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Heat pumps are becoming popular replacements for traditional gas furnaces because they are more energy efficient, environmentally friendly, and can provide both heating and cooling capabilities. By using electricity to transfer heat from one place to another instead of burning fossil fuels, heat pumps offer lower operating costs, reduced carbon emissions, and greater flexibility in regulating indoor temperatures. Additionally, advancements in technology have made heat pumps a viable alternative for most climates, providing reliable and consistent heating and cooling year-round. In the United States, heat pump usage has been steadily increasing in recent years as more homeowners and businesses look for energy-efficient heating and cooling solutions. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, as of 2019, heat pumps accounted for approximately 17% of residential heating energy consumption, while gas-fired furnaces accounted for about 45%. While gas-fired furnaces still dominate the market, the growing interest in heat pumps and the push towards sustainability and energy efficiency suggest that the percentage of heat pump use is likely to continue to rise in the coming years. Modern heat pump technology has advanced to the point where they can effectively operate in cold climates. While older models may have struggled in extreme cold conditions, newer heat pumps are equipped with features such as variable-speed compressors, defrost cycles, and improved insulation that allow them to continue providing efficient heating even when temperatures drop below freezing. Some models are specifically designed for cold climates, making heat pumps a viable option for areas with harsh winter weather. Safety measures to protect heat pumps in cold climates include installing a protective cover or shelter to shield the unit from extreme weather conditions, regularly cleaning and clearing snow or ice accumulation around the unit, ensuring proper insulation, and sealing around the unit to prevent heat loss, and scheduling regular maintenance to check for any potential issues or malfunctions. It is also important to follow manufacturer's guidelines and recommendations for cold weather operation and to contact a professional HVAC technician if any problems arise. Wind baffles and a snow stand can be beneficial additions to protect heat pumps in cold climates. Wind baffles can help redirect strong winds away from the unit, preventing excessive heat loss and maintaining efficiency. A snow stand can elevate the unit to prevent snow accumulation and potential damage from melting snow dripping onto the unit. While not always necessary, these accessories can provide added protection and help ensure optimal performance of the heat pump in harsh winter conditions. The cost savings of using a heat pump compared to conventional gas heating can vary depending on factors such as energy prices, climate, and the efficiency of the heating systems. Generally, heat pumps are known to be more energy-efficient than gas heating systems, which can result in lower energy bills over time. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, households that use air-source heat pumps instead of conventional gas heating systems can potentially save hundreds of dollars in annual heating costs. It is recommended to conduct a cost analysis based on specific circumstances to determine the exact savings that can be achieved by switching to a heat pump. In conclusion, there is an increase in popularity of heat pumps as a viable alternative to gas-fired furnaces for heating and cooling purposes. With their energy-efficient and environmentally friendly attributes, heat pumps offer a smart choice for homeowners and businesses looking to reduce energy consumption, lower costs, and contribute to sustainable practices. While gas-fired furnaces still dominate the market, the growing interest in heat pumps suggests a shift towards more efficient and eco-friendly heating systems in the future.

Fossil fuels have been instrumental in shaping North America as we know it today. The discovery of coal, oil, and natural gas allowed for unprecedented industrial development and economic growth across the continent. However, the widespread use of fossil fuels has also had significant environmental consequences, including air and water pollution, climate change, and ecological degradation. Understanding the history of fossil fuel use in North America is essential for developing solutions to address these complex challenges. The use of fossil fuels in North America began in the 18th century with the extraction and utilization of coal for energy purposes. However, the widespread use of fossil fuels, including coal, oil, and natural gas, began in the 19th and 20th centuries with the industrial revolution and the rapid growth of the transportation and manufacturing sectors. The dependency and use of fossil fuels in North America is still relatively high compared to other regions, despite efforts to transition to cleaner energy sources. This is due to factors such as a dependence on fossil fuel-intensive industries, a large and energy-intensive transportation sector, and limited progress in implementing widespread renewable energy infrastructure. However, there is an increasing focus on reducing reliance on fossil fuels and accelerating the adoption of renewable energy alternatives. If fossil fuels were to run out, it would have significant consequences for our energy-dependent society. There would be a need for alternative sources of energy, such as renewables like solar, wind, hydroelectric, or nuclear power, to meet the global energy demands. It would also have significant natural implications on the Earth. Without the use of fossil fuels, there would be a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, leading to a decrease in global warming and climate change. Additionally, the overall air and water quality would improve, reducing pollution-related health issues. The transition to these alternatives would likely lead to significant changes in the way we live, produce, and consume energy, as well as potential geopolitical impacts as countries compete for limited energy resources. There are several reasons why it is crucial to eliminate the use of fossil fuels: Environmental impact - Fossil fuels contribute to air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, leading to climate change and global warming. Finite resources - Fossil fuels are non-renewable and will eventually run out, causing energy scarcity and economic challenges. Health concerns - Burning fossil fuels releases harmful pollutants that have adverse effects on human health, causing respiratory problems and diseases. Economic opportunities - Shifting towards renewable energy sources can create new industries, generate employment, and foster economic growth. Energy independence - Moving away from fossil fuels reduces dependence on foreign oil and increases energy security. Sustainable future - Embracing clean energy alternatives ensures a more sustainable and livable planet for future generations.  Overall, transitioning away from fossil fuels is essential for mitigating climate change, protecting human health, and fostering sustainable development. There are several alternative energy sources to fossil fuels, including solar power, wind power, hydropower, geothermal energy, bioenergy, and atomic energy. Solar power involves capturing sunlight through photovoltaic cells to generate electricity. Wind power utilizes wind turbines to convert wind energy into electricity. Hydropower harnesses the energy of flowing water by using dams or other mechanisms to generate electricity. Geothermal energy involves utilizing heat from the Earth's core to generate power or heat buildings. Bioenergy utilizes organic matter like crops, agricultural waste, or wood to produce heat, electricity, or fuels. Lastly, atomic energy is typically generated through a process called nuclear fission,  in which the nucleus of a heavy atom, such as uranium or plutonium, is split into two smaller  nuclei. This process releases a significant amount of energy in the form of heat, which is then used to produce steam and drive turbines that generate electricity. In conclusion, transitioning to renewable energy sources and eliminating the dependency on fossil fuels is crucial for both environmental and economic reasons. By harnessing sustainable energy, we can significantly reduce carbon emissions, mitigate climate change, and preserve the planet for future generations. Additionally, investing in renewable energy promotes job growth, technological innovation, and energy independence. It is a win-win situation that not only enhances global sustainability but also brings numerous benefits to society, making it a critical step towards a brighter and greener future.

One of the leading innovations in North American sustainable construction methods is the use of green building materials such as bamboo, recycled plastic lumber, and aerogel insulation. These materials are durable, environmentally friendly, and can significantly reduce carbon emissions during the construction process. Additionally, the integration of renewable energy systems such as solar panels and geothermal heating and cooling systems can further improve the sustainability of buildings. Adopting these practices can help reduce the impact of construction on the environment while also providing healthy and energy-efficient spaces for occupants. This article will highlight the benefits of using Bamboo as the primary framing material in home construction. Bamboo has a higher R-value, which means it provides better insulation than traditional lumber. The R-value of bamboo varies depending on the species, density, and thickness, but it usually ranges from 1.05 to 1.31 per inch of thickness. In comparison, softwood has an R-value of around 0.71 per inch, and hardwood has an R-value of about 0.94 per inch. Additionally, bamboo is renewable, sustainable, and grows quickly, making it an environmentally-friendly insulation option, as well as a very cost friendly one. The cost of building with bamboo can vary depending on the geographic location and availability of the material. In general, bamboo can be more cost-effective than traditional lumber due to its rapid growth and renewable nature. Additionally, bamboo's strength and durability can lead to lower maintenance and replacement costs over time. However, factors such as transportation and manufacturing processes can impact the price. Despite this, many builders and architects view bamboo as a sustainable, eco-friendly alternative to traditional lumber with a promising future in home construction. Bamboo has higher tensile strength than most types of wood, making it stronger in tension and more resistant to bending and breaking. Its compressive strength is also high, making it an ideal material for construction projects. Additionally, bamboo is lightweight and flexible, which allows it to withstand high winds and seismic activity. However, bamboo is not as hard as traditional lumber, which makes it more susceptible to denting and scratching. Overall, the strength of bamboo is comparable to traditional lumber. Bamboo is a sustainable material, and its use in construction allows for eco-friendliness without sacrificing style. Bamboo has several aesthetic benefits when used in construction. It provides a natural and organic texture to the building, creating a calming and relaxing ambiance. Its unique coloration and grain pattern add depth and character to the interior and exterior design of the structure. Its versatility also allows for various design possibilities, from flooring to wall cladding and even roofing. Overall, using bamboo in construction enhances not only the aesthetic appeal but also the sustainability of the building. In conclusion, the use of Bamboo and other sustainable building materials in construction offers several benefits, including reducing carbon footprint, conserving natural resources, promoting a healthier indoor environment, and ensuring long-lasting buildings that require less maintenance. Furthermore, it helps to promote a greener way of life, setting an example for future generations, and preserves a tradition of Bamboo use throughout the globe. By choosing to incorporate sustainable materials into our life, we can make significant progress towards a more sustainable, resilient, and prosperous future. The benefits are plenty, and it is evident that using sustainable building materials is a crucial step towards achieving a more sustainable and enlightened future.

In Ontario, we need to apply for a building permit for any installation, alteration or repair of a heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system if it involves the addition, removal, or replacement of any part of the system. It also requires a building permit if it affects the structure or size of the building, involves ductwork or changes to the building envelope, such as the addition of vents or exhaust hoods. Building permits are issued by the local municipality and are necessary to ensure that HVAC systems meet safety and building standards. Here's a brief summary of common HVAC permit applications: New construction; new house, new commercial establishment. Installation or modification of an existing HVAC system for both residential and commercial applications. Population density solutions such as laneway suites / garden suites, secondary suite / basement apartments, duplex, triplex, quadplex. Building an addition to an existing structure. New commercial range hood / make up air unit. A change of use permit for a commercial establishment (i.e. turning a nail salon to a restaurant). The municipality will require the building permit applicant to provide a certified HVAC document set, containing ventilation calculations, heat loss/gain calculations, and a set of mechanical schematic drawings, that will portray the requirements and solutions for heating and ventilating the property for which the application is made. Important information to have in your HVAC permit documents' set: Application form “Permit to Construct or Demolish” Schedule 1: Designer Information Ventilation Design Summary Heat Loss and Gain Calculations Duct design calculation sheets Floor Plans and Drawings containing: Label and use of all rooms on all floors Illustrated heating equipment location and the size and location of all duct work and registers (supply and return) Illustrated ventilation equipment location Check your municipality's requirements for HVAC building permits, for their specific requirements. Choose a professional for your Ontario HVAC building permit. Choose Aeris. Call us today 647-328-4212

There are several types of residential heating methods including central heating systems, heat pumps, electric heating, gas heating, radiant floor heating, and wood or pellet stoves. Central heating systems distribute heat throughout the house through ducts or pipes. Heat pumps use outdoor air or geothermal energy to heat the home. Electric heating involves heating a room using electric heaters. Gas heating uses natural gas or propane to heat the house. Radiant floor heating heats the house from the floor up, while wood or pellet stoves provide localized heat using wood or compressed wood pellets. Central heating systems provide several benefits such as consistent warmth throughout the house, improved indoor air quality, and increased energy efficiency. Another advantage is the ability to control the temperature of each room individually. However, the disadvantages include the installation and maintenance costs, the need for regular servicing, and the possibility of breakdowns, or improper distribution of air. Additionally, the use of fossil fuels in central heating systems can contribute to environmental pollution and the generation of greenhouse gases. Furthermore, some people may find the dry air generated by central heating systems to be uncomfortable or irritating to the respiratory system. Heat pumps utilize renewable energy sources to provide efficient heating and cooling solutions, making them environmentally-friendly. They also have lower operating costs and can reduce the carbon footprint of a building significantly. However, they require proper installation, maintenance and insulation to ensure peak performance. The upfront costs of a heat pump can also be higher compared to traditional heating and cooling systems. In colder climates, heat pumps may need a backup heating source to operate effectively. Finally, the efficiency of heat pumps may decrease when outside temperatures are below freezing. Electric heating offers several benefits, including ease of installation, low maintenance requirements, and high efficiency. It also provides precise temperature control and can be easily integrated with renewable energy sources. However, electric heating can be expensive to operate, especially in areas with high electricity tariffs, and may not be effective in extremely cold temperatures. Additionally, it may not be suitable for heating large spaces, and its reliance on electricity can be a disadvantage during power outages. Radiant heating provides a comfortable and energy-efficient heating solution for homes and buildings. It offers even heat distribution through the whole space, avoiding the circulation of dust or allergens, and a quiet operation. Radiant systems can be installed under various floor types and even in walls or ceilings. On the other hand, they may require a more significant initial investment compared to standard HVAC systems, and retrofitting can be difficult. Moreover, the absence of air circulation may affect the indoor air quality, and radiators or underfloor pipes can limit the interior design options. Geothermal energy is a renewable source of energy that has several benefits. It is a clean and efficient source of energy that does not produce greenhouse gases, making it eco-friendly. Moreover, it is a cost-effective way of producing electricity as geothermal plants require low maintenance. Also, geothermal water can be used for heating and cooling purposes. However, geothermal energy has some drawbacks. It is location-specific, and it may not be feasible to extract energy from all areas. Moreover, the drilling process required for extracting energy can lead to seismic activity and cause damage to the environment. Furthermore, it is capital-intensive and may require a significant initial investment. The disadvantages of wood or pellet stoves include their reliance on a constant supply of fuel, which can be expensive and require storage space. They also require regular cleaning and maintenance to avoid the buildup of creosote, which can be a fire hazard. Pellet stoves require electricity to operate, making them useless during power outages. Wood stoves can also produce air pollutants, which can be harmful to health and the environment if not properly vented. Additionally, they may not heat large areas as effectively as other heating options. Overall, residential heating systems have both advantages and drawbacks. While they provide homeowners with warmth, comfort, and convenience, they also consume energy, emit pollutants, and can be costly to install and maintain. Nevertheless, there are ways to mitigate these disadvantages, such as choosing energy-efficient systems, using renewables, and properly maintaining and upgrading the equipment. Ultimately, the choice of a heating system should be based on individual needs, preferences, and budget, while taking into consideration the environmental and health impacts. By weighing the pros and cons, homeowners can make an informed decision that balances comfort and sustainability.

Did you replace your home furnace before, and weren’t too sure about what you were sold? Most HVAC/R contractors will sell you equipment that’s far off from what your house actually requires, in terms of heating and cooling. Often times, the contractor will try to get the best bargain for themselves and will not practice proper due-diligence when selling equipment to the client. What clients end up getting is an oversized fan motor and heating coil, that’s guzzling the home’s energy consumption, that’s usually overstocked in the supplier’s warehouse. Homeowners could benefit from this article, especially in times of heating system modifications or furnace replacement. By understanding the method of heat loss calculation, even this basic form of it, you will come to an answer that’s much more suited to your home’s needs, and avoid unnecessary installation of oversized equipment. The process of calculating heat loss in a house involves several steps: Step 1 Determining the surface area of the house that is exposed to the outside environment, including walls, windows, doors, and ceilings. Step 2 Identifying the types of materials used for the walls, windows, doors, and ceilings and their respective thermal conductivities. Step 3 Estimating the temperature difference between the inside and outside of the house, typically assuming indoor temperature of 68-72°F and outdoor temperature of 0-10°F. Step 4 Calculating the heat loss through each surface using the formula Q = U x A x (Ti - To), where Q is heat loss in BTUs per hour, U is the overall heat transfer coefficient, A is the surface area, Ti is the indoor temperature, and To is the outdoor temperature. Step 5 Summing up the heat loss values from each surface to get the total heat loss of the house. Step 6 Adjusting the heat loss calculation for factors such as ventilation, air infiltration, and other sources of heat gain or loss. Step 7 Using the heat loss calculation to size the heating system, determine insulation requirements, and identify areas for energy efficiency improvements. Next... A ventilation system is required in every home, mainly to substitute stale, old air, with fresh air. We must first identify our ACH (Air changes per hour). Older homes tend to have a looser building envelope, which makes them more susceptible to infiltration of air, in which case, balancing of the ventilation system will not occur, and your home will simply require appropriate exhaustion of stale air (through bathroom/laundry vents and hood exhausts in the kitchen). The ACH of older homes tend to be between 3-11 ACH, and newer homes are recommended to be constructed to a 0.5 ACH tightness level. This low ACH level requires the addition of a balanced ventilation system such as an HRV. To calculate the Air Changes per Hour (ACH) for a house, follow these steps: Step 1 Determine the volume of the house in cubic feet: Multiply the floor area by the ceiling height of each room. If you have different ceiling heights in the same room, calculate each volume separately and add them together. For example, a 1,200 square feet house with an 8-foot ceiling height would have a volume of 9,600 cubic feet. Step 2 Calculate the air flow rate required: You need to determine how much fresh air you need to bring into the house to achieve the desired level of ventilation. The recommended ACH rate for a residential property is between 0.5 and 1 ACH. Let's assume we want to achieve 0.7 ACH. The Canadian air tightness calculator assumes the following values (which you can use for the purpose of your independent calculation) for ACH depending on the construction time of the house: Loose (Pre-1945): ACH = 10.35 Average (1946 – 1960): ACH = 4.55 Present (1961 - ): ACH = 3.57 Energy Tight (New construction approved by an energy consultant): ACH = 1.5 *If your home is not energy tight, and is older, use a linear interpolation calculator using the values above, given by the Canadian air tightness calculator. Simply Google “interpolation calculator”* ACH = Volume of the house x desired ACH rate (based on year of construction or energy audit) ACH = 9,600 cubic feet x 0.7 = 6,720 cubic feet per hour Step 3 Convert the air flow rate into CFM (cubic feet per minute): Divide the air flow rate calculated in step 2 by 60. CFM = 6,720/60 = 112 cubic feet per minute Step 4 Determine the appropriate ventilation system for the house: Based on the CFM calculation, you can choose a suitable ventilation system to achieve the desired ventilation rate. There are various types of systems such as balanced ventilation, positive-pressure ventilation, and exhaust-only ventilation. Keep in mind the Ontario Building Code’s requirement for principal ventilation. Depending on the amount of people residing, your ventilation system may require a higher air flow rate than the ACH calculation would require. The Ontario Building Code prescribes the following ventilation rates for individual rooms: 21.2 CFM for the master bedroom 21.2 CFM for unfinished basement 10.6 CFM for other bedroom 10.6 CFM for habitable room (i.e. kitchen, living, family, mudroom, laundry room, bathroom) Principal ventilation example – A house has the following rooms: unfinished basement, living room, dining room, kitchen, mudroom, powder room, master bedroom, 2 other bedrooms, master ensuite bath, bathroom, laundry room. unfinished basement - 21.2 Master bedroom - 21.2 Other bedrooms - 10.6 x 2 Other habitable rooms - 10.6 x 8 Total ventilation must meet - 148.4 CFM Don’t fall for fraudsters who try to clear the warehouse on HVAC uneducated consumers. Take this information, and secure the right equipment for your home.

“Simply” connect an HRV/ERV (Heat recovery ventilator / Energy or Enthalpy recovery ventilator) to your ducted heating system. When professionally designed to meet your needs, this device will reliably bring the required amounts of fresh air into the home by exchanging the stale air that is circulating in the house, through the ducts. The HRV/ERV will retain the heat while exhausting the stale air, and introduce fresh air from the outside. Today, the Ontario building code requires all new mechanical construction applied for after January 1st, 2017, to incorporate an HRV for ventilation in the building envelope. With today's increased requirements on insulation levels and air tightness levels, It is important to maintain an even air exchange, meaning, the exhaustion of stale air should occur at the same rate as the intake of fresh air, since in air tight homes, expulsion of contaminants cannot be achieved naturally. For that reason, the government of Ontario mandated the ventilation using an HRV/ERV, as this type of equipment ventilates and exhausts at eve rates. The following information may be inconvenient to take in, but in fact, by introducing a well designed ventilation system that efficiently exhausts stale air and toxins out of your building envelope, most of these health risks can be mitigated. The following statistics are posted on the statistics Canada website for the time period of 2013-2015: - 5% of households surveyed reported a sick family member due to poor indoor air quality. - 7% of households surveyed reported having poor indoor air quality. - 12% of households surveyed reported noticing mold and mildew growth. The world health organization lists key facts on indoor air pollution and health: - Household air pollution was responsible for an estimated 3.2 million deaths per year in 2020. - Household air pollution exposure leads to noncommunicable diseases including stroke, ischaemic heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and lung cancer. - The combined effects of ambient air pollution and household air pollution are associated with 6.7 million premature deaths annually. You can find more inconvenient facts, not listed here, about indoor air pollution, on the world health organization's website. Other than the function of heat recovery, an HRV/ERV’s significant function is the removal of stale air and toxic fumes from the circulating indoor environment, and the introduction of fresh outdoor air into the heating system, to mitigate the associated health risks within the indoor environment. When “Simply” connected to the gas furnace or an air handler, the HRV/ERV’s exhaust pipe is attached to the return air side, about 3 feet away from the drop back to the blower and plenum; From there, the HRV/ERV exhaust pipe will draw the return air into the its heat exchanger, recycle the heat from the furnace air, remove the stale air and excess moisture, and introduce fresh outdoor air back into the system, allowing for the proper ventilation of the air that's circulating through your indoor environment. Other ways to have an HRV/ERV operating in your home is to fully duct it and have all the exhausts in the home (Washrooms, Laundry, Mud room etc.) directly connect to it's ductwork. This configuration is an optimal one for the proper ventilation of a home, however, in cold climates, this is not a sufficient heating solution. A fully ducted HRV/ERV is recommended to be simply connected to a furnace at the intake side, to allow fresh outdoor air. The differences between an HRV (Heat recovery ventilator) and an ERV (Energy or Enthalpy recovery ventilator) can cause significant consequences to the operation of the heating system and indoor air quality. In the heating months (late Fall, Winter, and early spring), we experience a drop in humidity, making the indoor environment drier, and while it is recommended to maintain humidity levels of 35-55% inside the home, the ERV could potentially draw excessive amounts of moisture from the indoor environment, making it drier, creating potential health risks, and exposing the equipment to freezing and jamming, due to moisture collecting in its pipes during the cold season. In cold climates, it is recommended to use HRV’s as the material of its cell is not permeable as it is in the ERV (for better moisture collection), and does not draw moisture.

A continuous vapour barrier is necessary to prevent moisture from passing through walls, floors, and roofs, which can cause damage and compromise the building envelope. Without a continuous vapour barrier, moisture can accumulate within the building envelope, leading to mold growth, rot, and structural damage. It also prevents warm, moist air from entering cool areas, which can cause condensation and damage to building materials over time. Therefore, a proper installation of a vapour barrier is crucial for maintaining the structural integrity of a building and ensuring a comfortable, healthy indoor environment. Vapour barriers can be categorized into three types: polyethylene sheeting, asphalt-coated paper and foil-faced paper. Polyethylene sheeting is a plastic material that is commonly used as a barrier in residential and commercial construction. Asphalt-coated paper is a more traditional material, often used in older buildings. Foil-faced paper includes a thin layer of aluminum that reflects radiant heat and can also act as an air barrier. The type of vapour barrier used depends on the construction and environmental conditions of the building. The commonly used polyethylene vapour barrier is a great moisture insulator, however, it is a common practice to make alteration to the exterior walls of a building envelope, such as window and door replacements or substitutions of building materials such as brick to siding etc. By making such alterations, some inexperienced contractors can potentially damage the seal your vapour barrier provides, by making cuts through the wall to place the new elements in. This type of damage could potentially lead to large repair costs due to water damage, mold, and even long term structural damage. The barrier is typically installed on the warm side of the wall or ceiling insulation and helps to prevent moisture from entering the building envelope. In addition to preventing moisture damage, the use of a vapor barrier can also improve the overall energy efficiency of the building by reducing heat loss due to air infiltration. It is important to consult with a building professional to determine the appropriate placement and type of vapor barrier for your specific building and climate conditions. Today’s construction methods demand the installation of a vapour barrier in a comprehensively continuous way, in order to maintain the air tightness of a new home, and new heating equipment is sized exactly with this consideration. The air-tight home requires a lesser sized duct work and even smaller sized heating equipment, since most of the home’s heat loss comes from a loose barrier system and construction methods. Also, an HRV/ERV is a required piece of equipment on every new construction in Canada. To sum up, check your vapour barrier. This is your home’s first line of defense against potential life threatening in-house air conditions, and structural damage that may lead to a homeowner’s bankruptcy.

If you are wondering why your house takes such a long time to warm up, and shortly thereafter, it gets really cold again, making your heating equipment run more frequently and longer than your friends’, it may be a sign that the insulation in your building envelope (the components that make up the sealed outer shell of your house construction) is not up to par with today’s material standards or building codes, and in need of an upgrade. The Ontario Building Code’s supplementary standard SB-12 had been implemented in 2010, prescribing specific levels of insulation within the different areas of the building envelope, as well as more stringent construction methods, in order to achieve a more balanced building air leakage rate, retain as much heat as possible, have the air handler operate less frequently, and save the homeowner some money at the same time. With the passing of the years since it's implementation, the supplementary standards’ acceptable values for the insulation levels of a home had increased. Currently, the minimum levels of insulation for the construction of a new house are as follows: (Note that the R value of a material represents it's level of resistance to conductive heat flow) Ceiling with attic space – R60 Ceiling without attic space (flat roofs) – R31 Exposed floors (Floors with exposed soil or no basement underneath) – R31 Walls above grade – R22 Basement walls – R20 ci (Continuous insulation – spray foam or rigid foam - about 4") Slab less than 2 feet below grade – R10 In large developed, metropolitan core areas, where houses are usually older and more outdated, the construction methods used were quite loose with regards to their building envelope. More specifically, their air and vapour barriers were not sealed properly, and their insulation levels were low and frequently installed inadequately. That is the main reason a lot of these homes get large amounts of condensation and heat loss, through faulty ceiling, wall, and floor construction. What commonly ends up happening is the oversizing of furnaces and heating appliances, to keep up with the increased demand of the “loose” house. This leads to unnecessarily high energy costs and a possibility of overtasking the heating equipment which could lead to untimely failure. With today’s inflated energy prices, it is a frequent recommendation to upgrade the insulation of a house when an HVAC upgrade takes place. Most home owners upgrade their heating equipment to high efficiency standards, however, in most cases, the walls, ceilings, and floors are kept poorly insulated, creating the abovementioned issues. It is well understood that the labour and material costs associated with such an extensive renovation can be overwhelming, however, there are a lot of incentive programs offered both provincially and federally (Click the button below the paragraph to see the rebates), and these could potentially reduce a significant portion of the construction costs, not to mention the long-term energy cost savings, and an elevated resale value. A strong final argument for upgrading the insulation in an older home is the costs associated with a ducted heating system. Even a slight upgrade to the insulation system can significantly reduce the heat loss throughout the home, allowing for the reduction in size of the heating equipment and associated ductwork. Less ductwork means less fabrication and installation costs.

Today, we see more and more home owners opt to enlist the services of building science experts, in order to ensure the homes’ maximum air tightness (The dwelling’s ability to retain its indoor air without it leaking through faulty breaks in the envelope) for their home. The hired professional will conduct specific tests inside the home to verify the levels of air leakage in the house (see article “Have a Blower Door Test and see how much you can save”), and determine the problematic areas in the construction of the building envelope. The benefits of an air tight home are significant in the following areas; They are noticeably warmer, without the use of heating appliances, for a longer period of time. The air tight home provides a superior level of comfort due to its ability to retain a desired temperature, avoid moisture condensation problems, and control the entry of outdoor contaminants, pests, and odors. The noise transmission is significantly lower in the air tight home, due to the layering of the envelope’s construction, and the denser materials within its construction. Older homes that require new ducting systems will tend to have larger ducts, unless an upgrade to the construction is made. The air tight home will have a much smaller heat loss throughout the walls, ceilings, and floors, allowing the heating equipment to be of a smaller size and capacity, and ducting system to be sized much smaller than if the construction was less air tight, reducing the energy consumption of appliances. With today’s minimum insulation levels, as outlined in the Ontario Building Code’s Supplementary standard SB-12 (click the button below this paragraph for more details), and up to date construction methods for air and vapour barrier systems, The air tightness of a home will reach a maximum of 3.5 ACH (Air changes per hour), and with home owners opting to use more air tight methods for their homes, we get increasingly lower air leakage rates of down to 0.5 ACH in the case of “Passive Homes” (See article “Help the environment – Live in The Passive Home”) Potential health risks involved with air tight homes arise due to the enclosed or sealed character of the dwelling, which includes off-gassing from certain appliances such as a gas stove, poor ventilation, and pollution due to a lack in monitoring devices and proper exchange of air. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC’s) can be found in many materials found throughout the home, like sprays (disinfectants, air purifiers, and bug sprays), Ethanol based detergents (dishwasher or laundry), or fuel and automotive products. Without the proper mechanical ventilation of an air-tight house, these VOCs could cause a number of health risks. Finally, it is a strong recommendation to connect an HRV/ERV (Heat recovery ventilator / Energy or Enthalpy recovery ventilator) to your ducted heating system (see article ”Why you need an HRV/ERV for your home and quality of air“), as this device will reliably bring the required amounts of fresh air into the home by exchanging the stale air that is circulating in the house through the ducts, retaining the heat from said air, and introducing fresh air from the outside, to mitigate the associated health risks of an air tight home.