With energy costs increasing, making sure HVAC systems work at peak performance is a must. All systems need ongoing care, even the top-of-the-line ones that come with high-quality fittings, vents, and accessories. Some HVAC problems are less obvious and often decrease efficiency and increase the wear on expensive parts. A standard maintenance checklist includes checking […]
Do you want to improve your margins? According to an industry expert, the majority of HVAC professionals can increase profits by changing their approach to estimates. Getting the best value in equipment and vents is only the start of costing out a job. You also need to assign labor and overhead costs appropriately, know when […]
Given the never-ending heat and humidity of the summer across North America, cooling a home to a reasonable and safe temperature can be crucial to a person’s well being. Air conditioning is arguably the best solution. Selecting the right type of air conditioner system is important, as is venting it correctly. This depends on a […]
The air filter in a furnace is the best defense against damage to an HVAC system and poor indoor air quality in a home. The furnace filter traps particles such as dust, animal dander, pollen, mold spores and dust mites, preventing the buildup of these particles on the furnace’s fan and heat exchanger. Dust buildup […]
If you’ve ever worked on a roof during the summer you’ve probably noticed it can get pretty hot up there. In fact, standard roof coverings that are dark in color can easily reach 150°F/65°C in the hot sun, potentially causing damage to the roof and transferring heat to the building below. One way to reduce […]
Many homeowners are looking for ways to upgrade and improve their homes. One of the most useful and feasible retrofits to existing houses is the addition of insulation. This can reduce energy costs not only by keeping the home warmer in winter but cooler in the summer as well. Conduct an insulation inventory First thing […]
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 […]
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 […]
Fires related to clothes dryers, usually the result of lint build-up, are the number one cause of all household fires. According to the National Fire Protection Association, they make up 92% of home structure incidents. Most of them start in the laundry room. A combination of fluff, fleece, wool and fuzz, these materials are found […]
Clothes dryer exhaust vents are likely one of the riskiest construction elements contained in a home. In the United States, they are responsible for more than 12,000 fires every year. The combination of lint and high temperatures can spell disaster, often with few obvious warning signs. Proper airflow through an exhaust vent is key to […]
Three cooling tips for homebuilders It’s July, and after a long, cold winter across most of North America, scorching summer temperatures have returned. While there is plenty for people to enjoy outside right now, many of us will undoubtedly be focusing on the indoor discomforts that come with the heat. “It’s too hot to sleep.” […]
Installation of an exhaust fan above a stove is a critical step in creating safe and enjoyable kitchens. Ideally, those fans will exhaust smells, smoke, water vapour and other gases to the outside. The idea is simple, but choosing the right materials to include in your design is not always easy. Most jurisdictions have strict standards […]
Routing HVAC ductwork can be a complicated challenge, but your troubles aren’t over when you reach the end of a duct in a wall or ceiling. You still need to cap it off with a vent or grille cover such as the PrimexVents Whisper Grille. Working in tight spaces can make achieving a clean finish […]