Month: October 2022

Between floods, fires, and heat waves, BC residents are beginning to feel the effects of climate change. Perhaps you are wondering how you can lower your environmental impact. There are many ways to go greener at home, such as utilizing innovative home technology or investing in an electric vehicle.

Electrical Savvy Contracting Inc in Burnaby is a licensed residential electrical contractor. They offer a few ways to reduce your energy use through electrical upgrades.

Smart home: temperature control

Heating and cooling our homes requires a massive amount of energy. In fact, more than half of all residential energy in Canada is used to heat our spaces. Consequently, turning your attention to temperature control is one of the best ways to reduce energy use and environmental impact.

You’ve likely heard that lowering your thermostat by 2-3 degrees in the winter and raising it by 2-3 degrees in summer is optional for saving energy. However, that’s only the beginning! Installing a smart thermostat can significantly improve your home’s energy efficiency in temperature control.

Smart thermostats automatically control the temperature of your home. They can be programmed to your schedule so as to not waste valuable energy while you’re away. In addition, you can set your smart thermostat to automatically cool while you’re sleeping. You can also adjust your thermostat remotely if you forget to turn it off before leaving for vacation.

It’s easy to create an energy-saving schedule with a smart thermostat.

Smart home: lighting control

We also use a lot of energy to light our homes. However, you can use less energy by switching to LED bulbs and opting for smart lights.

Smart technology mitigates the element of human error. For example, we all know we should turn off the lights whenever we leave a room. But, this simple task is easy to forget.

Smart lighting can help. Some smart lighting setups use motion sensors, so the lights only turn on when someone’s in the room. You can also schedule your lights to turn on and off at certain times, i.e. your entryway lights after sunset. In addition, you can control your home’s lighting remotely. This means you can check to see if anyone forgot to turn off the lights- no matter where you are!

EV charger: go electric

More and more Canadians are choosing electric vehicles to lessen their environmental impact and escape skyrocketing gas prices. If you have just purchased an electric car or may in the future, it’s a good idea to have an electric vehicle charging station installed in your home. That way, you can charge your new vehicle easily and conveniently. All in all, installing an at-home EV charger will make your transition to an electric car a seamless process.

BC Hydro currently has a rebate program for homeowners who install an EV charger at home. Learn more about it here.

Electricians in Burnaby

Electrical Savvy Contracting offers a range of residential and commercial electrical services in Burnaby. These include smart home technology upgrades, EV charging installation, service panel maintenance, HVAC wiring, safety inspections, and more. Their electricians are highly trained and fully licensed.

Contact Electrical Savvy Contracting today!

This post first appeared on https://blog.renovationfind.com

HVAC companies in Kelowna specialize in heating, air conditioning, and ventilation. The ducts throughout your home are vital components of those systems. Like your furnace and AC, your ducts require regular professional maintenance. BlackJack HVAC offers HVAC installation, repair and duct cleaning services.

Here is why you should get your ducts cleaned this year:

1. Cleaner air

Dust, pet dander, pollen, mould, bacteria, and other airborne allergens accumulate in your home or building’s ducts. Over time, this contaminates the air you breathe., and it’s not good for your health. For example, the air from dirty ducts can irritate those with asthma or other respiratory problems. Furthermore, the build-up of mould or mildew is toxic to human health.

2. Prevent mould growth

Mould is a serious issue that needs immediate attention. Both mould and mildew thrive in humid and damp environments, which means they can build up in HVAC systems. Fortunately, you can prevent mould growth by having your home’s ducts professionally cleaned.

3. Less dust

Some dust is normal (although unwanted). However, dirty ducts blow excessive dust throughout your home, settling on every surface. If you’ve noticed you’re constantly dusting furniture and surfaces, dirty ducts could be the culprit! You’re likely overdue for a professional duct cleaning.

4. Eliminate unpleasant odours

Have you detected an unpleasant smell coming from your HVAC? This can indicate mould growth within the ducts. However, it could also be a build-up of unpleasant household odours from other sources. For example, strong smells get trapped in the ducts and circulate throughout your home. Kelowna duct cleaning removes these stubborn smells caused by paint fumes, tobacco, cleaning products, and fragrant cooking.

5. Energy efficiency

An energy-efficient home is better for the environment and for your wallet. When appliances and systems run at peak efficiency, they use less electricity. This results in fantastic energy savings. For your HVAC system to run efficiently, it needs strong, uninhibited airflow. If your ducts are dirty, airflow is limited, and your HVAC will have to work harder than it needs to. Professional duct cleaning allows for easy airflow and an efficient HVAC.

6. Fewer breakdowns

The build-up of dust and grime isn’t just bad for energy efficiency. It’s also bad for the lifespan of your HVAC! By neglecting duct maintenance, you’ll encounter more HVAC breakdowns. Duct cleaning is essential to HVAC maintenance and can help prevent expensive repairs.

Duct Cleaning in Kelowna

BlackJack HVAC offers professional duct cleaning in Kelowna. This service improves indoor air quality and energy efficiency by removing dust, dirt, and other particle build-ups from your building’s duct system. In addition, BlackJack HVAC provides various installation, maintenance, and repair services.

Contact BlackJack HVAC today!

This post first appeared on https://blog.renovationfind.com

Is there never enough hot water in your household? Or are your energy bills starting to get out of hand? Then, you should consider upgrading your traditional water heater for a more efficient system. For example, tankless water heaters in Kelowna never run out of hot water and are far cheaper to run.

BlackJack HVAC Ltd. in Kelowna shares the benefits of switching to a tankless hot water heater:

1. Unlimited hot water

No one likes running out of hot water mid-shower. With a tankless water heater, you will never experience this uncomfortable reality again. Traditional water heaters have a limited supply of stored hot water. Once this runs out, which can happen in busy households, you’re left standing in cold water. On the other hand, tankless water heaters heat water as needed and continually pump out hot water, heating it on demand. However, tankless systems can only produce so many litres per minute, so you need to purchase a model with sufficient flow capacity for your home.

2. Energy efficient

Traditional water heaters continually pull energy to maintain their tank temperature. It requires considerable energy to keep this large volume of water heated and heated constantly, even when no one is using the hot water. Tankless systems, however, do not waste energy in this way. Instead, they draw energy only when hot water is needed.

3. Lower utility bills

This heightened energy efficiency is better for the environment. However, it’s also a bonus for your wallet. Tankless water heaters use less energy, which lowers your utility bills. As a result, tankless systems are a fantastic long-term investment.

4. Longer lasting

Hot water heaters in Kelowna are investments – you want yours last as long as possible! Tankless water heaters have an expected lifespan of 15-20 years. On the other hand, traditional tank heaters only last for 10-15 years. 

5. Smaller

Tankless water heaters are considerably smaller than their tank counterparts. This frees up floor space in your home. Small tankless heaters can be mounted in cabinets or a wall.

6. Lower chance of water damage

A flood is among a homeowner’s worst nightmares, and water damage can be costly! You can also lose valuable possessions and furniture, and it’s a headache to repair. Unfortunately, traditional tank heaters are all at risk for a leak or burst, but tankless water heaters have no tank (hence the name). Therefore, there is no possibility of a leaking or bursting tank.

Tankless Water Heaters in Kelowna

BlackJack HVAC is one of the fantastic RenovationFind Certified HVAC companies in Kelowna. In addition to HVAC installation and maintenance services, they also carry tankless water heaters. So if you’re ready to upgrade your inefficient, traditional water heater to a tankless system, they can help you select the best model for your home.

Contact BlackJack HVAC today!

This post first appeared on https://blog.renovationfind.com

Furnaces require a substantial amount of energy. Consequently, switching to a high-efficiency model effectively lowers your utility bills and reduces your carbon footprint. Keep reading to discover more benefits of upgrading to a high-efficiency furnace from BlackJack HVAC Ltd. in Kelowna.

1. Save money

High-efficiency furnaces are a more cost-effective way to heat your home. After all, heating makes up the majority of your energy bills. Consequently, upgrading your furnace can make a massive impact and save a lot of money. High-efficient furnaces save 70% of their electrical usage and 30% of their natural gas usage compared to older and low-efficient models. All in all, high-efficiency furnaces are up to 98% efficient and will help reduce your monthly energy costs.

2. Rebates

Government incentives can help you replace your furnace with a modern, high-efficiency model. This furthers your savings and makes upgrading much more economical. For example, FortisBC offers rebates of up to $1000 for replacing your old natural gas furnace with an ENERGY STAR model. Visit FortisBC to see what rebates are available for new furnace installation in Kelowna.

3. Environmentally-friendly

The superior efficiency of these furnaces isn’t just good news for your wallet. It’s also great for the environment! High-efficiency furnaces use less energy and have lower emissions, which helps reduce your carbon footprint. 

4. Warranty

New furnaces come with new warranties. Chances are, your existing furnace is long past its warranty. Consequently, a furnace replacement in Kelowna allows you to take advantage of a new warranty. For example, BlackJack HVAC offers a 10-year parts warranty on all their furnaces. 

5. Better air quality

Your HVAC system is also responsible for the air quality and airflow throughout your home. Older, less-efficient furnaces often struggle with proper ventilation, leaving your home feeling stuffy. Furthermore, airborne contaminants build up within the system over time. This leads to poor air quality for you and your family.

6. Safer

Old furnaces can be a serious safety hazard. As furnaces wear down over time, carbon monoxide leaks can form. This is a deadly, odourless, and colourless gas that should not be taken lightly. Although regular inspections from your experienced HVAC companies in Kelowna will help prevent carbon monoxide leaks, you’ll want to replace an ageing furnace before it poses any risk. 

7. Improved comfort

High-efficiency furnaces maintain a comfortable and even temperature throughout your home more effectively. For example, you will no longer experience cold spots, and every room will be the same temperature. Furthermore, high-efficiency furnaces are less noisy. All in all, this equals greater comfort for you.

HVAC companies in Kelowna

BlackJack HVAC in Kelowna is your local furnace expert! They carry a wide range of HVAC products from reputable brands and can help you select the best high-efficiency furnace for your home. In addition, BlackJack HVAC provides HVAC maintenance and repair services.

Contact BlackJack HVAC today!

This post first appeared on https://blog.renovationfind.com

Basements can be large spaces with plenty of potentials. With the right renovations, you can turn your basement into a multi-use area that will benefit your home for years. Basements have plenty of possibilities, whether you need more space, extra rooms, or a place to play. 

Macam Living in Ottawa is a home renovation company. They share some renovation ideas to transform your basement. 

Add a bathroom 

The first thing to plan and add to your basement is a bathroom! No matter how you plan to use the space in every basement, a bathroom addition is a must. With bathrooms, they can also be designed in several different options. A full bathroom is ideal if there are bedrooms downstairs. Partial or powder bathrooms are a smaller option if you have a second living room or media space in the basement. It’s convenient for bathroom runs, but you don’t need a shower or tub.

Renovate the whole basement

When tackling a basement, it can feel daunting, given how many possibilities there are. Will you build a home gym? Design a home theatre or turn it into a basement suite? If you aren’t sure where to start, a general, whole basement renovation is a great start. Setting up the foundation for your basement will make it easier to specify the space later.

First, start with lighting; recessed lights are the best option for basements as they don’t take up visual space. Painting the walls a bright colour help brighten the room up and keep it from feeling dark and gloomy. Proper storage is another critical element to include and one that will benefit any future use. Finally, consider installing a fireplace or heated flooring to add ambience and comfort.

Build a deck and patio

If your basement has the option to become a walk-out, make the most of that chance and transform the space. A walk-out is a great way to connect the outdoors to the indoors and add a unique appeal. A walk-out basement is also the perfect home entertainment space where you can wow friends or family.

Consider adding a deck on the upper level. A second-story deck creates the perfect nook beneath it where it can connect to your basement. Then convert that lower level space into a patio space with seating or an outdoor BBQ. Between the deck, lower patio and walk-out, you get several new seating, entertaining, and functional outdoor living areas to enjoy.

Basement Renovations in Ottawa

Macam Living’s team works closely with clients from ideation to implementation to bring your vision to reality. With their expertise and attention to detail, your home will be transformed into a true dream space. You know who to trust for bathroom renovations, basement renovations, building decks, and more.

Contact Macam Living today!

Click To Find >>>>> Basement Renovations in Ottawa.

This post first appeared on https://blog.renovationfind.com

Home maintenance is important because it helps prevent damage from occurring over time. If you want to get started, here is a home maintenance checklist for this fall.

Checking Your Electrical System

Electrical systems play a crucial role in keeping your home safe. They power everything from lights to appliances to security cameras. So when you work on electrical systems, you want to make sure that they’re working correctly.

One way to test your system is by plugging in a lamp or appliance. If it doesn’t turn on, you’ll want to contact a professional right away.

Install Weatherstripping

Weatherstripping is designed to stop air from escaping through cracks and crevices. This prevents moisture buildup and condensation. It can be used for doors and windows.

Caulking 

Inspect and replace caulking around windows, doors, and entry points for electrical, cable, phone, and gas.

Cleaning Gutters

Gutters collect rainwater and debris on your roof. If they’re clogged, this can cause leaks and mold.

So, if gutters are dirty, you’ll want to clean them periodically. To do so, simply pour hot water down the gutter. Then, run a hose through it to rinse away the dirt.

Repainting Walls

Walls are often painted to change the color scheme of a room. But if they start peeling or fading, you may need a fresh coat of paint.

Contact Handyman Connection

Contact Handyman Connection to schedule a free home improvement estimate. Call or text your local office if you have any questions or would like to learn more about our services.

The post Home Maintenance Checklist for the Fall appeared first on Handyman Corporate.

The kitchen is the centre of the home. It’s where we cook, dine, mingle with friends, and prepare for the day. However, it’s not enough for a kitchen to be functional. It also has to look great, feel welcoming, and be comfortable. If your kitchen isn’t living up to these standards, then it’s time to renovate. A professional contractor can transform your drab kitchen into your new favourite room. They should be an expert renovator and offer other additional services.

Rouse Projects in Calgary provide high-quality kitchen renovations. They go above and beyond for the clients by offering the following services. Here’s how:

Complimentary consultation

The first step in a successful project is understanding what you need. That’s why Rouse Projects begins every kitchen renovation with a personal consultation.

During this consultation, a Rouse Projects team member performs a full assessment of your kitchen and answers any questions you may have. Meeting face-to-face also allows you to gauge if it’s a good fit. In addition, this is the perfect time to discuss your project’s scope, budget, and timeline. You can also express your goals and desires for your kitchen remodel.

Once your contractor has all the details, Rouse Projects tailors its services to fit your needs, wants, and budget. They then produce a design plan based on your specifications.

Financing

Kitchen renovations can be expensive. However, budget constraints shouldn’t keep you from having the kitchen of your dreams! Consequently, Rouse Projects offers financing options to help you with your kitchen remodel.

Rouse Projects is committed to working with your budget. They price competitively and have a fair pricing policy. Rouse Projects also drive down project bloat by operating on a lean business model. Furthermore, they work efficiently to minimize service times.

Personalized project log-in

Rouse Projects practices transparency through every phase of your kitchen renovation. So you will never be left in the dark! For example, you receive a personalized log-in to a project profile when you choose Rouse Projects for your renovation project. There, you can monitor the progress of your remodel. This includes updating budgets, schedules, site photos, and drawings.

Additionally, Rouse Projects sends weekly updates on your renovation, which can be viewed on your project profile. You can also meet over the phone or on-site.

Kitchen Renovations in Calgary

Rouse Projects is a full-service contracting firm offering design-to-build residential and commercial renovations. Their experienced team has the knowledge and skills to produce high-quality workmanship on every project. No job is too big or too small. In addition, they offer personalized consultations, budget-friendly construction, weekly updates, and financing to every client.

Contact Rouse Projects today for your complimentary consultation!

This post first appeared on https://blog.renovationfind.com

Professional electrical maintenance is always a non-negotiable for every homeowner or business. This includes proper care of your building’s electrical panel. Fortunately, your electrician has the proper training and knowledge to maintain your electrical panel. Furthermore, they can recommend when it’s time to upgrade your existing panel.

Nu-Phase Electric in Vancouver provides electrical maintenance and replacement services. Here they share important information about electrical panel maintenance and replacements.

The importance of professional preventive maintenance

Professional preventative maintenance of your electrical panel ensures that any minor issues are detected and addressed before they become severe problems. Additionally, regular electrical maintenance is the best way to avoid expensive repairs.

An electrical panel is responsible for distributing electricity throughout your home. Therefore, your panel must be in top working order. Otherwise, it can damage the other electrical appliances in your home, circuits can start breaking, and other issues may arise. In addition, a faulty electrical panel is a significant safety hazard. When you neglect proper panel maintenance, you risk an electrical fire.

Signs your electrical panel needs to be repaired or replaced

Your electrician can advise you on whether your electrical panel needs to be repaired or replaced. This is another reason why it’s so important to schedule regular electrical inspections! However, there are a few clear signs that you need to immediately repair or replace your electrical panel.

For example, age is a significant factor. Most electrical panels have a lifespan of 25-50 years. However, you might be able to add more years with professional maintenance. You may need to upgrade your panel earlier if your home now needs more electricity than your panel can handle. Learn about picking the right sized electrical panel for your home.

Flickering lights are another sign of a worn-down electrical panel. Another one is a strange buzzing sound coming from the panel, or circuits that constantly trip. Additionally, an unpleasant or burning smell drifting from your electrical panel is cause for concern.  You should also look out for signs of charring or rust.

When it’s time to upgrade

When it’s time to upgrade your electrical panel, you must contact your electrician. You should never attempt to do any electrical work yourself! It is very dangerous for untrained homeowners to DIY electrical panel maintenance or replacement. After all, you could be electrocuted or make a serious error that could lead to a home fire. A professional electrician completes all work safely. They also ensure that everything is done to code.

Electricians in Vancouver

Nu-Phase Electrical is a full-service electrical contracting company in Vancouver. They offer a wide range of electrical work, such as electrical panel maintenance and replacements, troubleshooting, renovations, and general electrical maintenance. They have extensive experience working on residential and commercial electrical projects.

Contact Nu-Phase Electric today!

This post first appeared on https://blog.renovationfind.com

If you’re embarking on a complete renovation or simply looking to update your existing rooms, don’t forget about the floors! Installing new flooring is a great way to add new life to your home. It establishes the aesthetic, feel, and comfort of every room. As you look for new flooring, you’ll encounter many companies offering various products. It’s in your best interest to choose a flooring company that is a part of a large cooperative, like Carpet One Floor & Home. After all, cooperative flooring companies offer wider selections at better prices.

Monarch (1953) Carpet One Floor & Home in Edmonton offers flooring solutions to homeowners and businesses. They are also a member of a cooperative.

Great selection at a great price

Monarch (1953) is a part of a 1000-store cooperative called Carpet One Floor & Home. As a result, they have enormous buying power. This enables Monarch (1953) to offer its customers an extensive selection of top-of-the-line carpets. In fact, they have one of the largest selections of carpet, hardwood, laminate, ceramic tile, vinyl, area rugs, and more.

Furthermore, Carpet One’s significant buying power allows Monarch (1953) to offer competitive prices. All 1000 stores negotiate as one to get great prices from manufacturers. Then, they pass these savings on to you! As a result, you get incredible quality at an excellent value. 

Exclusive brands

The Carpet One Floor & Home cooperative is the largest buyer of flooring coverings in North America. Consequently, they have established numerous partnerships with major carpet brands, mills, and manufacturers. As a result, Monarch (1953) carries a varied collection of exclusive brands. These companies produce unique, high-quality flooring products that will enhance any room in your home.

Better business practices

If two heads are better than one, imagine how much better 1000 heads are! That’s the benefit of a cooperative. All 1000 stores work together to be as successful as possible. They share best practices and business tools, which allows each business to run better. Monarch (1953) works more efficiently and effectively because of the Carpet One Floor & Home cooperative. The collaboration between cooperative members elevates the service you receive at Monarch (1953).

When you choose a cooperative, you receive better service, selection, and prices.

Carpet and Rug Dealers in Edmonton

Monarch (1953) is a proud member of the Carpet One Floor & Home cooperative. They offer one of the largest selections of high-quality products at competitive prices. Furthermore, they are a local, independent, family-owned company celebrating 70 years in business. They are dedicated to giving back to their community in Edmonton. Look no further than Monarch (1953) Carpet One Floor & Home for great products and savings on carpets and rugs, as well as laminate, hardwood, vinyl, and tile flooring.

Contact Monarch (1953) Carpet One Floor & Home today!

This post first appeared on https://blog.renovationfind.com