From the original wood-burning fireplace to the most modern geothermal radiant system, home heating has come a long way over the centuries. Here we look at different options for central heating: systems where heat is distributed from a main location throughout a house. Forced air heating is the most common type in North America. It […]
Water heaters are one of those household items that are quite often out of sight, out of mind. If neglected, they can be a real problem when they fail. At best the result can be no hot water at all, or for a short while, at worst, a flooded basement! There are two main types […]
There’s been a lot of talk lately about net-zero energy (NZE) homes but what exactly are they? The idea is they generate enough energy to offset the amount they use. But most homes are unable to produce that much, so most of the equation is based on energy conservation. This means the house must be […]
Summers are getting hotter. In fact, ten of the most sweltering years on record have been since 1998. Keeping a house cool is becoming a bigger challenge than ever. Sure, there’s always the option of cranking up the air conditioning but with the high-energy costs it’s worth reducing the load on the HVAC system as […]
Talk about high maintenance! With most HVAC systems in continual service, be it heating throughout the winter or cooling in the summer, pay attention to these warning signs. Remember that wall caps, soffit vents, grilles and roof vents are exposed to weather extremes and might need some care as well. Temperature check One sign an […]
When looking at ventilation covers and grilles, the number one question to ask is what is the best material. In the past, metal presented a good option, as cheap plastic often didn’t stand up to the task. Nowadays, thanks to advances in technology, plastic resin is the clear choice for a number of reasons. […]
It’s surprising how many older homes lack bathroom fans. In the past, when there was little concern over wasted energy, open windows were the solution to bathroom odors and humidity. Bathrooms easily create the most moisture and humidity in the home. This rise in humidity encourages the growth of mold, mildew and other microorganisms, which […]
It’s the time of year again when many animals are looking for a nice warm, dry spot to give birth and raise their young. Guess what – attics are one of the prime locations for rodents. Already, all kinds of pests have been looking for easy ways to get into an attic. During the summer […]
Most of us are concerned with the air we breathe, particularly if we live in polluted urban areas. But how many of us realize that the air in our home and workplaces can be even more toxic? Some of the pollutants circulating through buildings’ HVAC systems are not only dangerous to those with compromised immune […]
Great strides have been made in recent years in improving the energy efficiency of homes and buildings, but at a cost. Insulation has increased in walls and attics and has been added to crawlspaces. New fenestration standards, which minimize air leakage around windows and doors, have been introduced, although prices have increased due to manufacturing […]
Many Canadian home builders started 2015 with some apprehension over the impact higher interest rates might have on their businesses. A lot of economists were predicting the price of borrowing was going to rise in Canada, possibly as early as this spring. Here we are a few weeks later, and the Bank of Canada is […]
Your phone is smart, but is your HVAC system also? In 2015, the number of people able to answer yes will grow significantly. “Smart” has become a driving force throughout the HVAC industry. Whether through the offering of increasingly interactive HVAC devices, or simply greater efficiency, HVAC is rapidly getting smarter. House apps Of course, […]
When choosing a spot to place an HVAC intake or exhaust vent, soffits can provide a convenient solution. The eaves of a roof can be used to help hide vent caps, and also play a vital role in proper attic ventilation. Still, it’s important for builders to carefully consider the purpose of a vent before […]
Plastic is one of the most versatile materials on earth. Think about all of the things we use every day that contain plastic: phones, cars, computers, televisions all contain some, but it’s used even more in our homes. We rely on it for everything from insulating the wires in our walls, water pipes, window frames, […]
A customer focus on energy efficiency is placing a premium on short, straight ductwork. Builders often find roof venting provides the most efficient path for exhaust from a home. Some builders are reluctant to cut holes in one of the most vital parts of the building envelope. The incorrect vent, improperly installed will always be […]
Ductwork is a key component of any modern home. Hidden in our floors and ceilings, nearly every house today is criss-crossed by a network of passages designed to move air from one spot to another. Even homes without forced air heating or cooling will likely have a dryer vent and bathroom, kitchen, or even radon […]
For many North American construction companies, rainscreens still represent a bit of a mystery. Finding experts in the field can be a challenge, but they do exist. In places like coastal Oregon and British Columbia, thousands of sealed building envelopes have been created with a breathable, capillary gap beneath the siding to allow water to drain […]
Did you know radon is a threat all homebuilders should be aware of? It is the second leading cause of lung cancer in Canada, and is present at dangerous levels in thousands of homes across North America. Radon is a radioactive gas that occurs naturally as part of the decay process of minerals found in the ground. […]
Just like building technologies, maintenance practices are constantly changing and should be carefully monitored. One of the home upkeep services currently growing in popularity is duct cleaning. Increasing awareness of allergies, air quality, and perceived risks associated with clogged vents is driving concern and action on the part of homeowners. Mechanical contractors, builders and industry suppliers […]
Today’s modern homes are wonderfully well sealed. Building technologies have improved significantly to block outside air from coming in, and inside air from leaving. It’s all in the name of energy efficiency, but stale air trapped inside a home can now gather pollutants and make it uncomfortable to live in. It can even lead to allergies […]