As homeowners become more energy-savings conscious with the rise in utility costs, they look for inventive ways to reduce power consumption in their homes. Fortunately, renewable energy alternatives have steadily increased over time with solar being the fastest growing alternative power option available today. One of the newest advancements in solar power is the solar […]
The most recent versions of LEED Certification standards have placed even more emphasis on energy efficiency. HVAC is integral to LEED certification as it affects several of the scoring categories. These scoring categories basically decide how “green” a building is. LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. It’s a set of standards that […]
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 […]
Modular home building is a fast growing segment of the offsite construction industry. Sometimes known as factory-built, system-built, prefabricated or prefab, don’t confuse this type of building with mobile homes. A mobile home or manufactured home, as they are sometimes called, can be moved to a different location. Modular homes are placed on a permanent […]
According to Natural Resources Canada, water heating is the second largest consumer of power in the typical Canadian home after space heating. On average, that’s anywhere from 17% of the total energy used. It’s not surprising then that many homeowners are on the lookout for a more energy-efficient alternative to their conventional hot water tank. […]
In earlier blog posts about net-zero homes and super-insulated wall construction we touched on the Passivhaus concept. With the upcoming 20th International Passive House Conference, in Darmstadt, Germany, from April 22-23, 2016, it’s an ideal time to take a closer look at this housing standard. As you may have guessed, Passivhaus is German for passive […]
HVAC contractors are hearing more and more about the IoT these days. Some installers in the construction industry are already at the forefront of using the technology associated with it. So, what is the IoT? Simply put, it means the Internet of Things and refers to the vast network of objects or “things” that are […]
Most new homes are much more insulated than in the past. Much of the improvement has been achieved by specifying thicker walls that can accommodate more insulation. However, there’s still the issue of thermal bridging where heat passes through studs and other framing and is lost to the outdoors. Also, there’s the degree of airtightness […]
An exciting year lies ahead for HVAC installers and the construction industry. Here’s a few business and climate control trends that may affect you in 2016. HVAC Companies Will Get Busier Stricter regulations for emissions and efficiency are becoming widespread across North America meaning new buildings are getting greener. The construction industry in the U.S. […]
For years, wooden buildings have been limited in height by building codes but that’s changing. Recently, Ontario approved a change to their building code that would allow the construction of mid-rise six storey wood buildings. Previously they were limited to four. Ontario now joins British Columbia who made the change more than five years ago […]
A high efficiency furnace is determined by its Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE). This is a ratio between the amount of heat energy produced compared to the amount of natural gas consumed. The higher the number, the more efficient the furnace is. Conventional furnaces are not capable of an AFUE reading above 90%, but the […]
Houses built for mild climates often don’t need air conditioning units, despite some hot summer days that may benefit from them. For homes with forced air systems, furnaces often blast too much hot air, which is an inefficient heating method, especially in the spring and fall. A solution worth considering in this scenario is a […]
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 […]
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 […]
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, […]
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 […]