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. […]
Vancouver, B.C. (May 4, 2016) – PrimexVents, a leading producer of HVAC venting solutions for the building envelope, is pleased to announce that AIR FORCE 1 Sales & Marketing Ltd. is now representing PrimexVents HVAC products in the Ontario region. “We are excited to announce this partnership with AIR FORCE 1. We know AIR FORCE […]
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 […]
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 […]
Each year the Canadian Mechanical and Plumbing Exhibition, known as CMPX, is a showcase for the latest products and innovations in the HVACR industry. It’s jointly produced by the Heating Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada (HRAI), representing HVAC manufacturers, wholesalers and contractors, along with the Canadian Institute of Plumbing & Heating (CIPH), which […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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. […]
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 […]
With winter on the way and temperatures dipping, it’s time to think about winterizing homes for the cold. First thing to do is take a walk around the house and inspect any wall caps and vents for damage and make sure dampers are not jammed open, particularly the flapper type. Check for any damage to roof […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
There’s been a lot of talk lately about net-zero energy (NZE) homes but what exactly are they? The idea is they generate enough energy to offset the amount they use. But most homes are unable to produce that much, so most of the equation is based on energy conservation. This means the house must be […]
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 […]