|
19/1/2026 0 Comments hydronic heating: what is it? Hydronic heating—using a boiler (or water heater) to heat water and distribute it throughout a home—remains one of the most efficient and comfortable methods for residential climate control in 2026.
0 Comments
As of 2026, Canada is in the midst of a historic shift in how it heats and cools its buildings. Historically a nation defined by its reliance on natural gas and heating oil, the Canadian landscape is rapidly transforming as high-efficiency heat pump technology becomes the standard for residential comfort. Driven by urgent climate targets, record-setting government incentives, and a new generation of cold-climate hardware, the "big switch" from fossil fuels to clean electricity is no longer a niche environmental goal but a mainstream economic reality.  A heat recovery ventilator (HRV) brings fresh air into your home without losing heat. Properly maintained, an HRV can reduce energy costs and improve your indoor air quality. 20/1/2023 0 Comments flue season is here!
Furnace and boiler flues, and chimneys are often neglected. Many homeowners presume that the utility company or their fuel supplier is monitoring them, and don't realize this isn't necessarily true until something goes wrong. As a result, bird's nests and other debris sometimes cause soot and gases to drift back into the house, causing a potentially dangerous situation.  While homeowners may require inspection of a woodburning stove, fireplace or furnace for personal safety and insurance purposes, increasing numbers of WETT Certified individuals are declining to provide this service for a variety of reasons.  (NC) There’s nothing like a warm fire on a cold day to nurture your soul. But despite its cozy scent, wood smoke contains pollutants that can be harmful, including chemicals and fine particles. Fine particles can penetrate deep into your lungs and bloodstream, sometimes leading to serious health effects or even death.  (NC) Why are more and more Ontarians with electric heating turning to heat pumps? Because they are one of the most economical ways to heat and cool a home. 10/1/2021 0 Comments snow job
The following newsletter, directed to WETT wood heating professionals, provides some very sound advice regarding snow loads and chimney bracing. 
(NC) While most people associate allergy season with the warmer months, many don’t realize that allergy symptoms and triggers can be even more prevalent as the weather cools. Colder weather means more time spent indoors, and therefore increased exposed to the number one cause of allergies in the home: household dust. 1/12/2020 9 Comments is it time for a new furnace? (NC) Sooner or later, every furnace dies. Ideally, you don't want to wait for the unfixable breakdown to happen in the dead of winter before shopping for a replacement. |
AuthorGil Strachan is a professional home inspector, representing Electrospec Home Inspection Services in east-central Ontario since 1994. 
CategoriesAll Appliances Buying And Selling Cooling Electrical Environmental Exterior Health And Safety Heating Home Improvement Home Inspection Insulation Insurance Interior Plumbing Roofing Special Structure Archives
April 2026
|