Opportunity is knocking for HVAC professionals and where it’s coming from might surprise you: Zoned heating and air conditioning systems. To be sure, forced air zoning is anything but a new concept. In fact, it’s been around since the 1960s. But the last several years has seen consumer demand for zoned HVAC systems grow by […]
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 […]
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 […]
As we all bake in the summer heat, it’s easy to accept the reality of global climate change. Besides the warmer temperatures, the increase in sea levels and ocean temperatures caused by climate change are causing an increase in the frequency and intensity of storms. Most HVAC equipment is already designed to be tough and […]
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 […]
Your customers want their HVAC system to be efficient, and they look to their installer to make that happen. That’s why you need to understand all of the components of an energy-efficient home, especially an airtight building envelope. Snow, wind, rain, and hail pose a major threat to the integrity of your customer’s building envelope, […]
Did you know that wind washing is likely the cause of that cold patch in your customer’s kitchen or that drafty area in their upstairs hall? Homeowners need to count on you – their HVAC professional – to know how to deal with these problems. Wind warnings have blown across North America this fall, prompting […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Colder weather means it’s time to think about the condition of roof vents, which have just withstood a hot summer. They were baked by the sun and blasted with UV rays. Now they are faced with the prospect of heavy rain, high winds, snow and hail. It’s a good idea to get up on the […]
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 […]
A recent study on attic ventilation found that extra airflow doesn’t guarantee less mold and fungus growing in the rafters. Really? Commissioned by the Homeowner Protection Office of BC Housing, the study was in response to “anecdotal observations” that a significant number of wood-framed buildings on the West Coast showed mold growth on the roof […]
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 […]
Arguably the most important part of a building is the roof. It must protect the residential or commercial structure from precipitation and temperature extremes. This makes most installers a little nervous – if not reluctant – to mess with the integrity of a building’s top surface by adding vents. Not only does every new hole […]
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 […]
As Ontario builders prepare for the opportunity to create wood-frame six-storey mid-rises, building envelopes should be carefully considered and protected.Starting next year, the province will join B.C. by allowing taller wood structures in its building code. Wood has proven to be a safe and reliable material in these applications, but protecting that wood framing will prove vital […]
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 […]
The 1980’s and 90’s were a dark era for B.C. homebuilders. Business was strong as condos were popping up all over the south coast. It should have been nothing but good news for the construction industry. Unfortunately, changes in the province’s building code allowed condos to be built using designs better suited to the desert […]
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 […]