Frequently Asked Questions
Since 1996, Kirkstone Heating, Cooling & Plumbing has proudly served more than 50,000 homes across North Vancouver, West Vancouver, Vancouver, and the Lower Mainland. Our experienced HVAC and plumbing professionals are committed to quality workmanship, exceptional customer service, and dependable heating, cooling, plumbing, and fireplace solutions for local homeowners.
Why am I running out of hot water?
Your household may be using more hot water than the system can supply, or the water heater may have a component fault or maintenance issue. An assessment can help distinguish a repair problem from a capacity limitation.
Should I repair or replace my water heater?
Consider the unit’s condition, the source of the problem, repair costs and whether it meets your household’s needs. Some components can be repaired, while a leaking storage tank generally requires replacement. Kirkstone can help you compare the options.
What is the difference between a tank and a tankless water heater?
A storage-tank water heater keeps a supply of heated water ready for use. A tankless unit heats water as it flows through the equipment. The appropriate choice depends on peak demand, available space, fuel or electrical capacity, and installation requirements.
What information should I provide when booking plumbing service?
Describe the problem, when it started and which fixtures or areas are affected. For water heater issues, include the make, model and approximate age if known. Call (604) 764-9009 or book online to request service.
Keep filters clean, leave supply and return vents unobstructed, and use blinds or shades to reduce direct sunlight. Keep windows closed while cooling and follow the recommended maintenance schedule. Persistent comfort problems should be assessed rather than managed by continually lowering the thermostat.
Call (604) 764-9009 or use Kirkstone’s online booking page to request heating service. Tell us which system needs attention, describe the problem and include the equipment’s make and model if available.
Can I use a heat pump with my existing gas furnace?
In many cases, compatible equipment can operate together as a dual-fuel heating system. The heat pump provides heating and cooling, while the furnace supplies heat when needed. An assessment determines equipment compatibility and control requirements.
Does my gas fireplace need regular servicing?
Yes. Gas fireplaces need regular inspection and maintenance according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Service can include checking the burner, ignition, venting and controls, along with cleaning appropriate components.
Why are some rooms colder than others?
Uneven heating can result from restricted airflow, duct leaks, insulation differences, thermostat placement or heating-zone issues. A professional assessment can identify whether the problem involves your equipment, distribution system or the room itself.
What is the difference between a furnace and a boiler?
A furnace heats air and distributes it through ducts. A boiler heats water that circulates through radiators, baseboard heaters or in-floor heating pipes. Kirkstone services both types of residential heating systems.
Can a heat pump heat my home during a BC winter?
Yes, a properly selected and installed heat pump can provide winter heating for many BC homes. Performance depends on the equipment, local temperatures and your home’s heating requirements. Some homes benefit from a backup heating source for colder conditions.
Should I repair or replace my furnace?
The decision depends on the furnace’s condition, repair history, performance and the cost of the current repair. Kirkstone can assess your equipment and explain whether repairing it or investing in a replacement is the more practical option.
Why is my furnace running but not heating my home?
A furnace may struggle to heat because of a dirty filter, restricted airflow, thermostat settings or a faulty component. Check that the thermostat is set to heat and the filter is clean. If the problem continues, arrange a professional assessment.
How often should I service my furnace?
Most furnaces should receive professional maintenance once a year, following the manufacturer’s recommendations. Booking service before the colder months helps identify operating problems and prepare your heating system for regular use.
What heating services does Kirkstone Heating, Cooling & Plumbing offer?
Kirkstone provides furnace, boiler, heat pump and gas fireplace services, including maintenance, troubleshooting, repairs and installation. We also service residential hydronic heating and combination heating systems.
Do not let a small plumbing problem turn into costly water damage. Contact Kirkstone for professional plumbing repairs, installations, drain cleaning, and emergency plumbing service.
Call Us (604) 764-9009 or schedule your plumbing appointment online today.
Yes. Kirkstone provides a 100% satisfaction guarantee on our plumbing service.
Our technicians work quickly and thoroughly while maintaining high standards of workmanship and customer care. Whether you need a scheduled installation, a plumbing repair, drain cleaning, or help during an emergency, our goal is to deliver a solution you can feel confident about.
Yes. Kirkstone’s plumbers are licensed and regularly complete additional courses to strengthen their technical knowledge, education, and training.
We are also insured to perform plumbing work in both residential and commercial properties. Choosing a licensed and insured plumbing company helps protect your property while ensuring the work is completed according to professional standards.
Hiring a professional plumber helps protect your property and ensures the repair is completed correctly.
Online tutorials can make plumbing repairs appear simple, but even a small mistake can lead to leaking or burst pipes, water damage, mould growth, and expensive structural repairs. Some plumbing work must also comply with local building codes and permit requirements.
Kirkstone’s trained plumbers have the experience, professional tools, and technical knowledge needed to identify the source of the problem and provide a reliable solution. You receive quality workmanship and the peace of mind that your plumbing system is being handled by a qualified professional.
When you need dependable plumbing repairs, installations, drain cleaning, or emergency plumbing service, trust Kirkstone’s licensed and insured plumbers. We provide professional plumbing solutions for residential and commercial properties, using industry-grade equipment to diagnose problems accurately and complete the work safely.
FinanceIt Flexible Financing Options for Your Home Comfort Needs
Explore flexible financing solutions for fireplace, water heater, furnace, and boiler installation, replacement, or service. With financing available through Financeit, you can access the HVAC equipment you need right away without large upfront costs. Applying through Financeit is quick, secure, and mobile-friendly, making it easy to manage low monthly payments on major home comfort upgrades.
Tempered Glass | Neo-Ceramic Glass |
|---|---|
| Manufacturing: Tempered glass is made by heating standard glass to a high temperature and then rapidly cooling it. This process increases its strength. | Manufacturing: Neo-ceramic glass is made similarly to regular glass but with special materials and a unique process that allows it to withstand very high temperatures. |
| Strength and Safety: It’s much stronger than regular glass and, when broken, shatters into small, blunt pieces that are less likely to cause injury. | Strength and Safety: While it is also stronger than regular glass, its key feature is its thermal shock resistance rather than its ability to break safely. |
| Heat Resistance: Tempered glass can withstand temperatures up to 204-250°C (400-482°F). It’s commonly used in fireplace doors but not recommended for high-temperature applications where the temperature may exceed this range. | Heat Resistance: Neo-ceramic glass can withstand temperatures up to 760-820°C (1400-1500°F), making it suitable for high-temperature applications. |
| Application: Ideal for lower temperature applications such as standard fireplaces and some stove doors, as well as many household and automotive applications. | Application: It’s the preferred choice for high-efficiency wood stoves, furnaces, boilers, and fireplaces that operate at higher temperatures, where clear viewing of the fire is desired. |
| Cost-Effective: Generally less expensive than neo-ceramic glass. The cost advantage is due to a relatively simpler manufacturing process and the widespread availability of the technology used to temper glass. | Higher Price: Typically more expensive than tempered glass. This is attributed to a more complex manufacturing process that enables it to withstand significantly higher temperatures, as well as the specialized materials involved. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Since 1996, Kirkstone Heating, Cooling & Plumbing has proudly served more than 50,000 homes across North Vancouver, West Vancouver, Vancouver, and the Lower Mainland. Our experienced HVAC and plumbing professionals are committed to quality workmanship, exceptional customer service, and dependable heating, cooling, plumbing, and fireplace solutions for local homeowners.
Why am I running out of hot water?
Your household may be using more hot water than the system can supply, or the water heater may have a component fault or maintenance issue. An assessment can help distinguish a repair problem from a capacity limitation.
Should I repair or replace my water heater?
Consider the unit’s condition, the source of the problem, repair costs and whether it meets your household’s needs. Some components can be repaired, while a leaking storage tank generally requires replacement. Kirkstone can help you compare the options.
What is the difference between a tank and a tankless water heater?
A storage-tank water heater keeps a supply of heated water ready for use. A tankless unit heats water as it flows through the equipment. The appropriate choice depends on peak demand, available space, fuel or electrical capacity, and installation requirements.
What information should I provide when booking plumbing service?
Describe the problem, when it started and which fixtures or areas are affected. For water heater issues, include the make, model and approximate age if known. Call (604) 764-9009 or book online to request service.
Keep filters clean, leave supply and return vents unobstructed, and use blinds or shades to reduce direct sunlight. Keep windows closed while cooling and follow the recommended maintenance schedule. Persistent comfort problems should be assessed rather than managed by continually lowering the thermostat.
Call (604) 764-9009 or use Kirkstone’s online booking page to request heating service. Tell us which system needs attention, describe the problem and include the equipment’s make and model if available.
Can I use a heat pump with my existing gas furnace?
In many cases, compatible equipment can operate together as a dual-fuel heating system. The heat pump provides heating and cooling, while the furnace supplies heat when needed. An assessment determines equipment compatibility and control requirements.
Does my gas fireplace need regular servicing?
Yes. Gas fireplaces need regular inspection and maintenance according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Service can include checking the burner, ignition, venting and controls, along with cleaning appropriate components.
Why are some rooms colder than others?
Uneven heating can result from restricted airflow, duct leaks, insulation differences, thermostat placement or heating-zone issues. A professional assessment can identify whether the problem involves your equipment, distribution system or the room itself.
What is the difference between a furnace and a boiler?
A furnace heats air and distributes it through ducts. A boiler heats water that circulates through radiators, baseboard heaters or in-floor heating pipes. Kirkstone services both types of residential heating systems.
Can a heat pump heat my home during a BC winter?
Yes, a properly selected and installed heat pump can provide winter heating for many BC homes. Performance depends on the equipment, local temperatures and your home’s heating requirements. Some homes benefit from a backup heating source for colder conditions.
Should I repair or replace my furnace?
The decision depends on the furnace’s condition, repair history, performance and the cost of the current repair. Kirkstone can assess your equipment and explain whether repairing it or investing in a replacement is the more practical option.
Why is my furnace running but not heating my home?
A furnace may struggle to heat because of a dirty filter, restricted airflow, thermostat settings or a faulty component. Check that the thermostat is set to heat and the filter is clean. If the problem continues, arrange a professional assessment.
How often should I service my furnace?
Most furnaces should receive professional maintenance once a year, following the manufacturer’s recommendations. Booking service before the colder months helps identify operating problems and prepare your heating system for regular use.
What heating services does Kirkstone Heating, Cooling & Plumbing offer?
Kirkstone provides furnace, boiler, heat pump and gas fireplace services, including maintenance, troubleshooting, repairs and installation. We also service residential hydronic heating and combination heating systems.
Do not let a small plumbing problem turn into costly water damage. Contact Kirkstone for professional plumbing repairs, installations, drain cleaning, and emergency plumbing service.
Call Us (604) 764-9009 or schedule your plumbing appointment online today.
Yes. Kirkstone provides a 100% satisfaction guarantee on our plumbing service.
Our technicians work quickly and thoroughly while maintaining high standards of workmanship and customer care. Whether you need a scheduled installation, a plumbing repair, drain cleaning, or help during an emergency, our goal is to deliver a solution you can feel confident about.
Yes. Kirkstone’s plumbers are licensed and regularly complete additional courses to strengthen their technical knowledge, education, and training.
We are also insured to perform plumbing work in both residential and commercial properties. Choosing a licensed and insured plumbing company helps protect your property while ensuring the work is completed according to professional standards.
Hiring a professional plumber helps protect your property and ensures the repair is completed correctly.
Online tutorials can make plumbing repairs appear simple, but even a small mistake can lead to leaking or burst pipes, water damage, mould growth, and expensive structural repairs. Some plumbing work must also comply with local building codes and permit requirements.
Kirkstone’s trained plumbers have the experience, professional tools, and technical knowledge needed to identify the source of the problem and provide a reliable solution. You receive quality workmanship and the peace of mind that your plumbing system is being handled by a qualified professional.
When you need dependable plumbing repairs, installations, drain cleaning, or emergency plumbing service, trust Kirkstone’s licensed and insured plumbers. We provide professional plumbing solutions for residential and commercial properties, using industry-grade equipment to diagnose problems accurately and complete the work safely.
FinanceIt Flexible Financing Options for Your Home Comfort Needs
Explore flexible financing solutions for fireplace, water heater, furnace, and boiler installation, replacement, or service. With financing available through Financeit, you can access the HVAC equipment you need right away without large upfront costs. Applying through Financeit is quick, secure, and mobile-friendly, making it easy to manage low monthly payments on major home comfort upgrades.
Tempered Glass | Neo-Ceramic Glass |
|---|---|
| Manufacturing: Tempered glass is made by heating standard glass to a high temperature and then rapidly cooling it. This process increases its strength. | Manufacturing: Neo-ceramic glass is made similarly to regular glass but with special materials and a unique process that allows it to withstand very high temperatures. |
| Strength and Safety: It’s much stronger than regular glass and, when broken, shatters into small, blunt pieces that are less likely to cause injury. | Strength and Safety: While it is also stronger than regular glass, its key feature is its thermal shock resistance rather than its ability to break safely. |
| Heat Resistance: Tempered glass can withstand temperatures up to 204-250°C (400-482°F). It’s commonly used in fireplace doors but not recommended for high-temperature applications where the temperature may exceed this range. | Heat Resistance: Neo-ceramic glass can withstand temperatures up to 760-820°C (1400-1500°F), making it suitable for high-temperature applications. |
| Application: Ideal for lower temperature applications such as standard fireplaces and some stove doors, as well as many household and automotive applications. | Application: It’s the preferred choice for high-efficiency wood stoves, furnaces, boilers, and fireplaces that operate at higher temperatures, where clear viewing of the fire is desired. |
| Cost-Effective: Generally less expensive than neo-ceramic glass. The cost advantage is due to a relatively simpler manufacturing process and the widespread availability of the technology used to temper glass. | Higher Price: Typically more expensive than tempered glass. This is attributed to a more complex manufacturing process that enables it to withstand significantly higher temperatures, as well as the specialized materials involved. |
