What Do I Need to Know About Hard Water?

November 18, 2019
Does Edmonton have hard water? Yes. Edmonton's water is moderately hard, averaging about 165 mg/L as calcium carbonate according to EPCOR. Hard water is not considered a health concern, but its dissolved minerals can leave scale on fixtures and appliances and may affect water-heating and plumbing equipment over time. How Do I Keep My Appliances and Pipes Clear of Limescale? Hard water. We know the Edmonton area has it, but what is it and do we need to be concerned? In short, hard water is water that has a higher than average amount of dissolved minerals. In our area, that’s mostly calcium and magnesium. The calcium and magnesium are not harmful to people or pets, but hard water can have annoying side effects and require some action on your part. Read More

What Is a Tankless Water Heater?

November 6, 2019
What is a tankless water heater? A tankless water heater heats water only when you turn on a hot-water fixture instead of storing a large supply of heated water in a tank. Also called an on-demand water heater, it can reduce standby energy losses and provide a continuous supply of hot water when the unit is properly sized for the home's demand. Tankless water heaters provide instant hot water, and so are known as demand, on-demand, or instantaneous water heaters. They’ve become a popular alternative to traditional hot water heaters that both heat and store water for later use. Tankless heaters don’t store any water--the water flows through as you need it. Read More

How to Humidify Your Home in Winter

November 4, 2019
How can I humidify my home in winter? You can increase winter humidity with a portable humidifier or a whole-home humidifier connected to the HVAC system. Aim for a comfortable indoor humidity level while watching for condensation on windows or other signs of excess moisture, since too much humidity can encourage mould and moisture damage. How Can You Humidify Your Home in Winter? If your home is warmed by a forced-air furnace, you will want to invest in a humidifier (or two). Why? Dry winter air is hard on homes, hard on pets and plants, and most importantly, hard on people. Add a little humidity and you’ll bring added comfort to your home this winter. Many notice their skin, hands and scalp get drier in winter. Along with that can come sore throats, aggravated asthma symptoms, dust allergies, and even nosebleeds for some. Homeowners have many humidification options available to them, so let’s discuss the common ones to see what scenario might be right for your home and lifestyle. Read More

How to Change a Furnace Filter

October 28, 2019
How do I change a furnace filter? To change a furnace filter, turn the HVAC system off, locate the filter slot near the return-air duct or blower compartment, remove the old filter and note the airflow arrow. Insert a new filter of the correct size with the arrow pointing toward the furnace or air handler, then restore power to the system. One of the chores that sits atop every homeowner’s To-Do List is “Change Furnace Filter.” If you’re a new homeowner or new to a home with a forced-air furnace, you might not know how to change the filter, and most likely, you don’t see why you have to do it so often. Without a doubt, furnace filters need to be replaced regularly--monthly to every couple months--depending on the furnace you have and the type of filter you prefer. Changing your filter will keep your furnace running at peak efficiency and will help keep excess dust and pollutants from entering your home. Follow these steps, and you’ll keep your furnace happy all season long. Not sure you’re comfy going under the hood of your furnace? Learn more about furnaces here. Read More

Fireplace and Space Heater How-to

October 23, 2019
Are space heaters safe to use? Space heaters can be used safely when they are placed on a stable surface, kept well away from combustible materials and plugged directly into an appropriate wall outlet. Never leave one unattended, keep it away from children and pets, and follow the manufacturer's clearance and operating instructions. How Can You Heat Your Space Safely in Winter? In Alberta, we have many spaces that we heat—from our homes to our cabins to our garages and fishing shacks. We’re pretty clever about finding sources of heat in -30 Celsius. So, here’s a quick guide to popular direct heat sources, how to use them safely, and how to determine what’s cost-effective and what’s just plain costly. Read More
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