High-Efficiency Furnace Installation Guide for Existing Houses
Important Considerations for Contractors and Homeowners
This Guide was developed to provide contractors and homeowners with general information on best practice approaches to installing high efficiency (replacement) furnaces in existing residential and small
commercial buildings.
furnace_installation_guide.pdf
Important Considerations for Contractors and Homeowners
This Guide was developed to provide contractors and homeowners with general information on best practice approaches to installing high efficiency (replacement) furnaces in existing residential and small
commercial buildings.
furnace_installation_guide.pdf
What Consumers Need to Know About Door-to-Door Scammers
Think it’s safe to buy furnace and air conditioning equipment from a door-to-door salesperson? Think again.
Thousands of Canadians get deceived each year by untrustworthy salespeople coming to their door selling everything from air conditioning units to hot water tanks to new furnaces. They say they’re from a legitimate business or utility company and seem to have compelling proof – a name tag or an official-looking clipboard. But in fact they are attempting to persuade unsuspecting homeowners to purchase products they don’t need, and at an inflated price.
At this time of year they might tell you your air conditioning unit is outdated, against code, even contains dangerous refrigerants. They aim to frighten, and in some cases convince people to sign into multi-year rental or payment schemes that are impossible to get out of.
You can protect yourself by checking to see if the seller has a well-marked vehicle and asking for proper identification. Ask them to leave their business card, and advise them you will contact them at a later date once you’ve done your research. If they insist the offer is limited to that moment, this should set off warning bells. And never let them into your home unless it was arranged in advance, once their credentials have been assessed.
Utility companies and respected heating and AC suppliers rarely sell door-to-door. Similarly, if a utility is servicing an area, it will inform residents in advance, and never ask to see a bill as it already has that information on file.
When buying or renting a water heater, furnace or air conditioner, do it from a trusted store or through a licensed contractor. Make sure you have plenty of time – days even – to review the product information, the options and, most importantly, the fine print.
News Media Releases
Global TV
CBC
CTV W5 Investigative Team
Know Your Rights as the Consumer
Government of Manitoba
Now What?
Consumers can learn more and locate a qualified contractor to service their furnace and air conditioning systems by going to the HRAI Contractor Locator, HRAI You Tube channel or calling 1-877-467-HRAI (4724). All HRAI Member Contractors have been pre-screened and have the required trade licenses, technical certifications and insurance coverage.
Think it’s safe to buy furnace and air conditioning equipment from a door-to-door salesperson? Think again.
Thousands of Canadians get deceived each year by untrustworthy salespeople coming to their door selling everything from air conditioning units to hot water tanks to new furnaces. They say they’re from a legitimate business or utility company and seem to have compelling proof – a name tag or an official-looking clipboard. But in fact they are attempting to persuade unsuspecting homeowners to purchase products they don’t need, and at an inflated price.
At this time of year they might tell you your air conditioning unit is outdated, against code, even contains dangerous refrigerants. They aim to frighten, and in some cases convince people to sign into multi-year rental or payment schemes that are impossible to get out of.
You can protect yourself by checking to see if the seller has a well-marked vehicle and asking for proper identification. Ask them to leave their business card, and advise them you will contact them at a later date once you’ve done your research. If they insist the offer is limited to that moment, this should set off warning bells. And never let them into your home unless it was arranged in advance, once their credentials have been assessed.
Utility companies and respected heating and AC suppliers rarely sell door-to-door. Similarly, if a utility is servicing an area, it will inform residents in advance, and never ask to see a bill as it already has that information on file.
When buying or renting a water heater, furnace or air conditioner, do it from a trusted store or through a licensed contractor. Make sure you have plenty of time – days even – to review the product information, the options and, most importantly, the fine print.
News Media Releases
Global TV
CBC
CTV W5 Investigative Team
Know Your Rights as the Consumer
Government of Manitoba
Now What?
Consumers can learn more and locate a qualified contractor to service their furnace and air conditioning systems by going to the HRAI Contractor Locator, HRAI You Tube channel or calling 1-877-467-HRAI (4724). All HRAI Member Contractors have been pre-screened and have the required trade licenses, technical certifications and insurance coverage.
Think the air in your home is fresh? Think again, and think HRV
Love your new triple-glazed energy efficient windows that keep out the chill? What about that expensive new foam insulation you had piped into the walls?
If you, like many homeowners, pride yourself on your well sealed home and low energy bills, beware. There’s another side to this coin, and it’s stale air.
While homes today do an optimum job of shielding us from the elements, they also block the fresh air we need. Cracking open a window is an obvious solution, but one few Canadians consider in the dead of winter.
A better solution is a heat recovery ventilator (HRV) – or “fresh air machine.” An HRV is a mechanical ventilation unit that keeps heat in while moving stale air out. It attaches to your home’s duct system and is tied to exterior vents to take out the stale household air and bring in fresh air from the outdoors.
Thanks to its heat-exchange core, which transfers heat from the outgoing air stream to the incoming air stream, HRVs can also save you money. According to the Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada (HRAI), they recover as much as 85 per cent of the heat in the outgoing airstream. What this means is that less energy is used to heat fresh air, a home’s furnace runs less and, best of all, energy costs drop.
HRVs were developed in response to increasingly tight, energy efficient homes. The reality is that exchange of air in homes today is a fraction of what it used to be – sometimes only one exchange of air per hour. A few years back, seven to nine exchanges were the norm.
This can increase moisture, leading to mold and the release of toxins. Appliances and systems that utilize air for combustion – gas ranges, fireplaces and water heaters – further deplete a home of air and can produce other pollutants, while oven hoods and central vacuum systems also do their bit sucking air out. Then there are harmful chemicals released from synthetic fabrics, furnishings and household products, which add to the problem.
The result is a ‘perfect storm’ of stale, moist, chemical or even toxin laden air. To combat this, a balanced ventilation system is critical, and an HRV is an option worth considering.
Download "Tips on How to Operate an HRV or ERV System" Informational Pamphlet
More Consumer Tips and Information dealing on the following can be found here.
Have a question or concern that is not addressed here? Contact HRAI directly.
Make your House a Power Smart Home
Manitoba Hydro's Power Smart Programs can help you enjoy improved home comfort and energy bill savings. Find the residential Power Smart programs, savings, rebates and loans that are right for you.
Click here for more details.
Love your new triple-glazed energy efficient windows that keep out the chill? What about that expensive new foam insulation you had piped into the walls?
If you, like many homeowners, pride yourself on your well sealed home and low energy bills, beware. There’s another side to this coin, and it’s stale air.
While homes today do an optimum job of shielding us from the elements, they also block the fresh air we need. Cracking open a window is an obvious solution, but one few Canadians consider in the dead of winter.
A better solution is a heat recovery ventilator (HRV) – or “fresh air machine.” An HRV is a mechanical ventilation unit that keeps heat in while moving stale air out. It attaches to your home’s duct system and is tied to exterior vents to take out the stale household air and bring in fresh air from the outdoors.
Thanks to its heat-exchange core, which transfers heat from the outgoing air stream to the incoming air stream, HRVs can also save you money. According to the Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada (HRAI), they recover as much as 85 per cent of the heat in the outgoing airstream. What this means is that less energy is used to heat fresh air, a home’s furnace runs less and, best of all, energy costs drop.
HRVs were developed in response to increasingly tight, energy efficient homes. The reality is that exchange of air in homes today is a fraction of what it used to be – sometimes only one exchange of air per hour. A few years back, seven to nine exchanges were the norm.
This can increase moisture, leading to mold and the release of toxins. Appliances and systems that utilize air for combustion – gas ranges, fireplaces and water heaters – further deplete a home of air and can produce other pollutants, while oven hoods and central vacuum systems also do their bit sucking air out. Then there are harmful chemicals released from synthetic fabrics, furnishings and household products, which add to the problem.
The result is a ‘perfect storm’ of stale, moist, chemical or even toxin laden air. To combat this, a balanced ventilation system is critical, and an HRV is an option worth considering.
Download "Tips on How to Operate an HRV or ERV System" Informational Pamphlet
More Consumer Tips and Information dealing on the following can be found here.
- Consumer Awareness
- Energy Efficiency and Indoor Air Quality
- Heating Season Tips
- Air Conditioning Season Tips
- Finding Reputable Contractors
Have a question or concern that is not addressed here? Contact HRAI directly.
Make your House a Power Smart Home
Manitoba Hydro's Power Smart Programs can help you enjoy improved home comfort and energy bill savings. Find the residential Power Smart programs, savings, rebates and loans that are right for you.
Click here for more details.