Energy Efficiency Tips &amp; Home Upgrade Insights

50 Questions Homeowners Ask About Heating, Cooling, Insulation & Energy

50 Questions Homeowners Ask About Heating, Cooling, Insulation & Energy

A whole-home troubleshooting guide answering 50 common questions about heating, cooling, insulation, ventilation, water heating, solar, generators and comfort.

September 3, 2026

Upgrading My Home: Where Should I Start?

Upgrading My Home: Where Should I Start?

When every home upgrade sounds important, the order matters. Joe Godbout explains how Canadian homeowners can fix moisture and safety issues, get an energy assessment, air-seal, improve insulation, review ventilation, and then choose heating, cooling, windows, electrical, water-heating, and solar improvements.

September 2, 2026

12 min

Can You Stack Heat Pump and Insulation Rebates in Canada?

Can You Stack Heat Pump and Insulation Rebates in Canada?

Heat pump and insulation upgrades are usually separate measures, so they can often be funded together. The key is checking every program before work starts, keeping each measure documented, and avoiding two incentives for the same equipment.

August 18, 2026

Latest Energy Efficiency Blog Posts & Tips

Blog Categories: Heating, Cooling, Geothermal, Solar, and more

50 Questions Homeowners Ask About Heating, Cooling, Insulation & Energy

50 Questions Homeowners Ask About Heating, Cooling, Insulation & Energy

A whole-home troubleshooting guide answering 50 common questions about heating, cooling, insulation, ventilation, water heating, solar, generators and comfort.

joe-godbout28 read

Best Insulation for Older New Brunswick Homes in 2026

For older New Brunswick homes, the best insulation strategy starts with a full assessment, attic sealing and R-60 blown-in cellulose, and targeted closed-cell spray foam at rim joists and crawl spaces. Dense-pack cellulose works for accessible wall cavities; continuous exterior mineral wool is the better answer for thermal bridging during recladding. SaveEnergyNB's Total Home program covers attics to R-60, walls to R-30, basements to R-30, and headers to R-40. Households below $70,000 income can access no-cost upgrades through the Enhanced Energy Savings Program. The correct program must be registered before work begins.

Best Insulation for Older Newfoundland and Labrador Homes in 2026

Best Insulation for Older Newfoundland and Labrador Homes in 2026

For older Newfoundland and Labrador homes, the right insulation depends on coastal vs. inland conditions. Attic blown-in cellulose targets R-50 to R-55 on the island and R-60 in Labrador. TakeCharge rebates cover up to $3,000 for combined attic and basement work. The NLHC Home Energy Savings Program stopped new applications June 15, 2026 pending fall 2026 program changes that will raise forgivable-loan amounts to $10,000 (NL) and $13,000 (Labrador). Closed-cell spray foam is best at rim joists and difficult coastal details. Continuous exterior mineral wool is the best whole-wall upgrade during recladding.

Best Insulation for Older Prince Edward Island Homes in 2026

Best Insulation for Older Prince Edward Island Homes in 2026

For older PEI homes, the best insulation sequence is control bulk water first, then air seal, then bring a properly vented attic to R-50 to R-60 with blown-in cellulose. Rim joists and basement walls are next when dry. Dense-pack cellulose can improve empty wall cavities; continuous exterior mineral wool is the better answer during recladding. The 2026 efficiencyPEI programs include a Free Home Insulation Program for households below $55,000 income, formula-based standard rebates starting with a $99 audit, and the Energy Efficiency Loan Program providing up to $10,000 at 5% over 7 years. All programs require approval before work begins.

Best Insulation for Older British Columbia Homes in 2026

Best Insulation for Older British Columbia Homes in 2026

British Columbia spans climate zones 4 through 8, so there is no single best insulation for older BC homes. Coastal homes must prioritize rain control and outward drying before wall fill. Interior and northern homes need higher R-values and wind-tight assemblies. Blown-in cellulose is a strong attic option everywhere; spray foam is best used selectively at rim joists; exterior mineral wool is the best deep-wall upgrade during recladding. Better Homes BC 2026 programs include the Home Renovation Rebate Program (up to $5,500 for insulation), the income-based Energy Savings Program (updated July 6, 2026), and the free Energy Conservation Assistance Program. Contractor registration and pre-approval are required for all three.

Best Insulation for Older Nova Scotia Homes in 2026

Laura Lee Faulkner9 min read

Best Insulation for Older Nova Scotia Homes in 2026

The best insulation for an older Nova Scotia home depends on wall assembly and moisture risk. Attic blown-in cellulose to R-60 is the highest-return first upgrade. Spray foam excels at rim joists and crawl spaces in balloon-framed homes; dense-pack cellulose suits historic plaster walls via drill-and-fill; exterior mineral wool addresses thermal bridging without interior disruption. Air sealing and an HRV are prerequisites to any tightening work. 2026 Efficiency NS rebates reach up to $5,000 standard, $15,000 for moderate-income households, and $30,000 when stacked with the Oil to Heat Pump Affordability Program.

NB Power's Proposed Solar Billing Changes: What New Brunswick Homeowners Need to Know

NB Power's Proposed Solar Billing Changes: What New Brunswick Homeowners Need to Know

NB Power has filed proposed changes to solar net metering in New Brunswick with the NBEUB (Matter EL-003-2025). The proposal would replace 1-to-1 retail-rate net metering with a lower avoided-cost export credit of about 6.77 cents per kWh, add a new monthly demand charge of about $13 per kW based on peak 15-minute usage, and raise the commercial solar cap to 500 kW. An October 31, 2026 application approval deadline and October 31, 2027 inspection deadline would lock in the current rate for grandfathered customers until 2037. None of this is approved. Solar NB Solaire has registered as a formal intervenor. The post explains each proposed change, clarifies how the grandfathering window differs from the Save Energy NB rebate deadlines, lists what is not changing, and gives Greenfoot's honest guidance to NB homeowners considering solar.

Chris Meechan8 read

Why Greenfoot Fabricates Heat Pump Stands and Ductwork in Atlantic Canada

Why Greenfoot Fabricates Heat Pump Stands and Ductwork in Atlantic Canada

Every stand, duct, and snow cover that Greenfoot installs across Atlantic Canada is fabricated in-house at our Atlantic Canada shop: welded, QC'd, and shipped to branches from Newfoundland to New Brunswick. This post covers what is made locally, why aluminum welding expertise matters, how stand height protects a heat pump through Atlantic winters, and why local manufacturing gives homeowners a more reliable installation.

Dave Garrett5 read

Shoulder Season Heat Pump Maintenance: A Guide for Atlantic Canada and BC

Shoulder Season Heat Pump Maintenance: A Guide for Atlantic Canada and BC

Spring and fall are the smartest times to service a heat pump in Atlantic Canada and BC. This guide covers how the two regions' shoulder seasons compare, why pre-winter tune-ups cut energy waste by 10 to 25 percent and extend system life to 15 to 20 years, what a Greenfoot YETI maintenance visit includes, and exactly when to book.

Dave Garrett6 read

How Much a Heat Pump Water Heater Saves Canadian Homeowners

How Much a Heat Pump Water Heater Saves Canadian Homeowners

A heat pump water heater moves heat instead of making it, cutting water heating costs by up to 50 percent. This guide breaks down real annual savings of $270 to $700 or more by province, a simple payback calculation, the Canadian rebates that shorten the timeline, and how the numbers hold up through a cold Canadian winter.

Kent Steeves6 read

How a Heat Pump Compressor Creates Heat

How a Heat Pump Compressor Creates Heat

The compressor is where a heat pump makes its heat. Kent Steeves explains how squeezing refrigerant vapor speeds up the molecules to create warmth, how that heat is pumped into your home through an indoor head or your ductwork, and why moving heat this way is far more efficient than burning fuel.

Kent Steeves4 read

How a Heat Pump Reversing Valve Works

How a Heat Pump Reversing Valve Works

The reversing valve, sometimes called the golden valve, is the part that lets a single heat pump both heat and cool your home. Kent Steeves explains how an internal piston reroutes refrigerant to switch modes, what happens during defrost, why technicians love this one small brass part, and the warning signs of a valve that is starting to fail.

Kent Steeves5 read

How Much Does It Cost to Switch From Oil Heat to a Heat Pump?

How Much Does It Cost to Switch From Oil Heat to a Heat Pump?

Heating with oil is expensive in Atlantic Canada. Here is what it really costs to switch from oil heat to a heat pump, including equipment, installation, rebates, running-cost comparisons, and real payback examples for oil-heated homes.

Laura Lee Faulkner9 read

Greenfoot Now Serves All of Metro Vancouver

Greenfoot Now Serves All of Metro Vancouver

Greenfoot Energy now covers every community in Metro Vancouver, from Vancouver and Burnaby to Surrey, Coquitlam, and the North Shore. Here is where we work and the heat pump, AC, solar, insulation, and maintenance services available near you.

Joe Godbout6 read

Energy Saving Tips for Your Home: Greenfoot's Guide for 2025

Energy Saving Tips for Your Home: Greenfoot's Guide for 2025

As energy prices rise, small changes can lead to big savings. Greenfoot Energy’s 2025 guide highlights practical, affordable ways to make your home more efficient, from smart thermostats and LED upgrades to cold-climate heat pumps and insulation improvements. Save money, stay comfortable, and take control of your energy use this year.

Dave Garrett5 min read

Expert Energy Efficiency Tips for Canadian Homeowners

Expert Energy Efficiency Tips for Canadian Homeowners

Achieve maximum energy efficiency with professional strategies from Red Seal certified experts. Reduce energy consumption by up to 40% through systematic improvements including insulation, HVAC optimization, smart technology, and proper maintenance – all with financing options available.

Dave Garrett3 min read

Canadian Rebates for Solar Installations

Canadian Rebates for Solar Installations

Discover how Canadian rebates can help you save on solar energy installations.

Joe Godbout4 min read

maintenance plans

The Benefits of HVAC Systems

maintenance plans

The Benefits of HVAC Systems

Explore the essential benefits of HVAC systems for home comfort and energy efficiency.

Dave Garrett5 min read

heating systems

Understanding HVAC Systems

heating systems

Understanding HVAC Systems

Discover how HVAC systems work, why they’re essential for year-round comfort, and how investing in efficiency can save money while improving indoor air quality.

Emily Jones3 read

smart home technology

Peak Smart Thermostat: Revolutionizing Home Climate Control

smart home technology

Peak Smart Thermostat: Revolutionizing Home Climate Control

The Peak Smart Thermostat enhances home energy efficiency and comfort with smart climate scheduling, mobile app connectivity, and proactive maintenance alerts.

Dave Garrett3 read

All-in-One Comfort: Full Range of Greenfoot Services

All-in-One Comfort: Full Range of Greenfoot Services

We have a wide range of services that have you covered. With a strong presence across Canada and a commitment to sustainability and innovation, Greenfoot is your one-stop solution for energy upgrades that actually make a difference.

Joe Godbout3 read

air quality improvement

Debunking Solar Energy Myths

air quality improvement

Debunking Solar Energy Myths

Explore and debunk common myths about solar energy to better understand its benefits.

Michael Brown5 min read

Geothermal for Home or Business: How to Avoid Mistakes

Geothermal for Home or Business: How to Avoid Mistakes

Geothermal for your home or business. See how simple making the switch is and how to avoid costly mistakes in the process

Joe Godbout10 read

Inside a 50-Ton Nordic Geothermal System: How Ground-Source Heat Pumps Work

Inside a 50-Ton Nordic Geothermal System: How Ground-Source Heat Pumps Work

Take a tour with Kent Steeves of a real 50-ton Nordic geothermal heat pump system heating a 30,000 sq ft warehouse. Learn how 36 vertical boreholes, a 500-gallon buffer tank, and constant ground temperatures deliver 50–60% energy savings, and how the same technology scales to homes.

Kent Steeves5 min read

The Benefits of Heat Pumps

The Benefits of Heat Pumps

As energy costs continue to rise, heat pumps have become one of the most efficient upgrades for your home. Discover how they save energy, reduce bills by up to 50%, and provide year-round heating and cooling.

Joe Godbout4 min read

partnerships

Greenfoot Renews Partnership with Saint John Energy

partnerships

Greenfoot Renews Partnership with Saint John Energy

Greenfoot Energy renews its partnership with Saint John Energy to provide New Brunswick homeowners with affordable, efficient mini-split heat pump rentals.

Joe Godbout3 read

Why Some Rooms in Your Home Never Feel Comfortable

Why Some Rooms in Your Home Never Feel Comfortable

Why do some rooms in your home feel too hot or too cold? The real cause is often the building envelope, not your HVAC system. Learn how airflow, insulation, and heat loss analysis can solve uneven temperatures.

Joe Godbout8 read

Is Solar Energy Reliable for Canadian Homes? A Straight-Talk Guide

Is Solar Energy Reliable for Canadian Homes? A Straight-Talk Guide

Modern solar panels are built to last 25-plus years, but reliability isn't just about the panels. It is the inverter, the warranty, and how the system is designed for Canadian winters. Here's a straight-talk look at how reliable home solar really is in Canada, what fails (and what doesn't), and whether the math actually works out for your house.

Chris Meechan8 min read

Why Do Heat Pumps Have Fins? Salt Air, Corrosion & Gold-Fin Coating Explained

Why Do Heat Pumps Have Fins? Salt Air, Corrosion & Gold-Fin Coating Explained

Heat pump fins maximize heat transfer, but in coastal areas they're under constant attack from salt air that can travel up to 100 km inland. Gold Fin coating creates a corrosion-resistant barrier that protects the coil, preserves airflow and efficiency, and adds years of reliable life. Essential for any home in Atlantic Canada.

Kent Steeves5 min read

3 Common Heat Pump Misconceptions Debunked by Adam Robinson

3 Common Heat Pump Misconceptions Debunked by Adam Robinson

Adam Robinson tackles three common heat pump misconceptions head-on: that they don't work below freezing, that they won't save money, and that they aren't environmentally friendly, with real numbers, COP explained, and the path to net zero.

Adam Robinson4 read

Are Heat Pump Maintenance Plans Worth It? The Real Math Behind YETI Memberships

Are Heat Pump Maintenance Plans Worth It? The Real Math Behind YETI Memberships

Heat pumps run year-round and need roughly twice the maintenance of a furnace, but most homeowners skip it, and quietly lose 25%+ of their efficiency over a decade. We ran the real 5-year numbers on YETI Base ($14/mo), Summit ($25/mo) and Peak ($45/mo) plans, including full feature comparisons and three real-world scenarios, to show exactly when a maintenance plan pays for itself.

Dave Garrett10 min read

How to Maintain Your Mini-Split Heat Pump: A Canadian Homeowner's Guide

How to Maintain Your Mini-Split Heat Pump: A Canadian Homeowner's Guide

After your mini-split heat pump is installed, there are really only three jobs you need to handle as a homeowner: cleaning the filters every few weeks, caring for the outdoor unit through the seasons, and keeping the condensate drain clear. This short Canadian guide and video walk through each one, plus when to call in a professional.

Dave Garrett5 min read

Drill and Fill Insulation for Older Homes in Canada: How Dense-Pack Cellulose Retrofits Work

Drill and Fill Insulation for Older Homes in Canada: How Dense-Pack Cellulose Retrofits Work

Most Canadian homes built before 1960 have zero wall insulation, just bare cavities behind plaster and lath. Drill and fill solves that in a single day from the outside, with no interior demolition, by dense-packing the wall cavities with cellulose at 3.5 lb per cubic foot. Russell Smith walks through how the retrofit works, why dense-pack cellulose beats foam and fibreglass for old walls, the typical 15 to 25 percent heating savings, and which provincial rebates in NB, NS, PEI, NL, and BC apply.

Replace Baseboard Heat with a Ductless Mini-Split Heat Pump: How It Works and How Much You Save

Replace Baseboard Heat with a Ductless Mini-Split Heat Pump: How It Works and How Much You Save

Electric baseboard heat is everywhere in Canadian homes, and it is one of the most expensive ways to heat a house: every kilowatt-hour in becomes one kilowatt-hour of heat, full stop. A cold-climate ductless mini-split heat pump moves heat instead of making it, delivering three to four kilowatt-hours of heat for every one you pay for, which is why ENERGY STAR Canada certified models can cut Maritime heating bills by 50 to 60 percent. Russell Smith walks through a real Greenfoot install: the placement walk-through, the wall bracket, the core drill, the outdoor compressor on aluminum stands, the line set, the vacuum and refrigerant charge, and the homeowner walkthrough at the end. Single-head installs take five to six hours. Typical Canadian cost is $4,500 to $7,500 before stacking provincial and federal rebates.

The Brain Inside Your Mini Split: How Inverter Technology Saves Energy

The Brain Inside Your Mini Split: How Inverter Technology Saves Energy

The inverter control board is the brain of your mini split heat pump. Instead of blasting at full power and shutting off like older systems, an inverter-driven compressor modulates its speed to match exactly what your home needs at any moment. The result is steadier temperatures, quieter operation, lower electricity bills, and better humidity control during cooling season. Kent Steeves explains what the board actually does, why longer runtime is not a problem with inverter technology, and why "set it and leave it" is the best advice for Canadian mini split owners.

Kent Steeves6 min read

Is Greenfoot Solar Worth It? A 10/10 Customer Review

Is Greenfoot Solar Worth It? A 10/10 Customer Review

A British Columbia homeowner spoke to several solar companies before choosing Greenfoot, and the difference in the quality of conversation was, in his words, radically different. He walks through his 23-panel install: the sales experience, how pricing was handled, what the final bill looked like, and why the system puts a smile on his face every time he sees it. A real customer's account, with context on net metering, solar savings, and what to expect from an honest solar install in British Columbia.

Chris Meechan5 min read

Spray Foam vs Blown-In Insulation: A Canadian Homeowner's Guide

Spray Foam vs Blown-In Insulation: A Canadian Homeowner's Guide

Spray foam and blown-in insulation sound similar but behave very differently. Spray foam insulates and air seals in one step, while blown-in cellulose or fibreglass insulates affordably but needs separate air sealing. This guide compares R-value, cost, health, building code and resale, then shows which product belongs in your attic, walls, basement and crawl space, with Canadian pricing for Atlantic Canada and BC.

Russell Smith11 min read

Spray Foam vs Blown-In Insulation Cost: A Canadian Price Guide

Spray Foam vs Blown-In Insulation Cost: A Canadian Price Guide

Blown-in cellulose or fibreglass is the most affordable insulation at roughly 1.50 to 2.50 CAD per square foot, open-cell spray foam sits in the middle, and closed-cell spray foam runs 3.50 to 7.00 CAD per square foot. This guide gives real Canadian cost ranges, worked examples for an attic, a wall retrofit and a rim joist, explains why closed-cell costs more, and shows how rebates in Atlantic Canada and BC lower the bill.

Why Are People Removing Spray Foam Insulation? An Honest Look

Why Are People Removing Spray Foam Insulation? An Honest Look

Online stories about ripping out spray foam are scary, but removal is uncommon and almost always traces back to a poor installation, not the product. This honest guide explains the real reasons foam gets removed, off-ratio mixing and odour, trapped moisture, inspection access, and undocumented installs at sale time, what removal costs in Canada, and how a certified install prevents it.

Does Spray Foam Insulation Affect Home Resale Value in Canada?

Does Spray Foam Insulation Affect Home Resale Value in Canada?

Spray foam can help or hurt resale value in Canada, and the deciding factor is documentation. A certified, code-compliant install that lowers energy bills is a real selling point that buyers and lenders like. Undocumented or uncertified foam, or foam hiding the roof deck, can raise inspection and financing questions. Keep certificates, warranty, and rebate paperwork to make foam an asset at sale time.

What Is the Healthiest Insulation for a Home in Canada?

What Is the Healthiest Insulation for a Home in Canada?

There is no single healthiest insulation. Cellulose and formaldehyde-free mineral wool are the easiest low-VOC choices for sensitive households, while fibreglass and properly cured spray foam are also safe to live with. This guide compares each material on VOCs, dust, moisture and safe installation, and explains why good ventilation and a careful, certified crew matter most for Canadian homes in Atlantic Canada and BC.

Spray Foam and the Building Code in Canada: What to Know

Spray Foam and the Building Code in Canada: What to Know

Spray foam is a plastic, so Canadian building codes require careful handling. Foam in living spaces usually needs an approved thermal barrier such as half-inch drywall, while attics and crawl spaces may allow an ignition barrier. Closed-cell foam must meet CAN/ULC-S705 and be applied by a certified installer, products often carry a CCMC evaluation, and vapour control still matters. Codes are adopted provincially across NS, NB, PEI, NL and BC.

Best Attic Insulation for Cold Canadian Climates

Best Attic Insulation for Cold Canadian Climates

In a cold Canadian climate, the best attic insulation is usually deep blown-in cellulose or fibreglass built to R-50 or R-60, installed after the attic floor is air sealed. Closed-cell spray foam is the smart pick for cathedral ceilings, no-attic roofs and sealing penetrations first. This guide covers NRCan R-values, ventilation and ice dam prevention for homes in Atlantic Canada and BC.

When to Use Spray Foam Instead of Blown-In Insulation

When to Use Spray Foam Instead of Blown-In Insulation

Spray foam and blown-in insulation both have a place, but the right one depends on the job. Choose closed-cell spray foam for rim joists, crawl spaces, damp basements, cathedral ceilings, thin walls and irregular cavities where air and moisture control matter. Choose blown-in for open attics, budget retrofits and drill-and-fill walls. This Canadian decision guide gives a clear checklist for Atlantic Canada and BC.

Attic Insulation Removal Cost: When It Is Needed and What to Expect

Attic Insulation Removal Cost: When It Is Needed and What to Expect

Attic insulation removal is not always needed, but contamination from rodents, mould or water, plus suspected vermiculite, can make it necessary. This guide explains when removal makes sense, what it costs in Canada (roughly 1.50 to 2.50 CAD per square foot for clean vacuum removal, more for contaminated or hazardous material), the vacuum and decontamination process, and the critical caution to test for asbestos before disturbing vermiculite.

Insulation Rebates in Atlantic Canada and BC: A 2026 Guide

Insulation Rebates in Atlantic Canada and BC: A 2026 Guide

Insulation rebates are available across Atlantic Canada and BC through Efficiency Nova Scotia, NB Power's Total Home Energy Savings Program, efficiencyPEI, takeCHARGE in Newfoundland and Labrador, and CleanBC Better Homes. Most start with an EnerGuide home energy assessment. The federal Canada Greener Homes Grant is closed, and the Greener Homes Loan is closed as well. This guide explains how each program works and how to stack rebates.

Russell Smith10 min read

What to Ask an Insulation Contractor Before You Hire

What to Ask an Insulation Contractor Before You Hire

Insulation work disappears behind walls and under attic boards, so the questions you ask before hiring matter. This checklist covers installer certification (CAN/ULC-S705 for spray foam), CCMC product listings, written quotes with R-values, air sealing, rebate program registration, warranty, old insulation removal, and proof of insurance and WCB, plus the red flags to watch for in Atlantic Canada and BC.

Furnace Maintenance Checklist for Canadian Homes

Furnace Maintenance Checklist for Canadian Homes

A furnace works hardest in the coldest months, so a little upkeep goes a long way. This checklist covers the jobs you can do yourself, the professional tune-up you should book every fall, and the warning signs that mean it is time to call a technician.

Dave Garrett7 read

Central Air Conditioner Maintenance Guide

Central Air Conditioner Maintenance Guide

A central air conditioner rewards a little seasonal care with lower bills and fewer mid-summer breakdowns. This guide covers the cleaning and filter tasks you can handle, the spring tune-up to book, and the symptoms that mean it is time to call a technician.

Adam Robinson7 read

Seasonal HVAC Maintenance Checklist

Seasonal HVAC Maintenance Checklist

HVAC systems have a natural rhythm: get ready to cool in spring, keep it running in summer, get ready to heat in fall, and protect the system in winter. This season-by-season checklist keeps your equipment efficient and helps you avoid breakdowns when you need comfort most.

Dave Garrett8 read

How Often Should You Service Your HVAC System?

How Often Should You Service Your HVAC System?

The right service frequency depends on your equipment. Furnaces and air conditioners generally need one professional visit a year, while heat pumps run year-round and need service twice a year. Here is a clear schedule and why it matters for efficiency, warranties, and lifespan.

Adam Robinson6 read

HVAC Repair vs Replace: The $5,000 Rule

HVAC Repair vs Replace: The $5,000 Rule

When an aging system breaks down, the repair-or-replace question can feel overwhelming. This guide walks through the $5,000 rule, the role of age and efficiency, and how to know when a repair is throwing good money after bad.

Russell Smith7 read

How Much Does HVAC Maintenance Cost in Canada?

How Much Does HVAC Maintenance Cost in Canada?

HVAC maintenance is one of the lower-cost ways to protect an expensive system, but prices vary by equipment and region. This guide covers typical tune-up and diagnostic costs in Canada, what drives them, and how a maintenance plan can lower your total spend.

Russell Smith7 read

DIY vs Professional HVAC Maintenance

DIY vs Professional HVAC Maintenance

You can handle more HVAC maintenance than you might think, but some jobs belong to a certified technician for reasons of safety and warranty. This guide draws a clear line between the DIY tasks worth doing and the professional work that keeps your system safe.

Adam Robinson6 read

Warning Signs Your HVAC System Needs Service

Warning Signs Your HVAC System Needs Service

HVAC systems usually warn you before they fail. Catching the early signs, unusual noises, odd smells, weak airflow, short cycling, or a climbing energy bill, lets you fix a small problem before it turns into an expensive breakdown.

Dave Garrett6 read

Mini-Split vs. Ducted Heat Pump: Which Is Better for Canadian Homes in 2026?

Laura Lee Faulkner14 min read

Mini-Split vs. Ducted Heat Pump: Which Is Better for Canadian Homes in 2026?

A ductless mini-split is usually the better retrofit choice for a Canadian home without existing ductwork, while a ducted central heat pump makes more sense when good ductwork is already in place. Laura Lee Faulkner covers the four deciding factors, real 2026 cost ranges from $3,000 to $35,000+, cold-climate performance at -25C, the retrofit challenge in older homes, energy savings comparisons, and current rebate programs across Atlantic Canada and BC.

Whole-Home Generators in Canada: Backup Power, Storm Preparation, Costs and Sizing (2026)

Whole-Home Generators in Canada: Backup Power, Storm Preparation, Costs and Sizing (2026)

A whole-home standby generator starts automatically, runs on natural gas or propane, and can protect heating, sump pumps, well pumps, refrigeration and medical equipment — without the homeowner being present. Russell Smith covers the full decision: portable vs. standby, essential vs. optional loads, how to size an 18/22/26 kW system, how an automatic transfer switch works, natural gas vs. propane tradeoffs, provincial permit requirements in NS/NB/PEI/NL/BC, installed costs from $8,000 to $20,000+, maintenance requirements, and a complete storm-season preparation checklist.

Russell Smith18 min read

Nova Scotia Storm Season Generator Checklist: How to Prepare Before an Outage

Nova Scotia Storm Season Generator Checklist: How to Prepare Before an Outage

In Nova Scotia, storm preparation is not only about flashlights and bottled water. A long outage can stop the systems that protect the home itself: sump pumps, rural well pumps, refrigeration, heating-system controls, home offices and medically necessary equipment.

How Much Does a Whole-Home Generator Cost in Nova Scotia?

How Much Does a Whole-Home Generator Cost in Nova Scotia?

The cost of a whole-home generator in Nova Scotia depends on much more than the generator's advertised price. The final project can include the standby unit, automatic transfer switch, electrical work, gas or propane work, permits, a prepared base, trenching, load-management controls, commissioning and ongoing maintenance.

What Size Generator Do You Need for a Nova Scotia Home?

What Size Generator Do You Need for a Nova Scotia Home?

Generator size is not determined by square footage alone. A compact rural home with electric heat, a deep-well pump and a sump pump can require more backup capacity than a larger city home with gas heat and municipal water.

Portable vs. Standby Generators in Nova Scotia: Which Is Right for Your Home?

Portable vs. Standby Generators in Nova Scotia: Which Is Right for Your Home?

A portable generator and a whole-home standby generator can both provide power during an outage, but they solve different problems.

Propane vs. Natural Gas Generators in Nova Scotia: Which Fuel Fits Your Home?

Propane vs. Natural Gas Generators in Nova Scotia: Which Fuel Fits Your Home?

Natural gas and propane can both fuel an automatic standby generator, but the right choice for a Nova Scotia home depends on what is available at the property, how long outages tend to last and how the household wants to manage fuel.

New Brunswick Storm Season Generator Checklist: How to Prepare Before an Outage

New Brunswick Storm Season Generator Checklist: How to Prepare Before an Outage

In New Brunswick, storm preparation is not only about flashlights and bottled water. A long outage can stop the systems that protect the home itself: well pumps, sump pumps, septic or lift pumps, heating equipment, refrigeration and communications.

How Much Does a Whole-Home Generator Cost in New Brunswick?

How Much Does a Whole-Home Generator Cost in New Brunswick?

The cost of a whole-home generator in New Brunswick depends on much more than the generator's advertised price. The final project can include the standby unit, automatic transfer switch, electrical work, gas or propane work, permits, a prepared base, trenching, load-management controls, commissioning and ongoing maintenance.

What Size Generator Do You Need for a New Brunswick Home?

What Size Generator Do You Need for a New Brunswick Home?

Portable vs. Standby Generators in New Brunswick: Which Is Right for Your Home?

Portable vs. Standby Generators in New Brunswick: Which Is Right for Your Home?

A portable generator and a whole-home standby generator can both provide power during an outage, but they solve different problems.

Generator Installation and Permit Requirements in New Brunswick

Generator Installation and Permit Requirements in New Brunswick

Installing a standby generator in New Brunswick is an electrical and fuel-system project, not a simple appliance delivery. The generator must be sized, placed, connected through approved transfer equipment, permitted, inspected and commissioned before it becomes part of the home's emergency system.

Prince Edward Island Storm Season Generator Checklist: How to Prepare Before an Outage

Prince Edward Island Storm Season Generator Checklist: How to Prepare Before an Outage

In Prince Edward Island, storm preparation is not only about flashlights and bottled water. A long outage can stop the systems that protect the home itself: well pumps, sump pumps, heating controls, refrigeration, farm or rural water systems and communications.

How Much Does a Whole-Home Generator Cost in Prince Edward Island?

How Much Does a Whole-Home Generator Cost in Prince Edward Island?

The cost of a whole-home generator in Prince Edward Island depends on much more than the generator's advertised price. The final project can include the standby unit, automatic transfer switch, electrical work, gas or propane work, permits, a prepared base, trenching, load-management controls, commissioning and ongoing maintenance.

What Size Generator Do You Need for a Prince Edward Island Home?

What Size Generator Do You Need for a Prince Edward Island Home?

Portable vs. Standby Generators in Prince Edward Island: Which Is Right for Your Home?

Portable vs. Standby Generators in Prince Edward Island: Which Is Right for Your Home?

A portable generator and a whole-home standby generator can both provide power during an outage, but they solve different problems.

Propane Generator Fuel Planning for PEI Power Outages

Propane Generator Fuel Planning for PEI Power Outages

On Prince Edward Island, a propane standby generator can provide automatic backup power where a property does not have a piped natural-gas connection. The generator decision, however, is only half of the plan.

Newfoundland and Labrador Storm Season Generator Checklist: How to Prepare Before an Outage

Newfoundland and Labrador Storm Season Generator Checklist: How to Prepare Before an Outage

In Newfoundland and Labrador, storm preparation is not only about flashlights and bottled water. A long outage can stop the systems that protect the home itself: electric or oil-heating controls, well pumps, sump pumps, septic systems, refrigeration, communications and medical equipment.

How Much Does a Whole-Home Generator Cost in Newfoundland and Labrador?

How Much Does a Whole-Home Generator Cost in Newfoundland and Labrador?

The cost of a whole-home generator in Newfoundland and Labrador depends on much more than the generator's advertised price. The final project can include the standby unit, automatic transfer switch, electrical work, gas or propane work, permits, a prepared base, trenching, load-management controls, commissioning and ongoing maintenance.

What Size Generator Do You Need for a Newfoundland and Labrador Home?

What Size Generator Do You Need for a Newfoundland and Labrador Home?

Portable vs. Standby Generators in Newfoundland and Labrador: Which Is Right for Your Home?

Portable vs. Standby Generators in Newfoundland and Labrador: Which Is Right for Your Home?

A portable generator and a whole-home standby generator can both provide power during an outage, but they solve different problems.

Backup Power for Rural and Coastal Homes in Newfoundland and Labrador

Backup Power for Rural and Coastal Homes in Newfoundland and Labrador

Backup power has a different role in a rural or coastal Newfoundland and Labrador home. An outage may interrupt heating, private water, septic equipment, refrigeration and communications at the same time. Long distances, exposed roads and severe weather can also delay travel, fuel delivery and restoration.

British Columbia Storm Season Generator Checklist: How to Prepare Before an Outage

British Columbia Storm Season Generator Checklist: How to Prepare Before an Outage

In British Columbia, storm preparation is not only about flashlights and bottled water. A long outage can stop the systems that protect the home itself: heating or cooling equipment, sump pumps, rural well pumps, refrigeration, home offices, communications and medical devices.

How Much Does a Whole-Home Generator Cost in British Columbia?

How Much Does a Whole-Home Generator Cost in British Columbia?

The cost of a whole-home generator in British Columbia depends on much more than the generator's advertised price. The final project can include the standby unit, automatic transfer switch, electrical work, gas or propane work, permits, a prepared base, trenching, load-management controls, commissioning and ongoing maintenance.

What Size Generator Do You Need for a British Columbia Home?

What Size Generator Do You Need for a British Columbia Home?

Portable vs. Standby Generators in British Columbia: Which Is Right for Your Home?

Portable vs. Standby Generators in British Columbia: Which Is Right for Your Home?

A portable generator and a whole-home standby generator can both provide power during an outage, but they solve different problems.

Home Battery vs. Standby Generator in British Columbia: Which Backup System Is Better?

Home Battery vs. Standby Generator in British Columbia: Which Backup System Is Better?

British Columbia homeowners increasingly compare two very different backup-power tools: a home battery and a standby generator. A battery is quiet, fast and useful for short outages or selected circuits. A generator can provide longer-duration power when fuel is available.

7 Reasons to Get a Heat Pump Maintenance Plan in Canada

7 Reasons to Get a Heat Pump Maintenance Plan in Canada

Most Canadian homeowners install a heat pump and then largely forget about it — until something goes wrong in January. Here are seven concrete reasons to get an annual maintenance plan: warranty protection, efficiency savings, emergency prevention, lifespan extension, understanding plan costs, the right questions to ask, and year-round peace of mind.

Dave Garrett10 read