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Welcome to the Campeau Heating Blog!

Looking for professional heating, cooling and air quality advice? Our experts share helpful news, tips and tricks every other week! 
 
Advice from the Professionals
July 2022

A Heat Or Energy Recovery Ventilator: Which Is More Effective?

Campeau Heating explores the differences between an ERV and HRV system.

A Heat Or Energy Recovery Ventilator: Which Is More Effective?

We all know the importance of fresh air. After all, it’s one of the key ingredients keeping us alive!

Our bodies need fresh, clean, oxygenated air to function. Grow. Focus. Heal. And so much more! It truly does wonders for both our physical and mental well-being!

But without it, our health immediately begins to suffer.

Do you find yourself feeling stressed, tired or sluggish? Even a few deep breaths of clean, fresh air can make a big difference for your mind and body!

That’s why whole home ventilation is so important.

And while there are manual ways to ventilate your home (i.e. opening the windows), installing a ventilation system is much more effective.

But which ventilation system is better: A heat recovery ventilator or an energy recovery ventilator?

Read on to find out!

 

Why Is Ventilation So Important?

First things first...

Let’s break down the importance of good ventilation in more detail.

Ventilation removes impure air from your home and brings in fresh air from outside.

This air circulation of stale air with fresh air is what keeps your home livable!

And since Canadians spend roughly 90% of their time indoors, keeping up with fresh air circulation is imperative.

Installing a whole home ventilation system can help:

Lower Indoor Air Pollution

Indoor air pollution is dangerous, and it can come from a variety of sources.

  • Household cleaners
  • Pesticides
  • Wood Smoke
  • Radon Gas
  • Scented Products
  • High Humidity
  • Mould
  • Cigarette Smoke…etc.

Ventilation can help reduce indoor pollution by diluting it with fresh air. It carries harmful pollutants outdoors and brings clean, fresh air back in.

Manage Humidity Levels

Another factor affecting indoor air quality is high humidity.

Humidity is the amount of moisture (water vapour) in the air. And while some humidity is necessary for our bodies to function safely and comfortably, too much can cause:

  • Dust mites,
  • Mould,
  • Mildew,
  • The growth and spread of bacterial and viral organisms,
  • Airborne germs and more!

Ventilation has the power to draw out stale, humid air and replace it with fresh, outdoor air!

Improve Your Physical Health

Are you experiencing headaches, fatigue or dizziness?

Maybe your nose, throat and eyes are constantly feeling irritated.

Or maybe your allergy or asthma symptoms are constantly acting up. 

These are all signs of poor indoor air quality.

But a ventilation system can help! 

Good ventilation can:

  • Remove harmful pollutants,
  • Lower your humidity and
  • Bring in fresh air!

All helping dissipate these symptoms - improving your physical health and overall well-being!

But it’s not just your physical health that improves…

Improve Your Mental Health

With good ventilation, your mental health can also improve!

Did you know that the brain uses about 20% of the body’s oxygen supply. This oxygen is essentially used as a power source for neurons - controlling everything your body can do! From your conscious functions and your unconscious function, your brain controls both.

But without an adequate supply of oxygen, your brain can’t function - affecting your physical and mental health.

With improved ventilation and air quality, you can experience:

  • Improved mood.
  • Decreased levels of stress hormones.
  • Decreased anxiety.
  • Improved immune system functionality.

All in all, the healthy circulation of fresh air can help your brain feel calmer, sharper and happier! Just a few more reasons why fresh air is vital to your health!

 

Heat Vs. Energy Recovery Ventilators

Now that you understand the importance of fresh air circulation in your home, let’s learn how to make that happen.

As mentioned above, numerous ways exist to increase ventilation in your home. Some forms of ventilation even occur naturally - like when you open and close your doors and windows throughout the day.

However, IAQ experts always recommend a more steady and effective solution for indoor ventilation. Especially since home builders construct homes that are way more airtight today than in the past.

Two of the most effective solutions for increasing ventilation include:

a)  Heat recovery ventilation and

b) Energy recovery ventilation.

Let’s explore each in more detail below:

 

Heat Recovery Ventilator (HRV System)

The heat recovery ventilator, or HRV system, continually replaces stale indoor air with fresh outdoor air. This allows it to remove harmful pollutants from your home - including mould, household chemicals, bacteria…etc.

But it does more than that!

An HRV system can also recycle (or recover) heat - lightening the load of your air conditioner and furnace!

Here’s how that works:

During the winter, HRV systems capture stale air, draw heat from it, and use it to preheat the incoming fresh air. This helps your furnace out a lot and can actually lower your heating bills!

During the summer, this process reverses. The HRV system removes heat from the incoming fresh air and transfers it outdoors. This ensures the air conditioner isn’t working extra hard to keep that hot air out of your home - helping you save on cooling costs!

This way, your ventilation system prevents your home from wasting heat energy. Making HRVs  a multi-purpose indoor air quality solution!

 

Energy Recovery Ventilator (ERV System)

The energy recovery ventilator, or ERV system, works similarly to the HRV system. The only difference is that it can do EVEN MORE!

Besides removing harmful pollutants like an HRV system, the ERV system can also recycle moisture. This helps lower humidity levels in your home, making it healthier and more comfortable. But it can also lessen the pressure on your heating and cooling system - ultimately saving you money in the long run!

During the winter, ERVs recycle the moisture leaving your home, preventing your home from becoming too dry.

You can also use ERVs in the summertime! But it is only recommended if you have air conditioning and keep the windows closed. If your indoor air is less humid than your outdoor air, ERVs will ensure that excess humidity from outdoor air stays outdoors. This process allows your air conditioner to cool and dehumidify your home much more easily.

 

Which Is The Better Ventilation System?

Since the HRV and ERV each offer equally impressive benefits, how do you know which to choose? Is one really better than the other?

Here’s the thing…

The best ventilation system actually depends on your climate, lifestyle, home and specific needs!

For example, is your home quite humid in the winter? If so, then an HRV is probably the better solution.

An ERV doesn’t transfer humidity. It recycles it - keeping it at its source. So if your home is too humid in the winter, the ERV will only hold on to that moisture.

What is your home’s climate like?

If you can answer that question, you’re well on your way to selecting the best ventilation system for your home!

 

Need Help? Ask The Experts At Campeau Heating!

With Canadians spending more and more time indoors, creating healthy spaces for their health and well-being is vital.

Do you have more questions about how the right ventilation system can help improve your indoor air quality? Our experts at Campeau Heating are always here to help!

Give our office a call today at (705) 560-2441 or contact us online!

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Can The Air Source Heat Pump Really Help Save You Money?

Find Out If You Can Save Money On Your Energy Bills With An Air Source Heat Pump!

Can The Air Source Heat Pump Really Help Save You Money?

With the rise of fuel costs this past winter, and the current gas prices, everyone is looking for cheaper heating and cooling. The question is…is an air-source heat pump the answer?

Most of us have heard of the legendary heat pump. In fact, many know it as the system that can provide heating and cooling seemingly out of thin air!

But will a heat pump really help lower your energy consumption and save you money in the long run?

Let’s find out!

Our HVAC experts at Campeau Heating are here to answer all your questions about the air-source heat pump.

 

What Is An Air-Source Heat Pump? How Does it Work?

An air-source heat pump is currently the most popular type of heat pump in Canada. They can effectively heat and cool your home by transferring thermal energy.

Here’s how that works!

Heating Cycle:

During the winter, an air source heat pump uses the thermal energy from the outdoor air as a source of heat. It transfers the heat energy found in the outside air and uses that energy to heat the home!

This process makes the outdoor air the source and the indoor air the sink.

Cooling Cycle:

During the summer, heat energy transfers from the indoor to the outdoor air - effectively cooling your home and releasing excess heat outdoors.

This reverse process makes the outdoor air the sink and the indoor air the source.

Want a more in-depth look? Visit our recent blog post where we talk all about the 2-in-1 heat pump and how it works!

Heating and Cooling Distribution:

How is this heating or cooling distributed throughout your home?

Well, that all depends on which type of installation you choose! 

Like any other type of air conditioner, you have options. You can install a ducted or ductless heat pump!

Ducted Air-Source Heat Pump

A ducted heat pump distributes heat or cool air throughout the home using a network of ducts. This allows the system to heat/cool each location at an equal temperature.

If you have existing ductwork installed in your home, installing a ducted heat pump is simple! But, if you don’t have ductwork installed, you may want to consider your second option - the ductless heat pump!

Ductless Air-Source Heat Pump

You’ve heard us talk about the ductless air conditioner quite a few times in our recent blog posts:

We explored whether a ductless air conditioner is best for your Sudbury cottage. And we’ve also identified four common culprits of a leaky ductless air conditioner and how to fix them.

But today, we’re not talking about the ductless air conditioner per se…

We’re talking about the ductless heat pump! And interestingly enough, this system uses the same technology as the ductless A/C in distributing heating and cooling to your home.

Instead of using ductwork to carry air throughout your home, the ductless heat pump directly heats and cools the space it’s located in.

If you don’t have existing ductwork, going ductless makes the installation process much easier, faster and cheaper!

This leads us to our next question…

 

How Much Does It Cost to Install, Run and Maintain an Air-source Heat Pump?

When looking for the cheapest heating and cooling system, you must consider these four cost factors:

Upfront Costs

The upfront cost of an air heat pump largely depends on the size of the system. During your consultation with an HVAC professional, you can determine your home’s specific heating and cooling needs and the needed load capacity of a heat pump. You’ll also want to explore different features and efficiencies.

Installation Costs

The installation cost of an air heat pump depends on the system you choose to install.

As mentioned above, a ducted heat pump is an excellent choice if you have existing ductwork.

But remember! Even though you may have ductwork installed, it may need some modifications to support your new heat pump installation.

If you don’t have existing ductwork installed in your home and don’t plan to install it in the future, a ductless heat pump might be the better and cheaper choice.

Maintenance Costs

The maintenance costs of an air source heat pump depend on how well you take care of it. The longer you go without proper maintenance, the more expensive the repair bills!

But as long as you take good care of your heat pump with annual maintenance checks and regular filter changes, there should be very few repair bills in the future!

Heat pumps need annual maintenance to ensure:

  • High Efficiency
  • Reliability
  • Longer Life Span

And this maintenance appointment should always be with a professional HVAC technician.

Operation Costs

The operation costs of an air heat pump depend on the energy rates of your region. Heat pumps still use electricity but require much less than a central air conditioner or furnace.

We’ll explore this factor in more detail in the next section below.

 

The Energy Efficiency of an Air Source Heat Pump

Now that you know all about the air source heat pump, let’s find out if it can really help lower your energy bills!

Enhanced Efficiency

As we mentioned above, heat pumps still use electricity to operate. However, they use much less than a traditional heating and/or cooling system.

Here’s why:

At 8 degrees Celsius, an air source heat pump’s COP (coefficient of performance) can range from 2.0 to 5.4!

A COP of 5.4 means that 5.4 kWh of heat transfers for every kWh of electricity used to power the pump.

That’s over 500% efficiency!

Cold Climate Heat Pump

However, as temperatures begin to drop, these systems do become less efficient. The colder it gets, the more power your heat pump uses. 

In fact, most air heat pumps can't operate once they hit between -15 and -25 degrees!

That’s why many Canadians up north choose cold climate air heat pumps. These systems use variable capacity compressors and advanced heat exchanger designs and controls. This provides as much heat to your home as efficiently as possible.

Energy Savings

As you can see, there’s an incredible opportunity to lower your energy costs with an air source heat pump!

However, it’s important to mention that your specific energy savings will heavily depend on your:

  • Location
  • Local climate
  • System size and type
  • Control strategy
  • Local energy rating, and
  • Specific system efficiencies.

We encourage you to speak with an HVAC professional before making your decision.

 

Is An Air-Source Heat Pump The Right Fit For Your Sudbury Home or Cottage?

Selecting a new heating and cooling system can be confusing and tricky. But at Campeau Heating, our experts want to make it as easy as possible for you!

Give our qualified heating and cooling team a call at (705) 560-2441 or book your FREE QUOTE online!

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Plunge Into Extreme Summer Heat With These 5 Cool Tips!

Campeau Heating in Sudbury, Ontario, offers 5 tips to help keep your home cool this summer.

Plunge Into Extreme Summer Heat With These 5 Cool Tips!

Staying cool in the middle of an intense summer heat wave is tricky. And sticky! But it’s not impossible.

With a few helpful tips, you can,

  • Keep your home cool, 
  • Protect your family from the risk of overheating and
  • Save on energy costs!

Our experienced cooling team at Campeau Heating is here to help you do just that!

We know how difficult it can be to keep your home cool for less. And how dangerous it can be for your family if temperatures get too high.

Our goal?

To give you everything you need for a safe and comfortable summer - at home, in your office or at the cottage.

Understanding the importance of air cooling is crucial. And learning about effective and affordable cooling techniques for your home is easy!

Are you ready to keep your cool this summer? Read on!

 

What Are The Dangers Of Extreme Heat?

The first step in staying cool all summer is to stay informed.

Although the human body does have the ability to cool itself, it’s not invincible. And knowing what the risks are concerning extreme heat is vital!

For those more vulnerable to high temperatures, it is especially critical!

According to Health Canada, the 7 top heat-vulnerable groups include:

  • Older adults.
  • Infants and young children.
  • People with chronic illnesses or who are physically impaired.
  • Socially disadvantaged individuals and communities (low income, homeless, living alone).
  • Newcomers to Canada and transient populations such as tourists.
  • Occupational groups (e.g. farmers, construction workers)
  • Physically active individuals (e.g. marathon runners, recreational athletes).

Don’t see yourself on the above list? That doesn’t mean you’re not at risk. 

It’s important to know that intense heat can affect you whether you are a part of one of these vulnerable groups or not.

Health Risks Associated With Extreme Heat:

  • Heat Stroke
  • Heat Exhaustion
  • Heat Fainting
  • Heat Cramps
  • Heat Rash
  • Heat Edema

If you live in a home with little to no A/C, you are also highly vulnerable to heat-related health risks.

Don’t wait until the heat is too much to handle in your home! Below are 10 ways to keep your house cool and comfortable!

 

5 Ways To Keep Your Family and Home Cool This Summer

We have experienced our fair share of high heat here in Sudbury, Ontario. And this year, we want you to be ready for it!

Instead of catching you off guard with no cooling solution in place, we are plunging head-on into the summer season - fully prepared!

1. Control Humidity

Controlling the humidity in your home will help your body release heat faster.

In high humidity, your sweat cannot evaporate as quickly. This sweat retention then prevents your body from efficiently releasing excess heat. Not only does this prohibit your body from cooling down, but it can also cause elevated heart rate, organ failure and high blood pressure!

The solution?

Installing a whole-house dehumidifier!

Whole-house dehumidifiers reduce excess moisture in your home. This HVAC add-on effectively reduces humidity levels and improves your indoor air quality!

 

2. Install a Programmable Thermostat

Your home's temperature is usually based on personal preference. But homeowners should follow recommended temperature settings for the above vulnerable groups. 

For example…

The World Health Organization (WHO) standards recommend the following temperature settings:

  • If you are prone to respiratory problems or allergies, the WHO recommends your thermostat never be set below 16 degrees C.
  • If you have disabled, elderly or very young individuals living at home, WHO recommends the temperature never be set below 20 degrees C.

During the summer, most people set their thermostats between 20-24 degrees in the daytime. And between 16-20 degrees overnight. They may even have their thermostat set lower before they go to work for the day.

These temperature settings ensure homes are comfortable and safe. But they also help homeowners reduce their energy consumption!

A programmable thermostat makes it easy to control the temperature variations in your home - all from your phone! You can set your A/C to run less frequently while you are away or overnight. And ensure that it is set to a comfortable temperature when you arrive home or wake up to start your day!

 

3. Adjust Your Cooking Habits

Long ago, homeowners used cast iron cookstoves for cooking food, heating the home and providing hot water for families. The cook stove usually stayed lit day and night during long, cold winters. But in the summer, they put out the fire between meals to prevent the home from getting too hot.

Although ovens have advanced in modern technology since those olden days, the concept remains the same:

Large appliances, like ovens and laundry dryers, produce significant heat.

Adjusting when and how you use these large appliances can help prevent your home from getting too warm.

Don’t Run Large Appliances During The Day

According to the Ontario Energy Board, electricity rates are lower between 7 p.m. and 7 a.m.!

So you can save money on your electricity usage while lowering the heat impact of these appliances.

Explore Other Methods

Another option for reducing the use of these large appliances is to find alternative methods.

For example, instead of running your dryer during the summer, you could use the natural heat from the sun! A clothesline is an excellent way to conserve energy and reduce the heat and humidity that a dryer adds to your indoor air.

In regards to your oven - consider using an outdoor barbeque for cooking your meals instead! Gas and charcoal grills are both excellent tools for summer cooking.

You may even consider moving your entertaining space outdoors during your summer parties! This helps prevent your home from getting overly warm and crowded.

 

4. Install an Air Conditioner

Of course, what kind of HVAC article would this be if we didn’t mention air conditioners!

Installing an air conditioner is one of the best ways to keep cool during the summer. In fact, it’s probably the #1 best way!

Air conditioners can cool your home no matter how hot it is outside - providing a safe refuge for your family during even the worst heat waves.

They even help control the humidity in your home too! As you know from our first point, high humidity levels impact the natural cooling mechanisms in your body. Controlling those levels can help your body control its own internal temperature.

5. Book Air Conditioner Maintenance

And where there are air conditioners, there’s A/C Repair and Tune-Ups!

We frequently get asked what you should do when your air conditioner stops working in the middle of summer. After all, summer is the #1 worst time ever for your A/C to conk out! 

If your air conditioner has already called it quits, you have two options:

But if it hasn’t quit on you yet, you have time to ensure your air conditioner is ready to handle the summer heat. 

Remember to change your air filters, schedule an AC Tune-up and watch out for common A/C warning signs. We'll surprise you with how much money you can save by simply taking good care of your air conditioner!

 

Other Free Home Cooling Tips!

  • Stay hydrated!
  • Set your ceiling fan to spin counterclockwise.
  • Close blinds during the day.
  • Open and shut windows at the right time of day (open at night, shut during the day).
  • Upgrade our home insulation

 

Keep Cool This Summer With Campeau Heating in Sudbury, Ontario!

Face the heat of summer head-on with expert advice from our HVAC crew at Campeau Heating!

Now that you know how to keep your home cool during the hot summer months, an unexpected heat wave will never catch you off guard.

Have questions? Let’s keep the conversation going!

You can reach our team at (705) 560-2441 or message us online!

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