In recent months, many businesses that had to shut down their buildings are beginning to reopen their doors. While this is great to see, it’s important these buildings are recommissioned properly. Recommissioning a building ensures the HVAC system is running as safely and effectively as possible. If the building was completely shut down, it’s possible […]
These challenging times have made us rethink how our HVAC systems operate. A lot of precautions and procedures have been taken for businesses to continue to operate. Today, more and more businesses are reopening as bans are being lifted. With businesses reopening, there comes a lot of recommendations on how to make sure your building […]
The COVID-19 pandemic that’s sweeping its way around the world is an unprecedented crisis. In addition to the danger it poses to public health everywhere, it’s also causing massive economic disruption. No business owner could have anticipated these developments, but they are offering us all a lesson in the importance of creating safe and healthy […]
They might add a touch of that “winter wonderland” look to your home, but if you live in a snowy climate you should already know just how damaging ice dams can be. But chances are you’re clinging to many of the same myths most others are, and missing the real source of the problem. Ice […]
As most industry professionals know, designing truly energy-efficient homes is easier said than done. Even where there’s a desire to adopt them, new building technologies, strategies, and innovations can be more costly than standard building methods. They can also be difficult to source locally, making adoption even more problematic. These are some of the problems […]
If you haven’t already noticed, climate worries are beginning to drive big changes in the construction industry around the world. Until recently, these changes have typically been focused on innovative new technologies or design strategies, such as the integration of solar panels or the addition of a green rooftop. But now governments are taking note […]
It’s hard to believe the first official day of autumn is a couple of weeks away. Soon the leaves will start to change colors and fall. The days will grow cooler and shorter. And, as HVAC specialists know, indoor air quality or IAQ, will start to degrade and deteriorate. Yes, as windows and doors in […]
Turn on the news and you’re likely to see a story about extreme weather. Hurricanes, tropical storms, and heat waves have become the norm, not the exception. Which is one reason that air conditioning is such a pressing topic. As temperatures rise in many areas of the world, more people will be looking to cool […]
Did you know that right now, raccoons all over North America are hunkering down in attics and crawl spaces to give birth and raise their young? It might not seem like the kind of factoid an HVAC specialist should know, but it is. Every year, pests of all kinds find their way into the warm […]
With spring in the air and summer on the horizon, perhaps you’re daydreaming about hitting the beach, mixing margaritas, and building sandcastles this summer, right? Unfortunately, this year, the onset of summer in North America will likely mean another round of intense wildfires, and that has major implications for HVAC technicians when they prepare to […]
If you’re an HVAC technician, you’ve heard it again and again: “This room never fully heats up or cools down.” It’s one of the most common complaints homeowners and building managers make about their HVAC systems, and the solution might be simpler than you think. Check the registers When responding to one of these calls […]
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), indoor air is five times more polluted than outside. Now that it’s getting colder outside, it’s even more critical that your customers have good indoor air quality (IAQ). While doors and windows remain closed this season, your customers rely on the excellent ventilation capabilities of the vents […]
A home’s first line of defence for indoor air quality (IAQ) is a good ventilation and HVAC system that uses high-quality vents and wall caps. Homeowners should also be aware of the threats to their IAQ. One threat that laces awareness is radon. As we head into winter, it’s a topic all building professionals should […]
Indoor air quality (IAQ) is a big concern for many homeowners. In high-density urban areas with poor outdoor air quality, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends staying indoors and breathing conditioned air. So it’s now more important than ever that residential HVAC systems meet the highest standards in IAQ protection. As their HVAC technician, you […]
When you’re called to inspect an HVAC system that is under-performing, there are many variables to consider. Sometimes the problem is as simple as a blocked vent or grille, but usually more complex diagnostics are required. One variable that is important to understand is static pressure, a fundamental HVAC diagnostic that is critical to a […]
Your customers probably don’t worry about the integrity of their building envelope, but they might about their energy bills. When you’re installing a new HVAC system or performing maintenance tasks, consider the need for efficient wall vents or windows. How do windows and wall systems support a healthy building envelope and an energy-efficient home? The […]
When their furnace breaks down your customers will call you, their trusted HVAC technician. But what if there’s a problem with ventilation and new wall caps are needed? Can homeowners recognize an HVAC-related issue without your help? That’s why it’s up to you to calculate air exchange when you balance their HVAC system. Most systems […]
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. […]
There are several ways to heat, cool and ventilate a home but probably the most popular method in North America is forced air. A central furnace, air-conditioning unit or heat pump is connected to the rest of the building with a network of venting. Vents can be used for three main purposes, to supply conditioned […]
Venting through walls is often the easiest way to intake fresh air or exhaust fumes from a house. But making any hole in the exterior can compromise the integrity of the building envelope. To prevent the entry of water and stop air leaks, use a strong and watertight wall cap. Wall caps can be manufactured […]