Mechanical systems

Known for their distinctive roar and heated cob benches, Rocket Mass Heaters offer incredible fuel efficiency. Learn how these permaculture favorites work and how to safely adapt them for modern airtight homes. If a masonry heater is the refined, commercially installed option for thermal mass heating, the Rocket…

​​​​​​​Standard wood stoves can turn an energy-efficient home as hot a a sauna if you're not careful. Learn how masonry heaters solve this problem by acting as a thermal battery and radiating heat in airtight Passive House, LEED and Net Zero homes. There is a specific quality of warmth that comes from a masonry…

Winter can challenge all of us with lack of daylight, and the impact on emotional health is very real. An easy way to protect mental health is daylight balancing. Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and 'daylight balanced' home lighting: how do they affect us? As the days grow shorter in the fall and winter months…

Learn the critical requirements for installing a wood burning stove in an airtight house, including sealed combustion and correct low-output sizing for homeowners and builders. Can you put wood burning stoves in airtight homes? There is an inherent feeling of resiliency that comes with having a wood stove, in that…

If you live in Vancouver, new 2027 rules mean your next hot water tank replacement needs some thinking about. Discover which high-efficiency model of hot water heater offers the best rebates and long-term savings for Vancouver homeowners. Vancouver's New Water Heater Rules: A Homeowner's Guide to Upgrades & Rebates…

Choosing the right water softener for your well is critical. This guide breaks down the types of systems, explains the importance of water testing, and outlines installation and maintenance for homeowners and professionals. Those that live off of municipal water systems tend to be more aware of the journey their…

Hydro-Québec to launch major home solar grant program: could this be the moment solar power takes off in Quebec. Solar panels on homes in Quebec has never been worth it - until now! For years, installing solar panels in Quebec has felt more like a passion project than a smart investment. With some of the cheapest…

Radiant cooling in homes can be comfortable, quiet and efficient, but does it work? Find out the cost and disadvantages compared to forced air cooling. What is radiant cooling? Radiant cooling is an alternative to typical forced air home air conditioning systems. Radiant home air conditioning involves reducing the…

If your sink is still plugged after trying plungers and drain cleaners, a simple DIY plumbing repair could save you from calling a plumber, save money and bring a sense of strange satisfaction. How to repair a clogged sink drain Has your kitchen drain started to drain slowly, or gotten to the point where it won’t…

Can a fake flame ever replace the real thing? I’m not sure yet, but the case for ditching my wood stove is getting harder to ignore. As someone who heats his home partly with firewood, I am aware of the ecological impact, as well as the impact on air quality inside my home and for my downwind neighbours. I live in a…

Heat pumps are the most efficient way to heat a home no matter the climate, but some heat pumps perform better in low temperatures. Find out here what to look for when shopping for a heat pump. Which cold climate heat pumps are best? Heat pumps that work efficiently in very cold climate conditions are constantly…