4 Ways to Transform your Bedroom

You are renovating your home and now comes the time to change your floors. After careful consideration, you choose a rather classic, hardwood that adds light and character to your main living area: ash. This type of wood is an ideal choice as it constitutes a wise investment given it is cost-effective and durable. With its coarse grain, ash offers both strength and flexibility; ideal for the busy and bustling family or pet lovers. Its features are also beneficial for those who do not have a lot of time to devote to an elaborate maintenance routine or who wish to install this type of flooring in a commercial space. Installing Ash Hardwood Flooring To determine the amount of wood needed, measure the area you wish to cover by multiplying the length by the width, round out the number, and add a little extra for good measure. This way, you will not end up faced with a less-than-beautiful result or uneven floorboards. Most companies, when you order or purchase your set of floorboards, will throw in labour. To save time or if you do not feel comfortable doing it yourself, note that the staff is experienced and qualified. However, if you do decide to take a different route, and tackle the project yourself, remember to adhere to the manufacturer's installation guidelines. Photo: Flickr Few Useful Tips Before installing your hardwood floors, make sure that the room temperature is around 20 degrees and that the humidity level is between 40% and 50%. Then, leave the floorboards in the room where they will be installed for 48 hours to allow the ash hardwood to settle and absorb the room’s humidity. In doing so, the boards will expand to their normal size, and avoid swelling or cracking within a few days of their installation. Also, you can purchase floorboards with or without an existing finishing coat. For the latter, following their installation, they will need to be sanded, sealed, and stained. A hardwood floor, as is the case with ash, is generally installed on ¾-inch thick plywood planks covered with a vapour barrier. First and foremost, have the right tools handy: Measuring tape; Crowbar; Rubber mallet; Hammer; Steel square; Wood flooring stapler; Mitre saw; Drill; Nail setters; Flooring finishing nails; Repair markers; Chalkline and pencil; Security goggles; Knee pads; Broom or vacuum. Test out your tools on a scrap piece of wood beforehand to familiarize yourself with their grip, weight, and required pressure. Also, make sure that your drill bits are smaller than your finishing nails. Choose the straightest, most flawless wood slats for your first two rows. Normally, boards fit together on the tongue side and into the groove. Start by laying your rows using different board lengths to ensure that the ends of your slats do not line up from one row to the next; the goal is to stagger the end joints. To secure your boards in place, pre-drill holes where your finishing nails will fit (on the top of the board), and pre-drill your flooring nails 45 degrees along the top of the tongue side floorboards. Then, hammer the nails in, and conceal the hole with a touch-up marker. Note that it is best to use a pneumatic flooring nailer to avoid splitting the wood or setting the nails at the wrong angle. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for nail and wall spacing. When completed, lay your baseboards, quarter rounds, and door jambs by nailing them into the wall, not the floor. For more detailed instructions, check out our article: Cherry Hardwood Flooring: Installation and Maintenance Tips. Looking for specialists for your flooring renovation project? Fill out the form so that we can put you in contact with certified contractors from our network! Ash Wood Floors: Care & Maintenance No doubt, ash hardwood flooring will not last forever. Years of wear and tear, sun exposure, and repeated shocks due to daily life will wreak havoc on them. However, by following a strict maintenance routine, you may be able to prolong durability, especially since this tree species are already endangered due to the ​​emerald ash borer (French only). Note: Oak and ash hardwood floors are among the most common types of flooring and, given their similar colours, ranging from creamy white to dark brown, they are rather hard to differentiate. Also, over time, both species tend to turn yellow or orange. That being said, you can easily refinish every other room in your home by choosing the option that appeals to you most, even if one is made of oak and the other of ash. The precautionary measures to take will depend on the type of floor finish you have. Varnish offers better protection and you can polish your floors without damaging them too much over a period of 10 to 15 years. However, when your floors start to show signs of wear and tear, call in a team of professionals to completely sand and refinish your floors. As for oiled wood floors, this type of flooring requires regular maintenance and is much more susceptible to wear. On the flip side, you can easily apply touch-ups once signs of wear and tear begin to show. And, theoretically, well-oiled wood floors will not need imminent sanding. Also, some prefer the more natural look that oil on wood offers. Are you looking for a cost estimate for your flooring project? Try out our cost calculator! Photo: Pixabay For a quick clean, use a microfibre cloth or a regular cloth on your floors as a broom might just spread the dirt and dust around, and a vacuum can damage your ash hardwood floors. As a matter of fact, avoid using any scrubby tools/materials like steel wool. A good cleaning product is designed specifically for hardwood floors, is non-abrasive, and does not require rinsing. It is quick-drying and leaves no residue. Avoid pouring products directly on hardwood floors and do not use large quantities of water, since humidity and water are wood's worst enemies. Avoid: Vinegar, citrus, oil-based soaps, or wax cleaning products, these are best used on vinyl or ceramic flooring. Delay Wear and Tear Make sure to wipe up any liquid on your floors right away. Have doormats or rugs in your entryway to avoid any outside debris from spreading around and scratching your floorboards. Stick felt pads under your chairs and carpets under any rolling furniture. And, of course, do not hesitate to seek professional advice, as for every type and species of wood, there is an effective maintenance method to keep them looking shiny for years. If you want to learn more about other wood species, check out these articles: Oak Flooring: Installation and Maintenance Cherry Hardwood Flooring: Installation and Maintenance Tips Choosing Your Hardwood Floors: Characteristics

Window shutters are a classic choice when it comes to indoor and outdoor home decor. They offer a hint of sophistication while increasing the privacy of your home. Not to mention they work to insulate, blocking excess sunlight and keeping air from escaping. But, if you’ve ever had shutters, you’re likely aware that they get dusty easily and thus, need to be properly maintained to preserve their charm. Knowing the correct cleaning methods for shutters can help you make the most of these window covering options. This article will explore some popular cleaning methods as well as other practices that’ll help keep them durable and looking fantastic. Tips to maintain window shutters Source: Pixabay 1- Try to keep dust at a minimum Even though window shutters are a delightful addition to all decor styles, they are prone to collecting dust. This is a result of their design, so don’t feel too discouraged. The key is to dust your shutters regularly to keep it at a minimum. To do this, close the shutters to as flat as they’ll possibly go and then use a microfibre or clean cotton cloth to dust them. If you don’t have a cloth on hand, a clean sock will work to pick up dust particles. Be sure to begin at the top of your shutters and work your way down. This job can also be completed with a vacuum. If you’re using a vacuum, make sure it’s on a low setting and if possible, use a small dry brush attachment to wipe away excess dust. Finish this job by wiping shutters with a dryer sheet, as their anti-cling action works wonders to keep shutters looking their best between cleanings. 2- Use the right cleaning products and methods Shutters are available in a variety of materials, including vinyl, aluminum, real wood, and faux wood. As mentioned, dusting window shutters with a clean and dry cloth will be effective regardless of the material they’re made from. Now when it comes to deep cleaning them, you should be careful about the products you choose to use. Avoid harsh cleaners and chemicals. If your shutters are wood, bear in mind that they can become damaged, warped, and discoloured if they get too wet. Instead, clean your wood shutters with a duster that’s been lightly sprayed with lemon oil. In contrast, aluminum, faux wood, and vinyl should be cleaned with water and a mild detergent. Then, wipe them dry so avoid water sitting on the surface of the material. Source: Pixabay 3- Don’t forget about shutter hinges In order to avoid excess dirt and dust buildup, shutters should be wiped down with a damp cloth about once a week. Two areas that you should pay special attention to is the shutter hinges and around the corners of louvers. If you find pockets of stubborn dust or dirt buildup, you can try using a paintbrush or toothbrush to clean hinges and crevices. Looking for specialists for your door and window renovation project? Fill out the form so that we can put you in contact with certified contractors from our network! If your home has exterior shutters, it’ll be in your best interest to clean and oil them once a month. The hinges of exterior shutters generally become stiff and squeaky as a result of weather exposure. This can be fixed with a drop of lubricant. Make sure that before you add lubricant to the hinges that you brush away visible dust or dirt, then place a drop of lubricant under the head of the hinge pin. Following this, open and close the shutters several times, so that the lube can work its way into them. They'll operate like new in no time! 4- Louvers: know how to care for them Not only do your shutters have to look nice and well kept, it’s also important for them to work properly. Louvers are a major piece of the shutter puzzle and refer to the individual slats or blades that rotate to control privacy and light entry. If you have shutters with visible tilt-rod controls, always use the rod to open and close your shutters. If your shutters have a hidden or invisible rod-tilt, it’s recommended that you grasp a middle louver, tilting it to operate the rest. We’d say you should avoid opening from the end of the slats, as this will lead to weakening them. It’s also worth mentioning that whenever operating shutters, you should use a gentle hand. If you’re finding that your shutters are having trouble opening and closing, use a screwdriver to adjust the screw at the upper edge of the shutter panel. This will help with any tension buildup. Source: Pixabay As you may now know, shutters can be difficult to clean. But, if you abide by some regular maintenance, good cleaning and care, you’ll avoid damage and breakdown. We hope these tips are helpful for when you notice that your shutters need a little bit of extra attention! Looking for more information about windows and their installation costs? Why not check out our price guide!

Are you looking for an electric heating system, but aren't sure which brand to turn to? Well, look no further, Chromalox is the answer! With over 100 years of expertise, Chromalox is a full-service technology-based company that provides a complete line of electric heaters to customers worldwide. Read on to find out everything there's to know about its various heating systems, their prices, and features. About Chromalox Source: Wikimedia Chromalox is a technology-based company that specializes in the manufacturing of heating and electric monitoring systems. This internationally recognized company designs innovative thermal technologies for industrial heating, thus providing superior results to the great satisfaction of its many clients. Chromalox offers a wide range of heat-producing products. The company strives to find solutions tailored to all problems, even the most complex and challenging. Whether it's maintaining operational temperature, heating long pipes, heating foundations, melting snow/ice, or protecting pipes, valves and equipment from freezing, these units are designed to ensure precise temperature control. It offers quality and durable products. Chromalox Heating Systems Over the years, a range of Chromalox heating systems have been designed, all of which are equally effective: Thermal fluid and air heating systems, and a whole line of electric boilers; there are various products. The most common Chromalox units are oil and gas heating systems, petrochemical processes and industrial gas (oxygen and chlorine), but there are more. Pipe heaters: Chomalox has a wide range of cables, systems, and other products to monitor and gauge heating designed for industrial and commercial use. Here, products aren’t chosen at random: they depend on the desired use. Is it for a building? A concrete foundation? Snow or ice? Or to protect plumbing pipes? Heating equipment: Units can reach temperatures of up to 1095°C. The Inconel 600 plate works efficiently at very high temperatures. Chromalox has high-quality heating elements that can be adapted according to needs. Few Examples of Chromalox Heating Systems Source: Canva Chromalox hot water electric boilers and premounted steam boilers are excellent sources of heat. They produce high-pressure steam or hot water, ​​both for space heating units and for industrial and commercial processes. These boilers are used wherever steam is needed and electricity is available. There's no issue here of burning fuel, as is customary. The output is produced by heat transfer at constant pressure. Heating system boilers are easy to install because they’re pre-engineered units operating at normal voltages. 2500 W Eclipse Chromalox convector: This electric baseboard heater is capable of heating up to 40% faster than a conventional baseboard heater. It's designed to increase comfort by allowing air to flow as quickly and as far as possible into the room. It has built-in overheat protection and is made of 20 gauge steel before being coated with scratch-resistant polyester epoxy. It runs about $104.99. Usually, you’ll need 10 watts per square foot when using electric heat, but this rule can vary depending on many factors, such as the number of windows and their sizes, the quality of the insulation, etc. Industrial heat trace cables or “thermwire”: These cables are designed to help prevent significant damage to gutters, cables, roofs, and downspouts, as well as HVAC compressors. HVAC pipes or compressors may be exposed to very low (near freezing) temperatures or melting snow, which can seep under the roof and freeze again, thus causing gutters and downspouts to lift, shift, or break. "Thermwire" trace cables prevent this inconvenience from happening. Electric radiant heater: Used for many purposes (paper and cardboard, textiles and fabrics, or non-woven metals). Operates at higher temperatures than metal plate units to help increase the processing speed of certain systems. Processed radiant heaters are ideal for situations requiring immediate operating temperature and/or reduced heat during non-working hours. The electric radiant heater has a minimum output of 350W and a maximum output of 36,000W. Industrial convectors: These are versatile electric heating systems that use natural convection forces for heat transfer. Industrial convectors don't require a fan or motor and are almost noiseless while in operation. Furthermore, they don't need much maintenance. This type of heating system is generally used in small spaces but can also heat larger spaces if combined with other heating systems. Industrial trace connection kits: These consist of all the necessary components to connect to supply T-splices or strand splices, to seal the ends and ensure water resistance. These kits protect pipes and tanks from freezing, support roof and gutter de-icing, protect fire sprinkler pipes from freezing, accelerate the melting of buried snow, prevent frost heave, and maintain the temperature of hot water and floor heating systems. The connection kits and accesses are suitable for both ordinary and hazardous areas. Also, they're straightforward and easy to install, and they operate reliably and safely. Heat trace controls: These are used in both regular and hazardous areas. Chromalox control and distribution systems provide temperature control, monitoring, and energy management. The powerful IntelliTRACE and weatherTRACE control software can be easily installed on a desktop computer and address your every heat tracing need. Hot oil and process liquid vaporizers: These are built to transfer thermal energy at fast speeds. They're used in all industries that require high operating temperatures and low operating pressures as part of the manufacturing process. The system units vary from 15 kW to 300 kW and can be ASME (American) or PED (Europe) pressure certified. Tube bundle and instrument enclosures: These are typically used to protect viscous materials from freezing, and to avoid gas condensation. They maintain temperatures and protect instrument samplings as well as impulse lines. These tube bundles provide safe and reliable heat trace systems to ensure the absence of ice buildup in the drain lines. They're manufactured with quality, durable materials that meet industry standards; stainless steel, copper, high alloy steel, and fluoropolymer tubing are available. Are you looking for experts for your heating project? Fill in this form to be connected with top-rated contractors! Advantages of Chromalox Heating Units Chromalox heaters are the result of years of innovation and development. Electric heaters are an ideal solution to control overheating, as their power is immediately available and can be thoroughly controlled to meet real-time needs. The use of such heating units emits nothing environmentally toxic. And, as a bonus, Chromalox heating systems feature a variety of undeniable assets: In-house manufacturing of parts ensures a more efficient and much less cumbersome design. Welding, pressure testing, and certification are performed according to ASME standards. Chromalox power supply control can be fitted to the control skids together with the heater. This results in a complete set. Engineering tools include AutoCad 3D, SOLIDWORKS, and PV Elite.

Did you know that some developed countries recycle up to 90% of their demolition materials? In Quebec, it amounts to 1.85 million tonnes of construction, renovation, and demolition debris, which is subsequently recycled every year. The main recycled materials found in the 50-odd sorting centres scattered about the province are wood, asphalt shingles, and gypsum. However, do these materials have equal or identical qualities as new materials? Are they cheaper? Where can they be purchased? Here’s all you need to know! Are Recycled Materials Quality Materials? Source: Canva Yes, but not always. Concrete is the perfect example congruent with this uncertainty since the quality of recycled materials depends on two factors: the original state of the material and its in-factory processing method. Together, these two factors make for resistant and durable materials. Those that correspond to the above-mentioned details can very well serve to build entire structures, as required by the city of Zürich, in Switzerland, when it comes to recycled concrete. Nevertheless, in Canada, just like in the United States, this material doesn’t have a favourable opinion. Companies would rather stick with pavement or granular fill. It's because recycled concrete replicates the weaknesses of the original material. Deteriorated concrete that’s subsequently recycled will give way to a structurally weak material that won’t respond well to seasonal temperature changes, freeze-thaw weathering, or rain and varying humidity levels. For such reasons, in Quebec, used and recycled construction materials issued from sorting centres are first and foremost wood, drywall, and asphalt shingles. What does that mean in terms of quality? Is Recycled Wood Quality Material? Yes, since its use depends solely on its condition. As such, wood planks that are already sized and perforated with nails, screws, or other metallic objects are used as fuel (firewood). Wood from flooring and framing trusses are processed in the same manner, with or without the metal connectors. Decorative wood can be used for resale, but only if it's clean and unpainted. As for painted wood, it'll be used as firewood, except in cases where lead-based paint was used. Consequently, reclaimed wood sold in stores is of utmost quality, otherwise, it would’ve ended up in your wood-burning stove. Are Recycled Asphalt Shingles Quality Material? Yes. They’re used for a wide range of settings. They're used as road pavement, asphalt roofing, temporary roadways, and fuel. Nevertheless, to ensure that recycled asphalt roofing retains its properties, the United States Department of Energy deemed that shingles shouldn't contain more than 20% recycled asphalt. Is Recycled Gypsum Quality Material? As a material, gypsum is often used as drywall. The latter can easily be recycled, so much so that manufacturing companies can reclaim the material to produce new partitions. Much like asphalt shingles, the amount of recycled gypsum found in drywall panels is roughly between 10-20%. Demolition Material Density Naturally, purchasing recycled materials can pique your interest, but resale post-building demolition might be worth considering as well. In either case, knowing the density of the demolition-issued material is super important. Here’s the density of the main materials: Material Density (Imperial Units) Density (International System of Units) Asphalt shingles 1 yd³ = 419 lb 1 sq. ft = 3 lb 1 m³ = 249 kg 1m² = 15 kg Bricks 1 cu. ft. = 112 - 125 lb 1 m³ = 1,794 - 2,002 kg Cinder blocks 1 cu. ft. = 90 - 110 lb 1 m³ = 1,442 - 1,762 kg Fibreglass insulation 1 yd³ = 17 lb 1m³ = 10 kg Solid gypsum 1 cu. ft. = 142 lb 1m³ = 2,275 kg Stone & gravel 1 cu. ft. = 95 - 100 lb 1 m³ = 1,522 kg - 1,602 kg Wood 1 yd³ = 375 lb 1 m³ = 222 kg Wood shingles 1 sq. ft. = 2 lb 1 yd³ = 435 lb 1 m² = 10 kg 1m³ = 258 kg Iron 1 cu. ft. = 450 lb 1m³ = 7,208 kg Half-inch thick plywood, (12.7mm) 1 sq. ft. = 2 lb 1m² = 10 kg Demolition-Issued Material Categories & Prices Source: Canva Wood A 1.25" X 28" X 49.63" (2.54 cm X 71.12 cm X 124.46) birch panel costs only $9. Should you prefer a 2" X 27" X 27" (2.08 cm X 68.58 cm X 68.58 cm) panel, it'll only cost you $5. Either way, they can be purchased in several stores across the province, including Mercier 40 in Champlain. And it doesn’t end here. For $0.75, you can buy a reclaimed ⅜ sheet of plywood. If you want to lay a wooden floor for a fraction of the cost, all you need is $75 to buy 17.5 sq. ft. (5.2 sq. m.) of brown barn planks, or $1.50 per linear foot if you’d rather 7-inch (5.1 cm) composite wood planks. Windows & Doors If you’re looking for doorframe stringers with stoppers, you can purchase 4.63 in x 82 in (10.16 cm x 208.28 cm) ones for $15 apiece. In terms of windows-doors, a 3 in X 8 in (0.91 m X 2.43 m) wooden frame fitted with tempered glass will only cost you $150. If you plan on adding a door cylinder, expect to pay an additional $25. For windows only, you can choose between aluminum or hybrid casements, for prices starting at $105.50 up to $1,050. Steel Are you in need of a good amount of steel at a bargain? How about a 61-inch long (18.6 m), half-inch (1.27m) thick, and 12-inch (30.48 cm) wide H-Beam? For $0.80 apiece, you’ll snag one! Besides that, you'll have several great deals, such as a 42-inch (12.80 m) hoisting chain and a steel handle, as well as galvanized steel corner plates and elbow-shaped pipes. Insulation Materials Besides wood and steel, insulation materials are also worth considering. You can find walk-in freezer insulation boards for as little as $8 per square foot. If you're looking for 8’ X 50’ reflective double bubble foil insulation, you can find it for only $50. Building a home has never been easier or cheaper than when you can rely on demolition-issued materials! Examples of Used Materials & Their Prices Source: Canva Second-hand materials are often used when renovating and interior decorating. As such, you can get a bunch of baseboards, moulding, and various decoration pieces for only $3 apiece. If you don’t have the necessary painting materials on hand, you can find paintbrushes and other tools for only $1. A Door for Less Than $90? Absolutely! A 24- to 26-inch (61 cm to 91.4 cm) by 80-inch (203.2 cm) steel door is available starting at $70. Add a door handle with a cylinder and the total for your front door will still only be $82. Interior Decoration Revamp your home’s entire decorative features by investing in floating shelves, storage cubes, and other inexpensive decorative elements. All you need is $6.95 to start shopping. From the kitchen to the bathroom, you can spruce up your decoration without needing to break your piggy bank. Decorative elements for the bathroom: shelves, bath mats, or shower curtains are yours starting at $10.50. You can even drape all the windows in your house with opaque or sheer curtains for only $11 apiece! Moreso, you can choose between a wide variety of colours and patterns. For example, bicolour day/night shades are yours for $35 apiece. Let your imagination run wild on account of used materials at the best possible prices. Are you looking for experts for your demolition project? Fill in this form to be connected with top-rated contractors! Why Are Few House Building Materials Recycled? Source: Canva Several issues surround the recycling of used building materials. It requires: Choosing used instead of new; Demolishing a building in a non-traditional manner; Materials must be free of any contaminants (asbestos, lead, etc.); Upcycling network; Linking supply and demand. The Government of Quebec is working on these aspects, intending to recycle more and more materials derived from construction, renovation, and demolition. However, companies must bridge the gap between supply and demand. To help you find the right companies, here's a list of Quebec-based companies that specialize in salvaging demolition materials and selling recycled construction materials. List of Companies in Quebec/Ottawa Where to Buy, Sell, or Donate Demolition-Issued Materials Company Donate Buy Sell Location Material ÉCO-RÉNO X X Montréal All AIM Recycling X X Charlemagne Steel Artisans recycleurs N/A N/A N/A Sainte-Lucie-des- Laurentians Carpentry Baldwin récupération X Bury Wood (Barns) BF Recycle X X St-Christophe d’Arthabaska All Bois d’Antan X X St-Casimir Carpentry Veser Antique Woods N/A X N/A St-Cyprien-de-Napierville Antique Wood La boutique rustique X X N/A Rigaud Accessories De tout pour tout X X X Terrebonne Metal, Everyday Objects ECOBOIS X X Ste-Marguerite-du-lac- Masson Wood Écocentres MRC de la Rivière-du-Nord X X Laurentians All Éco-Dépôt X X Montréal Furniture Madera éco-meuble N/A X N/A Montréal Furniture RGMRM X X Manicouagan All Material Library X X Îles-de-la-Madeleine Everyday Objects, Clothes Material Library X X St-Cyrille de Lessard Wood Matériaux et surplus Lefebvre X X St-François-du-Lac All Matériaux récupérés de Portneuf X X St-Casimir Wood Écochantier X X Saint-Pascal/Rivière-du-Loup All Les Magasin Habitat pour l’humanité (ReStore) X X Montréal All Habitat for Humanity (ReStore) X X Ottawa All Matériaux seconde vie X X L’Assomption Wood Furniture Matériaux usagés de l’Estrie X X X Sherbrooke All Démolition Panzini N/A N/A N/A Saint-Zotique Demolition On-Site Recycling Québec Aubaines Recycle X X X Québec All Recyclerie des Matériaux X X Ste-Agathe-des-Monts Everyday Objects Recyc-Antique X X Cowansville Barn Demolition Wood Réuse inc X X Sherbrooke Ktichen/Living Room Roger Bois de Grange X X Rigaud Barn Wood Vieux Bois X X Ste-Agathe-des-Monts Demolition Wood The Wood Source N/A N/A N/A Ottawa Wood

Are you asking yourself if and why you should install a condensing boiler in your home? Is investing in a new heating system really worth it? Condensing Boiler: Method of Operation First off, don't get me wrong : people have a tendency to confuse a boiler with a furnace. So, let’s clear it up: a boiler heats water or uses steam, while a furnace heats existing air and blows it out into air ducts. Condensing boilers' popularity is growing, especially given their high-energy efficiency and consistent heat distribution for maximum comfort. Their mechanism is not that different from that of conventional models. The fundamental principle of a boiler is to burn gas which, thanks to a heat exchanger and its reaction to air, produces carbon dioxide and water in the form of hot steam. As it cools down, this vapour is transformed into liquid water. The energy used in the process is converted to heat your home and generate hot water for use. The difference with a condensing system is that the steam does not escape through pipes or chimneys. The water generated by the cooling process is recovered and reheated, so the energy is recycled to power the heating system. Photo: Flickr Installing a boiler is a rather complex task and often requires the help of a professional. Expect to shell about $3,500 to $12,000 for installation. The price does vary according to the system that is taken out and the one that will be installed in its place. Are you looking for experts to tackle your air conditioning or heating system project? Fill out our form to receive quotes from certified contractors! Where to Install the Condensing Boiler? Boilers are usually located in low-use rooms or in secluded areas, such as a basement, attic, laundry room, or garage. Truth be told, you can install your boiler just about anywhere. However, there are a few standards that must be met. The room in question will have to reach a minimum height which varies depending on the boiler model. In addition, there are models which are wall-mounted and designed for small spaces, and which cannot be fixed on a thin partition. Photo: Flickr Also, make sure that the boiler isn't installed in the same room as an appliance that could alter the airflow, and that the area has adequate ventilation. Choose rooms of 8m³. Energy Savings A condensing boiler can save you up to 15 to 20% on your annual electricity bill, since it recycles about 11% of the energy normally wasted with a non-condensing model. So the investment is indeed worthwhile, provided that you choose a high-performance system, of course. To maximize your energy savings from your condensing boiler, it is imperative that it be installed on a heating system that allows the condensed water flowing back into the tank to remain at a temperature lower or equal to 55 degrees Celsius. We recommend a system that provides temperature control through access to an exterior sensor. Energy Saving Financial Aid Programs Government agencies as well as power companies have put in place assistance programs to encourage people to adopt energy-efficient or low greenhouse gas emission appliances. It is increasingly important to facilitate the transition to green energy and to lower energy consumption, to protect our planet. Among these types of incentive programs, Energir offers grants ranging from $900 to $25,000. Subject to certain terms and conditions, the amount awarded varies according to the energy capacity of the appliance you choose. For example, if you use natural gas instead of certain heating oils, you’ll have a smaller environmental footprint, since the smoke from burning natural gas isn't harmful. It's ideal for LEED projects! *The assistance awarded differs from one region to the next. Your power provider or heating expert will be able to better inform you on the subject matter. Condensing Boiler Maintenance Since the efficiency of the system depends largely on keeping it in good, working condition, you will need to have a professional come out to check up on your condensing boiler annually. They will verify its general condition before cleaning it and perform a more detailed inspection of all the components of your unit and your heating system. The technician will ensure that the settings of the combustion process are optimized to improve efficiency, reduce external losses and ensure your safety. If necessary, they will calculate the carbon monoxide level in the air. Maintaining your heating equipment, whatever it is, is important to avoid accidents, breakdowns, damages and heat loss. All of which are important, financially, as well as for your health.