Frequently Asked Questions

Often your question has been asked before. These are some of the common questions we receive from our customers.

It is easy to use and can give you a quick answer.

Before You Call

Before you call - provides a simple check list that may restore your systems quickly.

Before you call

A disruption to your heating or cooling system can be an inconvenience. During the winter months a disruption in heating is considered an emergency for warranty service. Before you call Allianze power corp for service, there are several common problems that you should check.

These can be easily remedied by you, thereby, quickly restoring your heating or cooling system. You may want to refer to the owners manual if you need instructions.

Can't find your manual? We have the most commonly used product manuals available for download HERE.

Check the following in the order listed. These quick check items may restore your system immediately.

For reference print this page and take it with you.

Electrical Circuit Breakers

All your heating and cooling systems are protected with circuit breakers. The circuit breaker panel will likely be found in your basement. You should be aware of the location of the circuit breaker panel as it controls all the electrical appliances in your home.

You will need to check all the breakers for the following equipment:

  • 1. Boiler if you have a Hydronic system
  • 2. Air Conditioning Unit (this will have two breakers locked together)

Often electricians will label the circuit breakers for these important systems. If they are not labeled, take the time to label them for future access. There can be different causes for a breaker to "trip". Generally resetting the breaker will solve the problem. If the circuit breaker fails repeatedly you will need to contact an electrician.

Programmable Thermostat

Most new homes are equipped with a programmable thermostat. In some situations you may have more than one thermostat to control different zones in your home.

The proper settings on the thermostat are essential for the operation of the heating and cooling systems.

You may need to read the thermostat manual if you are not familiar with its operation and programming. Here's what you should check:

  • 1. Make sure the battery is working. It may need replacing.
  • 2. Thermostats have a three position switch; Heat - Off - Cool. Check to ensure the correct position of this switch.
  • 3. Check the temperature setting on the thermostat. The temperature setting may be affected by the program settings. An incorrect temperature setting will prevent the heating or cooling system from activating.
  • 4. Its also a good idea to ensure the Fan setting is set to AUTO.

Hydronic Systems with Boiler

If you have a Hydronic System with a boiler for home heating and domestic water heating, the boiler is an essential component for the operation of the heating system. It may be possible that the control system in the boiler is not activating properly. The boiler can easily be reset by removing the electric cord from the wall outlet. Wait 10 seconds then plug the cord back in.

Hot Water Heaters

A tank style water heater is the most common type of water heater. Hot water tanks are reliable and generally do not require adjustments.

There are several types of controls on hot water tanks. The picture on the right shows a common control. You should read your manual and know how to set the correct temperature on your unit.

The control at the bottom right is used on more recent models. If you have this type of control and are experiencing problems with your hot water supply you can easily reset your hot water tank.

Simple remove the electrical cord from the wall outlet, wait 10 seconds and then plug the cord back into the outlet. This may restore the hot water operation.

Keep in mind that it may take a while for a hot water tank to recover after a failure. Allow at least 30 minutes before testing your hot water.

The maximum recommended temperature setting is 120 'F. Setting the temperature higher can create a scalding hazard.

Mixing Valve

By law all new hot water systems installed require the use of a Mixing Valve. A mixing valve, (common types are shown on the left), limits the temperature of the domestic hot water to about 118'F. The mixing valve will be located close to your hot water heater. If you are not getting hot water from your faucets the mixing valve may be the source of the problem. A simple test is to place your hand on the pipe connected from the hot water heater to the mixing valve. If this pipe is hot and the water at your faucets is warm or cold, then the likely problem is a failure in the mixing valve.

The mixing valve is not covered by your rental agreement. Any licensed plumber can easily replace your mixing valve and restore your hot water service.

If your heating and cooling systems are not restored after these checks, then give us call and we will arrange for a service technician to come to your home at a convenient time.

Frequently Asked Questions

1.Transferring my billing to Enbridge, will I be double billed?

Enbridge billing is a convenient way to pay your monthly rental charges. During the conversion to Enbridge billing, we often are asked if there will be double billing. We do our best to coordinate with Enbridge on any account billing transfers we make. Due to differences in the billing cycles between Enbridge and ourselves, there may be a double charge in the first month. If this does occur we will promptly credit you for the double payment that has occurred.

2. How do boilersystems work?

Boiler systems provide both hot water heating and heating to your home. In the tankless hot water heater water is passed through a chamber heated by a gas flame. As long as the water flows through the chamber, the water is heated to the preset temperature.

The hot water flows to a hot water storage tank. Hot water is stored in the tank ready for your use. When you run the hot water the tankless hot water heater will replenish the tank with hot water. The tankless hot water heater controls also will cycle the unit periodically to keep your hot water in the tank ready for use.

The tankless hot water heater also connects to a coil inside the air handler. When the thermostat in your home calls for heat, the tankless hot water heater runs hot water through the coil in the air handler. This heats the air which is then circulated throughout your home.

This system is called a combo mode set up. It is one of the most efficient methods to heat your home and the hot water supply.

3. How does a tankless water heater work?

A tankless hot water heater provides hot water on demand. When you turn on a hot water faucet in your home, water flows through the gas fired heater and is instantly heated to the temperature setting you have selected. With tankless hot water heaters it is important that the unit's specified capacity to deliver hot water is adequate to meet your household demands. Each unit will specify a gallons per minute (GPM) rating which determines the maximum hot water flow available from the unit. The temperature of the incoming water will also affect the performance. Colder incoming water requires more energy to heat than warmer water.

Flow Table

Temperature Rise - the difference in water temperature between the water coming into the home and the temperature setting for the hot water.

NOTE: these figures are courtesy of FLOWMAXTechnologies. Results will vary for different manufacturers products.

4. Can I remove the rental equipment?

The rental agreement clearly states that the home owner, or service personnel other than Allianze representatives, shall not make any changes or modifications to the rental equipment. Removing any rental equipment violates the rental agreement. The rental agreement is valid for the useful life of the equipment. If you need to make changes to the rental equipment, please contact us first for information.

5. Can I upgrade to a larger hot water tank?

Hot water needs vary greatly from family to family even in identical homes. If you feel you require a larger hot water heater or hot water storage tank please contact us. We can provide you a quotation on a tank upgrade. Depending on your installation the following charges may apply: cost to remove the existing tank, installation costs for the new tank, testing and neccessary modifications to your existing venting system, more information here, testing and possible modifications to your gas supply lines. Your rental rates will be increased based on the hot water heater you select.

6. How much hot water am I using?

Most families tend to underestimate the amount of hot water needed. There are several facts to understand about hot water demands on the hot water heater in your home.

For a tankless hot water heater the limitation is the flow rate. Flow rate is measured in gallons per minute (GPM). Tankless hot water heaters can deliver in the range of 2 GPM to 5 GPM. The actual performance will depend on the specific make and model as well as the incoming cold water temperature.

Here are some typical flow rates found in homes:

  • Conventional faucets 2 - 2.5 GPM,
  • Shower Heads 2.5 GPM,
  • Whirlpool faucets 3+ GPM.

As you can see running multiple faucets can quickly add up and exceed the capacity on a tankless water heater.

For conventional hot water tanks the limitations are different. There are two factors that come into play. The capacity or size of the hot water tank. Typical sizes are 40, 50 & 75 Imp Gals. The second limitation is the recovery time needed to re-heat the incoming cold water. This will depend on the make and model of the hot water tank. It is important to know that a hot water tank cannot deliver hot water up to the full capacity. For a continuous draw of hot water you can only rely on about 2/3 to 3/4 the capacity before that hot water starts to cool down.

7. May I purchase my Rental Equipment?

Yes, you may purchase your rental equipment at any time. We will price the equipment at its depreciated value. Call us to get a price quote for your rental equipment.

8. Will my rental rate increase?

We offer very competitive rates and our goal is to remain competitive. The rental agreement does include a provision for rate increases. An example of a rate increase will occur with the introduction of the proposed harmonized taxes in Ontario. If you upgrade your equipment a increase will apply based on the rates for the new equipment.

9. How was the rental equipment for my home selected?

Allianze consults with the new home builder early on in the home construction. We provide various options to the builder for recommended home comfort solutions. The builder then chooses the home comfort solutions that best meets the needs of his intended home buyers. The final decision is made by the home builder.

10. What is the recommended setting for the hot water temperature?

The hot water temperature setting is a personal choice. To prevent scalding, especially with children, it is generally recommended not to exceed a setting of 50 degrees centigrade or 120 degrees Fahrenheit.

11.I am having problems with my air circulation. Is this covered by your rental agreement?

This depends on the cause of the problem. If the problem is caused by the air handler not functioning properly and the air handler is our rental equipment, then the answer is yes. If however the source of the problem is the ducting in your home than this repair would not be covered by our rental agreement. It is a good practice to change the air filter frequently and clean the ducts for health reasons, as well as better circulation.

12. I am not getting heat in my home. What should I check?

The first thing to check is your thermostat. Is it set properly and is it programmed correctly. Another place to check is the circuit breaker to your heating system. Sometimes there is a cut-off switch located near the heating system. Make sure the switch is in the on position.

13. Can I save money by upgrading to a tankless hot water heater?

There are many factors that need to be considered with tankless water heaters.

  • The amount of hot water used in the home,
  • The short term demand on hot water in the home,
  • The daily patterns of hot water usage,

It is important to keep in mind that:

  • Conventional hot water tanks have improved in efficiency over time.
  • Tankless water heaters will have an Installation Charge,
  • Tankless water heaters are the most efficient when the frequency of hot water usage and the volume of hot water used is low.

Make sure you consider all the costs in making your decision.

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