Home Improvement

Glossary of terms

Here is a quick overview of terms used in this guide and that you’ll need to know as you gather information about your home heating and cooling options.

AIR SOURCE HEAT PUMP
A heating-cooling unit that transfers heat in either direction between the air outside a home and the indoors.

AIR SUPPLY FOR COMBUSTION
The air that a […]

What is a Home Energy Audit?

An energy audit is an assessment of a home, building, or business that measures how much energy is being consumed, any existing problems where energy is lost, and recommendations of things that can be corrected  to increase efficiency, thus saving you money over time. This may be done by a professional using infrared cameras […]

Residential Foundation Insulation

Introduction

Homes being constructed today are more energy efficient than those built even just a few years ago, primarily due to significant improvements in building products and techniques as well as development of high-performance heating and cooling systems and other appliances. However, the benefits of foundation insulation are often overlooked. Heat loss from an uninsulated, […]

10 Ways to Save Energy in the Winter

There are many ways to conserve energy in the cold winter months. This not only helps our budget, but also the environment.

1.Make sure that registers and air ducts are not blocked by furniture or other debris. This can cause poor heat circulation and the furnace to work harder, using more electricity and creating extra […]

Remedies to Indoor Air Quality Problems

Living Areas

Paneling, pressed-wood furniture and cabinetry. These products may release formaldehyde gas. Remedy: Ask about formaldehyde content before buying furniture or cabinets. Some types of pressed-wood products, such as those with phenol resin, emit less formaldehyde. Also, products coated with polyurethane or laminates may reduce formaldehyde emissions. After installation, open windows. Maintain moderate temperature […]

Home Energy Audits

How to Conduct your own Home Energy Audit

You can do a simple home energy audit yourself to get a general idea of where you may be having problems with energy loss. Make a list of obvious potential air leaks such as doors and windows. Make a list of each room you inspect and any […]

Reduce Your Energy Bills

A whole home energy audit can improve your home’s energy efficiency in both summer and winter, and reduce your overall energy bills.

The whole-house systems approach looks at the entire house as an energy system with interdependent parts. Like a human body, when one part functions poorly it affects the performance of the entire system. […]

Historic Renovation

Historic renovation and re-use are particularly delicate forms of architecture. They demand active research and a desire to understand a building’s contribution yesterday as well as its potential contribution in the future.

The historic renovation of homes and buildings has become a very popular movement across North America. The National Trust for Historic Preservation (http://www.nationaltrust.org/) […]

Energy Efficiency

Designing and building an energy-efficient home that conforms to the many considerations faced by home builders can be a challenge. However, any house style can be made to require relatively minimal amounts of energy to heat and cool, and be comfortable and healthy. It’s easier now to get your architect and builder to use […]

Conserving Energy

Conserve Energy and Save Money

Are your energy bills too high? Is your home not as comfortable as you want it to be? Do you want to do more to protect the environment? Do you have teenagers at home giving your hot water bill a beating? Whatever your situation, this article will help you to […]