this in mind when choosing a new dishwasher. 

Sometimes the extra layers of flooring can raise the floor heigh directly in front of the old dishwasher which can cause difficulties in removing it, for this, we recommend losing the counter or even removing the flooring. If this seems like a step above what you wanted to go, consult a professional installation team. 

If you don’t find any of these issues, then get something to cover and protect your floor while you remove the old dishwasher and get started! 

You’ll also need the other tools mentioned before, plus a bucket and rags to collect any discarded water from the drain lines after you disconnect them. 

Fully turn off your old dishwasher and unplug it, cut off the water to the appliance by shutting the nearest valve. 

Completely disconnect the old dishwasher 

 You will need to remove the front panel from the old appliance, then disconnect the wires and pull the cable box out. Both water and electrical connections are underneath the dishwasher behind the first panel that you will unscrew. 

Always check with your voltage detector in order to make sure the power is completely cut off and it’s safe to work on. Now the water supply usually comes from a copper or stainless steel line, you will need to remove a nut that secures it at a 90-degree angle and you can keep the parts if they look to be in good condition. Make sure to remove with care, slowly and in the same direction the new dishwasher will need ti to be so you don’t damage the waterline. Clean any water residue and you are good to go. Now. you can remove the old dishwasher. 

Get your new dishwasher ready and installed 

Unbox your new appliance according to instructions and get started. Inside you will find additional manuals and more instructions, read those before carrying on. Remember to use the new drain hose that comes with the new dishwasher. 

Lean the dishwasher on its back and connect the 90-degree fitting. To prevent any clog issues look the flexible drain line up to the countertop. You might need to check your own plumbing codes since some require a special air gap fitting in the drain line.  

Connect and go! 

Now all that’s left is connecting the power and water supply. This needs to be done carefully, especially the copper line so it doesn’t leak. Align it so it goes in straight at the threaded part of the elbow. Then connect the appliance to electric power. 

Once, you are done connecting turn both power and water on, check for leaks or issues. Make sure the position is good, when satisfies, screw the dishwasher or secure it to the countertop and done! 

The Pro’s and Con’s of Choosing a Wood-burning Based Heating System

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Burning wood is the oldest know home heating system. Used first by cavemen and in every generation of humans, including now. It’s still widely popular and seen in homes all over the world. But how good is a wood-burning heating system, what is the drawback to having one? Both of these questions are answered below. 

Pro’s of burning wood for heat 

  • Wood is a cheaper resource to extract and transport, so it’s cheaper for the consumer as well. Making it a great choice for those that want to save money on their heating. 
  • The fuel used to heat (wood) is more readily available. You might even be able to cut it down and collect it yourself. 
  • The price of wood is stable and not subject to high spikes. 
  • An option like a pellet stove, that burns pellets made from compressed wood biomass. Can be a non-polluting heating choice if that is what you are looking for a more eco-friendly option. 
  • If engineer by a professional all wood-burning system is greener. Emitting less pollution than coal and oil. 
  • In the long run biomass, fuel like wood becomes carbon-neutral
  • Using wood that comes from forest waste actually helps keep the woods healthier. Reducing the risks of first fires. 
  • They are a very beautiful addition to any home and bring a lot of character to homes. 

Con’s of having a wood-burning heating system  

  • Because you are using biomass fuel you need to get a constant supply in order to keep your house warm. This might entail cutting and collecting the wood or going to buy it regularly during the cold months. 
  • You’ll need to have or create storage space for keeping the wood. 
  • Some systems like most stove pellets and sealed fireplaces require electricity to run fans for circulations. 
  • The ash waste created by wood-burning requires propper, safe disposal 
  • Costs are high for building a good wood-burning heating system. You’ll require professional help to complete it. 
  • Equipment to cut the wood for fuel and other accessories you might need can be very expensive as well. 

Which kitchen cooktop is right for you?

Posted on by info@techreach.io

Many times sit has been said that the kitchen is the heart of your home, so its make since that you do research when picking the right cooktop for your home, from making hot chocolate to cooking important dinners, this appliance will be with you for important milestones. 

We are going to focus on cooktops instead of ranges in this article but you can find out more about the latter one here. For many homeowners, cooktops are the right decision in terms of design and durability.

There’s plenty to consider when setting your kitchen up when it comes to the cooktop there are also a multitude of options available to you, so keep in mind the level of cooking you want to do, space, care and things that are important to you, here’s a few of the cooktop options available for your kitchen: 

Gas

The preferred choice for chefs and those passionate about cooking. There’s something about the flame of the gas cooker that draws some people in. It heat’s up rapidly (and it cools down fast too) so the cooking is more precise. They are also in the lead when it comes to energy efficiency. Two cons to keep in mind: they can be really hard to clean and you need to have a gas hookup (which can be expensive when you don’t already have one)

Coil electric 

A very affordable choice for the kitchen. The heat takes a little longer to achieve and the cooking is not as accurate. These appliances are very durable and can be used with any type of cookware. It could be a bit of a pain to clean. If your not a passionate cook and want something affordable but good this is the best choice for sure.

Smoothtop electric

Easy to maintain and very stylish, more technological than any of the choices before, so more expensive. Keep in mind that while aesthetically pleasing they are very delicate also. This one is good for those looking to decorate minimalistic and not spend too much time making food. There’s plenty of options for this type of cooktop as well. 

Induction

The most modern choice, super-fast heating options, very safe for families, and it doesn’t heat the room it is in. Its the latest in cooking technology plus the most energy-efficient, but they are very expensive and only work with some types of cookware.

There’s plenty of options and surely one that fits your family and your home. 

Don’t forget for us at Maydone we’ll handle any repair call we can manage, always looking to offer you the best service possible, we work with most of the cooktops mentioned before, so trust in us for installation and repair done the right way, by professionals! 

Which Washing Machine Is the Right Choice for You?

Posted on by info@techreach.io

Choosing the right washing machine can be a tough choice. As these appliances are not cheap it is important that they fulfill your needs and live as long as possible. Here are some tips before you make your buying decision.

Different life events will require that you decide on a washing machine. For example, if you have just moved into your first apartment and there is no washer in your building. Or maybe your washing machine has just broken down and you need to replace it with a newer model.

Whatever your reasons are, we understand that there are many washing machine appliances out there and it’s hard to decide on one.

Here are the most important things to consider when buying a washing machine.

Decide on a type of washing machine that you want to buy.

As there are different types of washing machines that you could purchase, you should decide which one fits into your home. The most common type is the freestanding washing machine that can be placed anywhere near a plug socket and a connection to a drain.

If you want your washing machine to be part of the kitchen, you should go for an integrated washing machine that is designed to stand behind a cupboard door. Compared to the freestanding model they can be much quieter as the noise gets buffered by the door of the cupboard.

You can also decide between getting a front-loader and a top-loader washing machine. It can depend if you have enough space to open a front-loader door in the room where you want to put your washer or if a top-loader would fit better.

Another option is to buy a washer-dryer machine that you can use for both, washing and drying. This can be useful if you don’t have a lot of space in your home and you need to dry your clothes in the same appliance.

Some of these appliances need to be installed by a professional as they will be built-in your kitchen. Contact us if you want the help of our experienced technicians that can help you on the same day.

Decide how much you want to spend

There are a lot of different price ranges when it comes to washing machines. You can buy decent appliances for under $400. Keep in mind when buying a washer that they when also each produce different running costs (which are also influenced by the temperature that you’re choosing when doing your laundry). These costs can be reduced if you choose a more energy-efficient appliance. The energy ratings on new models usually go from A+++ to A. This can be different when you decide to buy a used product.

Decide on a drum size

The sizes of washing machine drums range from capacities of 3 – 12 kg. Most common washing machines have a capacity between 9 and 11 kg. When it comes to the size of the drum, you should keep in mind that this also affects the cost of each run. The bigger it is – the more energy and water will be used in each running cycle. It should be easy for you to fill the drum up for each cycle.

And last but not least, don’t forget to measure the space where you want to put the washer in and make sure you order an appliance that fits. Since washing machines are heavy and bulky, you don’t want to drag them into your house and then find out that they are too big.

If you have any questions, you can always call us during our working hours (every day from 8 am to 10 pm) under the number: +1 (289) 801-7857 or +1 (888) 513-0052.

How to Install a Washer or Dryer

Posted on by info@techreach.io

You finally saved up in enough to buy a washer or dryer for yourself? Great! Soon you will see that doing your laundry becomes a lot less stressful than before. But before you can actually take advantage of your new appliance, you’ll need to install it.
We created this step-by-step guide to make it easy for you to install your electric dryer or washer. Anyhow, we do not recommend installing a gas dryer if you are not familiar with gas. It can be very dangerous for a rookie who doesn’t know how to detect and fix a leak. Also, keep in mind that you will be working with high-voltage when installing an electric dryer.

If you are not sure if you should really do the installation yourself, you can always call us (+1 (289) 801-7857) or contact us online to book an appointment with one of our experienced technicians on the same day.

Before installing your new washer or dryer

  • Install cold and hot water-lines if you are installing the appliance at a new place in your house.
  • Find the right place in your house and get help when placing the washer or dryer to their position. Be careful that you don’t hurt yourself when doing it. The appliance can be quite heavy.
  • Turn the electricity off before you start installing your appliances.

 

How to Install a Washer

Step 1: Connect the hoses

Firstly, you need to attach the hoses of the washer to the outlets. Make sure that you assign the hoses to the correct hot and cold connection. A lot of modern washers have some water-suppression valves. Read how to connect them in the manual of the appliance.

Step 2: Install the pipes

Connect the pipe to your laundry sink, in case you have one. Otherwise, you will have to use a standpipe (you can either get from a store or build it yourself) that you then attach to your drain system. In case you use a standpipe, you will also have to install a p-trap that protects you from dangerous gases.

Step 3: Turn on the washing machine

The last step is to turn your washer on to test if there are any leaks. Plug the appliance and look out for water on the floor. Well done, if you can’t find any – that means you have done a great job!

 

How to Install an Electric Dryer

Step 1: Reassure that the Power is Turned Off

Once again, make sure the electricity is turned off for the area that you’re working in.

Step 2: Install the Prong Cord

You should either have a three- or four-prong cord in your house. In case you have a four-prong cord, connect each wire with the matching color. The green ground wire should be attached to the dryer’s green screw. As the last step, look out that no copper strap or green wire is running from the ground to the white wire.

In case you have a three-prong cord, you have to connect the red wire from the dryer with one of the wires that are outside. The other wire from the outside has to get connected to the black wire. Last but not least you connect the wire in the center to the white wire from the dryer as well as to the ground strap.

Step 3: Hook up the vent hose & test the appliance

As a last step of the installation, you need to attach the vent hose to the duct and the port of the dryer. To do that, use the hose clamps.
The dryer is now installed. Turn the power back on and test if the appliance actually works.