Mechanical systems

Mechanical systems and plumbing are at the heart of a home's operation. We cover heating and air conditioning, ventilation, electrical systems, efficient water management and renewable energy production. Informed decisions on design and product selection can affect comfort, efficiency, durability, operational cost and above all, health for occupants.

Heat pumps, geothermal and AC

Heat Pump Buying Guide: Review of the top 10 Heat Pumps for 2025

Choosing the best heat pump can be difficult. Heat pumps are poorly understood, they have often been over-sold, poorly installed, and placed where they can be a noise nuisance. But the best heat pumps are a really good choice for heating green homes. How do the best heat pumps work? A heat pump works very…

Heating with electricity

Heating with electricity - the Best choice for high efficiency & Zero Energy homes?

When building a new home, especially sustainable high-performance eco homes like Passive House or Zero Net Energy in a cold climate, some heat is still necessary. Is the greenest option electric heating. More and more homebuyers are starting to demand energy-efficient new homes and are pushing the building…

Renewable energy

Which is the best type of home energy generation for green homes?

Solar panels good, coal-fired power plant electricity bad. If only it were that simple to choose. We discuss the best alternatives for producing your own power at home, from solar to wind turbines to generator bikes. Home energy generation, which option is best? How the electrical grid is fed near you will be a huge…

Delivery: radiant, forced-air and decentralized

Air-heated radiant floor slab foam forming systems

A comeback for foam radiant floor ICF forms heated with air tubes. Radiant heating systems are very common in concrete floors now because they provide a very balanced and comfortable distribution of heat. Those systems are most commonly hydronic, meaning heated liquid is pumped through tubing in the concrete which…

Solar photovoltaic

Ten questions to ask a solar panel contractor

Ten things to know that will help you get the best value out of a photovoltaic solar panel system. Diligent research is absolutely essential for any homeowner looking to install a photovoltaic (PV) solar panel system on their home. But at some point, you need to hand the reins over to a trustworthy contractor. To…

Plumbing and water heaters

How heat pump hot water heaters work and why you should get one

Heat pump water heaters can help cut your hot water energy consumption by close to one third, particularly when partnered with an air source heat pump. Heat pump electric hot water heaters, good or bad idea? Water heaters are generally the biggest energy drain in a home after heating . so Air-to-water heat pump…

Plumbing and water heaters

Are tankless water heaters good?

Choosing a water heater - tank or tankless. Tankless water heaters , on demand water heaters and instantaneous water heaters are different names for the same thing - domestic hot water systems that do not include the storage tank that comes with traditional water heaters. This type of water heating system can be…

Appliances

Efficient appliances and electronics - why to choose Energy Star Certified

Most home electronics and appliances use energy even while in standby mode, and it is estimated that more than half the overall power consumed can happen when they aren't even in use. Reducing energy consumption in homes Even when sitting idle, almost all TVs, computers and stereos etc., will still be using power…

Electricity

Lights, appliances and all things electrical

These guide pages are intended to help you find the most efficient and affordable options for pretty much anything that runs on power, and the best ways to generate power yourself. There are a lot of options to consider when shopping for appliances, designing home lighting, and heating your home. These pages outline…

Plumbing and water heaters

How to troubleshoot and a fix a clogged sink drain - learn easy DIY plumbing repairs

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…

Heating with electricity

Electric fireplaces: are they a good option for green homes?

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…