Your customers want to reduce their energy bills. For owners and operators of large residential and commercial buildings, variable refrigerant flow (VRF) HVAC could be the way to go. The benefits of VRF include energy efficiency, improved comfort and integration with smart technology, but it’s not ideal for every project. In contrast to air conditioning […]
When your customers choose siding for their homes, they balance aesthetics, cost and maintenance with energy efficiency and ease of installation. From an HVAC point of view, your primary concern is how their decision impacts the heating and cooling properties of a building. A major factor in the siding impact is whether there is a […]
When you’re consulting on a big project like installing HVAC in multiple dwelling units (MDU), you need to know all of the factors at play. The biggest consideration with MDU is whether to install a central system or to take a compartmentalized approach and install HVAC into individual units. If your customer is looking for […]
November has been declared Radon Action Month in Canada. What is Radon? In case you didn’t know, it’s one of the most dangerous carcinogens we can get exposed to. Where does Radon come from? It’s a naturally occurring radioactive gas that is formed during the radioactive decay process of uranium and thorium. These are the […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Moisture is a constant enemy in a home. Too much will create mold and other problems. Too little will aggravate allergies and create static electric shocks. Active venting is one important way you can help manage the water in the air. The bathroom can often be a home’s greatest source of moisture issues. Every day […]