Do I have to upgrade my panel to add a hot tub or electric vehicle charger?
In most cases, residents of Ontario, Canada are able to ask their hydro provider for a consumption report that will detail an hourly kwh amount for the last 12 months. Although this is a lot of data to go through, a qualified electrician is able to calculate from this information if there is enough room to add the additional load.
Why is carbon monoxide dangerous?
Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odourless, tasteless, colourless gas that can be produced by any fuel burning appliance, if it’s faulty. It’s a killer, because it can render you unconscious in minutes! Regular inspection and maintenance will help keep your gas appliances working properly and reduce the risk. It’s also the law, as per the B149 gas code.
Also, the law in Ontario states that every dwelling place, with gas appliances, MUST have carbon monoxide detectors outside all sleeping areas. These detectors give an early warning to the occupants should CO levels rise above acceptable levels. Ensure your detectors are within the 10 year date code printed on the device. If you’re not sure about the age or operation of your CO detectors, call us today and allow us to help you stay safe.
How do I qualify for OPA replacement furnace rebates?
Rebates in Ontario are constantly changing. In most cases, in order to qualify for a rebate program you must be replacing a mid-efficiency appliance (82% AFUE) with a high efficiency model (95% AFUE or greater). These appliances work with electronically-commutated motors (or ECM), which help to reduce energy consumption.
Combining energy efficient furnaces, air conditioners and programmable thermostats, and many other energy-saving measures can help get you rebate dollars! Get in touch with My Better Home to learn more!
Why should I choose a tankless water heater?
If you have a large demand for hot water in your home, you may want to consider tankless technology. With up to a 98% efficiency rate, our tankless water heaters, boilers and combination units can offer an unlimited supply of hot water, while saving you space and energy. Although tankless may not be for every home, it may be for yours!
Call My Better Home today to discuss installing a tankless water heater in your home and start saving money on your energy bills!
Should I rent or buy a water heater?
When you’re looking for a new water heater, you might be tempted to rent one rather than buy it. Water heater rental companies will be keen to sell the benefits of renting, such as free repairs. However, it’s worth considering how these companies can afford to do free repairs – and why they need to do them!
The reality is a proportion of your rental charge will be to cover repairs and maintenance. So, if your water heater doesn’t break down (and with the new efficient models, this shouldn’t happen for years anyway), you are paying every month for a repair service you don’t use.
Our team will be happy to guide you through the options and costs for buying your own water heater, and do the math to show how you will save money buying over renting a water heater.
Why should I replace knob and tube wiring?
There are several reasons we believe you should replace your knob and tube wiring:
- No bonding to ground which presents a safety hazard
- Open joints and junctions buried behind walls, ceilings and floors
- Prone to overloading by improper wiring and circuit loading
- Danger of arcing/ sparking resulting fires in walls, ceilings and floors
- High risk of deterioration to the wire casings
- Insurance companies may not insure homes with K&T wiring
- Loan companies may not finance a home with K&T wiring
Call My Better Home today for a comprehensive wiring inspection and quote for upgrading your knob and tube wiring to safe, well insulated wiring.
I have aluminum wiring in my home. What are my options?
There are several ways to treat aluminum wiring. Some obviously more expensive than others. The most effective way to deal with aluminum wiring would be to rewire your home, but this comes with the greatest expense. Other ways of treating the existing aluminum wiring with insurance approval include:
- “Pig-tailing” copper wire splices to the aluminum and using anti-oxidant materials at the connection
- Copalum crimping, which requires specialty tools, crimps and licensing
- Co/alr device replacement, which replaces your existing receptacles and switches with devices approved for direct connection to aluminum wiring.
Call My Better Home today for our professional advice and free estimate on how to treat your aluminum wiring!
