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 […]
When looking at ventilation covers and grilles, the number one question to ask is what is the best material. In the past, metal presented a good option, as cheap plastic often didn’t stand up to the task. Nowadays, thanks to advances in technology, plastic resin is the clear choice for a number of reasons. […]
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 […]
In the past, cold drafty houses were the norm. We cranked up the heat to force all that chilly air out. There was also a greater tolerance for uncomfortably warm homes in summer months. But now, whole house air conditioning is so prevalent they can affect entire electric power grids during heat waves. Over the […]
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 […]
Fires related to clothes dryers, usually the result of lint build-up, are the number one cause of all household fires. According to the National Fire Protection Association, they make up 92% of home structure incidents. Most of them start in the laundry room. A combination of fluff, fleece, wool and fuzz, these materials are found […]
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 […]
Ideally, in a passively vented system the attic is completely sealed from the living space by gypsum board and caulking along all ceiling joints creating an airtight seal. Venting an attic is essential for a number of reasons including: – It prevents moisture buildup that can cause mildew and rot in the attic framing and […]
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 […]
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 […]
Many Canadian home builders started 2015 with some apprehension over the impact higher interest rates might have on their businesses. A lot of economists were predicting the price of borrowing was going to rise in Canada, possibly as early as this spring. Here we are a few weeks later, and the Bank of Canada is […]
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, […]
When choosing a spot to place an HVAC intake or exhaust vent, soffits can provide a convenient solution. The eaves of a roof can be used to help hide vent caps, and also play a vital role in proper attic ventilation. Still, it’s important for builders to carefully consider the purpose of a vent before […]
Plastic is one of the most versatile materials on earth. Think about all of the things we use every day that contain plastic: phones, cars, computers, televisions all contain some, but it’s used even more in our homes. We rely on it for everything from insulating the wires in our walls, water pipes, window frames, […]
A customer focus on energy efficiency is placing a premium on short, straight ductwork. Builders often find roof venting provides the most efficient path for exhaust from a home. Some builders are reluctant to cut holes in one of the most vital parts of the building envelope. The incorrect vent, improperly installed will always be […]
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 […]
PrimexVents is proud to be exhibiting at the CIPHEX West in Calgary, November 5-6. Visit PrimexVents at booth 348 to learn more about how PrimexVents rainscreen vents protect a building envelope. Western Canada’s largest trade show and conference for plumbing, hydronics, HVACR and water treatment.
Ductwork is a key component of any modern home. Hidden in our floors and ceilings, nearly every house today is criss-crossed by a network of passages designed to move air from one spot to another. Even homes without forced air heating or cooling will likely have a dryer vent and bathroom, kitchen, or even radon […]
PrimexVents is proud to be exhibiting at the Ontario Building Council (OBEC) Buildings for Tomorrow Conference in Toronto, October 28-30. Visit PrimexVents at booth 57/58 to learn more about how PrimexVents rainscreen vents protect a building envelope. Canadian Conference on Building Science and Technology provides a forum for the presentation, discussion and sharing of practical […]