How to Choose Air Filters for Homes
The average Canadian spends approximately 90% of their time indoors. Unfortunately, the air pollution levels inside homes can be two to five times higher than
The average Canadian spends approximately 90% of their time indoors. Unfortunately, the air pollution levels inside homes can be two to five times higher than
Most people spend much of their time indoors, which is why indoor air quality is so important. Unfortunately, poor air quality is a common problem
As the cold weather approaches and we are all spending more of our days indoors. The air we breathe or our indoor air quality (IAQ)
Improving your home’s insulation effectively saves money on your energy bills and reduces your carbon footprint. Air leaks around doors, foundations, and windows can drastically
I’d say Building Science is the most important thing to have a good grip on in today’s high performance building space. Let me explain…. I was recently challenged when asked why we adopted Net Zero, Net Zero Ready ( see article) What does it mean to be NET ZERO? and Energy star as the sustainable programs of choice. Why not just build to code and make the changes as code requires it? A good question.
The US’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports that inside air can actually be more polluted than outside air. International speaker, Engineer, and Building scientist, Gord Cooke points out there are somewhere between 4-6000 sources of pollution inside a home due to chemical cleaners, VOC’s and hygiene products we bring into the home. As we tighten up building envelopes, striving for more energy efficient and comfortable homes, that promote health improving indoor air quality becomes all the more a concern.
Time for an update on our Net Zero Ready, Devon Road project another Oakville luxury home in progress. and an opportunity to talk about Net Zero building. As we have commented before Net Zero not only provides a responsible approach to saving energy and being environmentally conscious it’s simply a great way to build. It really breaks down to 1) insulate well 2) Efficient windows 3) Seal up the shell 4) super efficient HVAC 5) Solar panels ( to remove the “ready” label)
Our Ennisclare project has passed framing inspection and is now at the insulation / drywall stage. As the exposure is South west facing on lake Ontario that means the home will be subject to prevailing winds and is more exposed to the elements. Although not NET ZERO this home will certify as Energy Star level 2. So what does that mean? Each component of the home’s energy efficiency is scrutinized to levels much higher than current code requirements. The end result is less drafts and cold spots and a healthy indoor environment! So lets look at some key points in a good spray foam job….
I’m old enough to recall, as an engineering student, being critiqued on line quality of drafting. Should you use an HB pencil or 2H or 2B? Did you keep your instruments clean to prevent smudges and a”dirty” drawing?
Rough ins are all complete and its time to do the finishing details at our Ennisclare project. Among the many items on the list is (((NOISE)))) and making sure it’s not going to be a bother. Plumbing piping is one big culprit and ensuring its done right takes care and attention….
The holidays have a way of bringing a home to life. Soft lights, fresh greenery, and thoughtful touc
Warm light spills from the kitchen into the living room as candles flicker on the table and music pl
Finding a contractor you can put your complete trust in can be a tricky thing. How do you know they
The impact of climate change is redefining how we think about our homes’ energy consumption and en
Of all the rooms in your house, the kitchen is one of the most important. It is a nucleus for food p
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While for many “the cottage” conjures up visions of long drives to lazy summer fun, where lastin
In custom home building, the term “Net Zero Ready” often gets tossed around with more style than
Buying real estate in Burlington, Ontario offers residents the best of the Greater Toronto Area (GTA