Like most Canadians, you probably recycle your paper waste and compost your kitchen scraps. But when it comes to disposing of your thermostat, whether mercury-containing or electronic, chances are you’re tempted to throw it out with the rest of your garbage. In fact, you may not even realize that the thermostat hanging on your wall could contain toxic mercury (Hg). If so, there are a few things you should know, like the potential hazards of having a mercury thermostat in your home and in the landfill, and how to safely and responsibly recycle your thermostat when the time comes to replace it. Does my thermostat contain mercury? To check if your thermostat contains mercury, remove the front plate and look inside (often toward the base of the unit). If you see a small glass vial or ampoule (switch) with a silvery liquid inside, it contains mercury. Mercury thermostats were the…
As the cold Canadian climate sneaks up and furnaces are ready to be turned on, what should homeowners be thinking about? Check out the below 3 common signs…
The City of Toronto’s award-winning Home Energy Loan Program (HELP) offers low-interest loans to homeowners to improve energy efficiency and save money! Are you planning an energy efficient…
An air conditioner transfers heat and humidity from the home outside, while cooling and circulating the inside air to provide a comfortable environment. Now, let’s discuss the types…
Canada may be known as the Great White North, but that certainly doesn’t stop Mother Nature from delivering hot, muggy weather every summer. When you’re in the middle…
The purchase or repair of a heating, cooling or ventilation system is a major investment. Additionally, this type of home upgrade or maintenance has a direct impact on…
Air-to-air heat pumps are energy efficient and economical to operate. Traditionally, they’ve been used in areas with warmer climates. This is because their heating capacity drops off substantially when outside…
When it comes to heating homes in Canada, the use of a heat pump is probably one of the best kept secrets. They’re widely used in Europe and…
We all know how dangerous a fireplace can be to young children. Especially since shiny things are very attractive to toddlers. Luckily, there are preventative measures you can…