5 ecobee Smart Thermostat Features You’re Missing Out On

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Time flies! It seems like just yesterday that we first got our hands on the ecobee3 smart thermostat. Now, the Toronto-based company behind the ingenious technology is rolling out the ecobee4 in Canada. This next-generation device improves on its predecessors and comes fully-equipped with Amazon’s digital assistant, Alexa.

If you haven’t seen an ecobee smart thermostat in action, you’re missing out. There’s a lot you can do with an ecobee beyond setting the temperature. Read on to learn a few of the top ecobee smart thermostat features we’ve seen over the years — and the best way to install one.

1. It Can Be in Two Places at Once

Most thermostats only read the temperature in one place: the vicinity surrounding the device itself. It works, but it’s not ideal. After all, the temperature can vary from one room to the next.

The ecobee3 and ecobee4 have a novel solution to this problem. The thermostat pairs with small, wireless sensors that can read the temperature in other rooms. The sensors also act as motion detectors, allowing ecobee to ensure the room you occupy is always at the right temperature.

Essentially, it’s like ecobee can be in two (or more) places at once!

2. It Watches the House While You’re Away

Worried about the temperature dropping too low or rising too high? You can set the device to notify you by email or text message when the temperature passes a certain threshold. The same goes for the level of humidity in the home.

This feature lets you keep track of what’s happening inside the house while you’re away. If you’re vacationing over the winter, for instance, you can ensure the temperature doesn’t drop to the point where you risk the pipes freezing. In the summer, you’ll know if the air conditioning stops working while you’re at work.

3. It Follows Your Routine

It’s usually unnecessary to run the furnace or air conditioning at full capacity 24/7. Powering down when you’re asleep or out of the house is one of the best ways to save energy. But switching the thermostat on or off manually is inconvenient, and many people don’t take advantage of a programmable thermostat’s energy-saving potential.

The ecobee has a fix for this. You can create three separate heating or cooling profiles: Home, Away, and Sleep. If you work from 9 to 5, for example, you can set the thermostat to Away until 5:30PM. That way, you’ll save energy while you’re gone and still arrive home to a comfortable temperature.

4. You Can Control It With Your Voice

The ecobee4 smart thermostat gives you the option of hands-free voice control with Amazon’s smart assistant software, Alexa. Plus, there’s no end of other cool things you can do with Alexa, from setting reminders to playing music to getting the latest weather forecast.

5. It Crunches Data to Save Energy

Ever wondered how a few degrees’ difference impacts your heating bill? The ecobee3 and ecobee4 can tell you. Using ecobee’s straightforward web interface, you can see the history of your usage in detail. It displays information graphically so you can understand changes over time.

So, what can you do with this information? For one, it can help you spot potential issues with your heating and cooling equipment. A decline in energy-efficiency is often one of the first signs of trouble with your unit. With the ecobee4, you can also ask Amazon Alexa for personalized energy-saving tips.

Installing an ecobee Smart Thermostat

Smart thermostats are powerful tools that can enable homeowners to cut their energy use by 8% or more.

However, there’s a catch:

These devices only work to their full potential when people install and use them properly.

When these ingenious devices hit the mainstream, it’s no surprise many people set their minds to buying and installing one on their own. Unfortunately, getting a smart thermostat up and running is not as easy as it looks. There’s more to installing an ecobee than re-connecting a few wires, many homeowners have found themselves stuck trying to do it themselves.

Whenever one of our technicians installs an ecobee smart thermostat, they take time to ensure the device is fully functional and train the homeowners to use it properly. We want to see people getting the most out of their ecobee.

This March only, we’re offering steep discounts on our complete package for both the ecobee3 and next-generation ecobee4 smart thermostats. That includes full installation of the device and training on how to use it. Included in all ecobee purchases is a three-year manufacturer warranty – another reason to take advantage of a great product.

5 Signs Your Home Could Use a Humidifier

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Are your sinuses acting up? Do you find yourself catching a static shock whenever you enter your home? It could be a stroke of bad luck, but it’s more likely these are signs your home could use a humidifier.

As the temperature drops, so does the level of moisture in the air. Low humidity is a common complaint from the late fall to early spring, especially in homes with central heating, which makes the air even drier.

Humidifiers can help to alleviate the ailments caused by low humidity. Here are signs your home could use one!

1. Your Sinuses Keep Acting Up

When the air is too dry, it can irritate the membranes in your nose and leave you prone to sinus congestion and inflammation. That’s one reason why many people are more likely to get sinus infections in the winter.

Moist, humid air helps to relieve sinus pain by keeping nasal passages lubricated, which is why it helps to take a hot shower when you’re stuffed up. While it may not cure the source of your sinus pain, adding a humidifier to your home can help keep congestion under control and reduce the chance of getting an infection.

2. You’re Always Getting Static Shocks

Ever notice how static shocks seem worse in the winter? It’s not just you. Dry air acts as an insulator, making it easy for a static charge to sneak up and zap you.

If it feels like you’re getting a shock from everything you touch, it may be because the air inside your home is too dry. Buying a humidifier will reduce static electricity and get those annoying static shocks off your heels.

3. The Floorboards Creak Beneath Your Feet

Wood naturally reacts to changes in humidity. It’s normal for hardwood flooring to lose moisture and shrink slightly when the humidity drops. But major fluctuations in humidity over time can stress the wood, even to the point of splitting and cracking along the grain. Other wood structures, like doors and window frames, are also susceptible to damage from low humidity.

Creaky floorboards is one of the early warning signs your home could use a humidifier. Maintaining consistent humidity level will help keep the floorboards beautiful (and silent) for years to come.

4. Your Houseplants Are Withering Away

Many species of indoor plants hail from tropical climates. Like many of us, they prefer warm temperatures and moist, humid air. It’s no surprise, then, that even a veteran Canadian gardener can have difficulty keeping houseplants alive through the winter.

One of the biggest reasons houseplants wilt in the winter is low humidity. The solution? Place a humidifier in the room. With proper humidity and a green thumb, you can keep your houseplants alive and well until spring.

5. You Have Really Dry Skin

Chapped lips, cracked knuckles, and itchy, flaking skin is a prevalent winter problem. The drier the air, the faster water in the skin evaporates, leaving you feeling sore and dry.

There are numerous products and home remedies meant to soothe dry skin, but one of the simplest solutions is buying a humidifier for your home. Place it in your bedroom to help replenish the moisture in your skin overnight. You may even find that having a humidifier in the room helps you sleep better at night!

Buying a Humidifier for Your Home

You have several options when it comes to buying a humidifier for your home. Small humidifier models, such as vaporizers, are a good choice if you need to increase the humidity in one room. To add humidity to an entire home, you should invest in a whole-house humidifier that injects water vapor into the ductwork of your forced-air system. Our first choice is the GeneralAire furnace humidifier.

Want to learn more? We’re happy to help. We offer top-notch service for all types of humidifiers, so feel free to give us a call or request a quote today.

Image: belchonock

5 Steps to Keeping Pets Safe in Freezing Temperatures

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Dogs and cats may be furry, but that doesn’t mean they can face winter alone. Frostbite and hypothermia are just as much as concern for animals as for you and I.

Here are five steps that will help to keep pets safe in freezing temperatures.

1. Don’t Leave Your Pet Outside During Extreme Cold

This one seems like common sense, but it’s easy to become busy and forget just how fast the temperature drops this time of year. Aside from bathroom breaks, dogs should not spend an extended period away from the warmth of your home in freezing temperatures. Cats who ordinarily spend much of the time outdoors will have to live the life of a house-cat until the weather warms.

If you must walk your dog, keep it short and never let them off-leash. It is all too easy for a dog to run off and get lost when the visibility is poor. Frostbite can harm ears and paws quite easily, and both young and elderly animals are at particular risk of death from prolonged exposure to cold.

If you bathe your pet, make sure they are completely dry before venturing outside.

2. Don’t Rely on Dog Houses to Provide Protection

A dog house will not keep your pet sufficiently warm. While it might provide a moderate degree of protection from harsh winds, these flimsy structures do not shield the animal from extremes in temperature. Even if your pet customarily sleeps outdoors, let them stay inside this time of year.

3. Use Sweaters and Coats

Even if you are only letting your dog out to relieve itself, take the time to dress them in a coat or sweater. While this is particularly important with short-haired breeds, it really should apply to all dogs for safety’s sake (ease off on the clipping until springtime). Bring a towel along to dry off any other spots on the animal that get wet.

4. Use Paw Protection

Your pet’s paws need protection. Not only is the cold bad for them, but the salt we use to melt ice can also burn their paws.

You can buy small, pull-on booties to protect your dog’s paws from salt and help keep them warm. If booties are not available, use petroleum jelly instead. Trim any excess fur around the dog’s foot to prevent ice sticking in between their pads.

Once inside, wash the dog’s paws with water and check the pads and between toes for inflamed or cracked areas. If you find salt anywhere else, clean those spots as well.

5. Don’t Leave Pets in the Car

We all know the dangers of leaving dogs and cats inside cars during the height of summer, but the same holds true this time of year. An unattended vehicle will trap the cold inside and become the equivalent of an icebox in no time. Limit winter car rides as much as you can, and if you must take your pets along for a ride, never leave them alone in the vehicle

 

Image: Jaromír Chalabala

7 Things Your Winter Storm Kit Needs

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Winter storms are a fact of life here in Ontario. Each year, Mother Nature brings us at least one wallop of a storm that knocks out the power, sends trees toppling, and glazes the roads with a slick sheet of ice.

That’s why your home should have a winter storm kit with essentials to keep your family safe through an extended power outage.

Most of the things your kit requires are inexpensive and easy to find. Here’s what you need to make a basic winter storm kit for your home.

1. Water

We take for granted the fact that we have clean drinking water available to us on demand. That’s not always the case after a winter storm. Water pipes can freeze and burst in freezing temperatures; storms can force stores to close, or the sudden demand can dry up their supply of bottled water.

A winter storm kit should include at least six litres of drinking water for each member of your household, or two litres per person for three days. Be aware that sweet beverages like pop and juice are no substitute for water, as the sugar and caffeine will increase your thirst rather than quench it.

2. Food

A power outage limits your options when it comes to cooking. Not everyone has a wood stove, and it is never safe to use a gas or charcoal stove indoors. If the storm shuts down your local restaurants and grocery stores, you could find yourself without much to eat.

In the event of a winter storm, you should have at least three days of food that doesn’t spoil. Good options include canned meats, canned fruits or vegetables, energy bars, dehydrated foods, peanut butter, and cereal.

As for the food in your refrigerator and freezer? An unopened fridge should keep food cold for about four hours; a full freezer will stay frozen for about two days, while a half-full freezer will keep for one day. If you’ve thought about placing food outside in the snow to keep it cold, think again; the sun’s rays can thaw it even in frigid temperatures.

3. Flashlight

These days, many people use their cell phone’s flashlight application instead of a real flashlight. That won’t do in a winter storm, as you’ll want to save your phone’s battery life to keep in touch. Instead, your kit needs a wind-up or battery-power flashlight. An energy-efficient LED flashlight will usually last the longest.

4. Emergency Cell Phone Charger

Cellular phone networks are typically more reliable than landline phones in the midst of a fierce winter storm. But a cell phone is only useful if it has power. Given how quickly these devices’ batteries can drain, you should have an alternative method of charging your cell phone when the power goes out.

Solar and wind-up chargers are an option, as are portable power banks. Another way to charge a cell phone during a power outage is with a car charger. Having an emergency charging option will help you stay connected to the outside world while you’re hunkering down.

5. Wrench or Pliers

Do you know how to shut off the gas to your home? What about the water? Knowing how to cut the utilities can be vital in some winter storm emergencies, like a burst pipe or structural damage.

Your winter storm kit should include a pair of pliers or a wrench you can use to turn the shutoff valves for your gas and water connections. Of course, these aren’t very helpful unless you know how to use them. Take time to learn how to cut the connections in case of emergencies.

6. First Aid Kit

Most people who invest in a first aid kit will (fortunately) never have to use it. But that doesn’t make it any less important. Help may not reach you as quickly when the road conditions are bad, and a power outage increases the risk of minor injuries like scrapes and falls.  The Canadian Red Cross sets out a list of must-have items in a first aid kit here.

7. Spare Blankets

Warmth is as essential as food and water. Even if you have an alternative heat source (such as a wood stove or a space heater), your winter storm kit needs to include warm, dry blankets for everyone in your family. The extra layer of insulation can make a huge difference in their safety and comfort.

Image: Kulkaan75

Furnace Safety: 6 Warning Signs You Should Never Ignore

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There’s nothing worse than your furnace dying in the dead of winter. Very few furnaces up and quit after only a few years; most provide warning signs that trouble is ahead. As a homeowner, it’s your job to spot these signs and take action.

Here are six furnace safety warning signs that you should never ignore.

1. Rising Utility Fees

Utility companies are not the only culprit when it comes to higher monthly bills. When a furnace is not operating at its peak, it consumes more energy. The furnace may just need a repair, but in some cases, rising utility costs could signal that the unit is on its last lap.

2. Uneven Heat Distribution

Are some rooms colder than others? The quality of its heat distribution suffers when a furnace is malfunctioning. Not only does this make the home less comfortable, but it could be a sign of bigger problems.

3. Dust

When a furnace is failing, it often expels greater levels of dust because it can no longer properly clean the air. The first thing you should do if you notice excessive dust is clean or replace your filters. If that does not help, call for a technician to inspect the unit.

4. Strange Noises and Smells

Just as your car makes odd sounds when something is wrong, your furnace can give you audible warning signs. If the unit is making sounds you’ve never heard before, that’s not a good sign. These noises can be the result of anything from loose screws to a failing inducer motor or blower fan motor. Call in a professional to find out.

We all know that awful “rotten egg” smell (actually a chemical called mercaptan) which is added to natural gas as a safety precaution. If you smell it in your home, this is a serious problem because it can mean a gas leak. Leave your home immediately and call the gas company.

5. Carbon Monoxide

A properly functioning gas furnace has a blue flame; if your flame is yellow, that is almost always a warning sign that the unit is producing excessive amounts of carbon monoxide (CO). Other signs to watch out for include rust accumulating on pipe connections, moisture on nearby surfaces, no updraft in the chimney, water leaking from the base of the chimney, and soot streaking.

If you notice any of these signs, have the utility company shut down your gas immediately and make a service call.

When a furnace’s heat exchanger starts failing, it can develop cracks, and that’s another way for carbon monoxide to leak into the air. Burning eyes, nausea, flu-like symptoms and general disorientation are signs of CO exposure.

6. More Frequent Repairs Over Time

You can buy a top-of-the-line furnace and have annual inspections, but all machinery eventually succumbs to age and mechanical failure. A modern furnace should perform effectively for 15-20 years. Anything beyond that is taking a risk you may later regret. An increasing number of repairs in the past 2-3 years is a good indicator that you should start shopping around for a new furnace.

 

Image: Brian Jackson

Still Cold? 4 Overlooked Areas That May Need Weatherproofing

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Having an energy-efficient home is a priority for many Canadians these days. An increasing number of homeowners are choosing eco-friendly dwellings. Whether old or new, all homes require a careful annual inspection to identify spots that could use some extra attention in wintertime.

Almost everyone thinks to check around doors and windows, but here are some potentially overlooked areas that may need weatherproofing repairs as well.

1. Garage

Whether you use it to store vehicles or as a workspace, don’t forget to include the garage on your list of weatherproofing projects. The garage often sits right under a home, so its temperature can affect the comfort level of the floors above.

In addition to insulating the garage door, replace the weather-stripping that runs along the bottom. Even the most durable rubber strips will wear out over time and let frigid air inside. Finish off by using caulk to seal any cracks or openings you can find inside or outside the area around the door.

2. Balconies

Balconies are wonderful places for rest and relaxation in the warmer months, but you probably don’t spend much time thinking about them the rest of the year. That is unfortunate, as cold air can seep in around the doorframe just as easily as any other doors in your home. Check the weather-stripping here and replace it, if necessary.

3. Electrical Outlets, Switch Plates, and Floor Gaps

Most people never get close enough to their electrical outlets to notice a draft, but you can find them in homes that lack sufficient insulation in those spots around the plug panels. An outlet may not seem like a big opening, but that heat loss adds up over time.

While you’re down on your hands and knees checking the outlets, look for gaps in the floor and walls that pipes and wires pass through. These areas may also need weatherproofing. Fill them with appropriate insulation where needed.

4. Attic/Roof

Most people worry about leaks in the roof, but wear and tear on top of your home can also provide spaces for cold air to enter. While water damage often points the way to a roofing problem, this is not always the case. Also, be sure to inspect the inside by carefully examining the insulation in your attic for trouble spots that need additional weatherproofing.

Image: Antonio Guillem

What Everyone Needs to Know About Their Gas Fireplace

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Much as we complain about winter here in Ontario, there are some upsides to frosty weather. Cozy fires are one of them. A fireplace can be a comfortable heat source and a fond gathering place, and gas fireplaces offer both benefits at the click of a button.

But many people aren’t sure what to think when it comes to gas fireplace safety. Are gas fireplaces safe? Are they environmentally friendly?

Here are 8 things everyone should know about their gas fireplace.

1. Safety Screens are a Must-Have

Many gas fireplaces have a tempered glass window to provide a view of the flames within. Though this glass can withstand high temperatures, its surface becomes extremely hot.

The glass window of a gas fireplace can reach a temperature of 200°C (400°) within only six minutes of the fireplace roaring to life and can remain hot to the touch over an hour after it turns off. At this temperature, burns can occur in a split second. The glass is especially dangerous to young children, who are naturally curious about fire and may not understand the risk.

Safety screens are a critical part of gas fireplace safety. Since 2015, all gas fireplaces sold in Canada with a glass front must come with an attachable safety screen. But many older models lack this important safety feature. Safety screens are a must-have purchase for anyone who has a gas fireplace in their home.

2. Be Careful When Cleaning

Like any surface in the home, the fireplace’s glass window can use a good cleaning from time to time. However, you should always follow the manufacturer’s guidance on how to clean it properly. An important rule of thumb when it comes to cleaning a gas fireplace is never wipe the glass with a damp cloth while it’s hot, as doing so can cause the glass to crack.

3. Not All Gas Fireplaces Are Equal

On the whole, gas fireplaces are clean and energy efficient. They produce far less carbon monoxide and other emissions than their traditional wood-burning counterparts. But not all gas fireplaces are equal.

There are important distinctions between gas fireplace models that impact their efficiency and performance. Some gas fireplaces are classified as ‘decorative,’ while others are heaters by design. Be sure to note the difference when comparing gas fireplace efficiency ratings.

4. Keep Flammable Materials Away

One of the perks of choosing gas over a wood-burning fireplace is the absence of red-hot sparks. However, just because the fire cannot escape doesn’t mean it presents no hazard.

The fireplace’s glass, metal, and ceramic components reach extreme temperatures during use. Some objects can ignite if left too close.

You should leave at least three feet of space between a gas fireplace and flammables like furniture, curtains, pet beds, or rugs. Use caution when it comes to decorating the mantle for holidays; always follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Never place or hang anything on the fireplace that isn’t meant to be there.

5. Bigger is Not Always Better

Nothing is cozier than a roaring fire. But when it comes to heating a home, bigger isn’t always better. A high-output fireplace in a small room can cause discomfort rather than coziness.

There are many factors to consider in choosing the ideal size of gas fireplace, including the home’s layout, insulation, airtightness, and other heat sources. Taking these issues into account, a well-located fireplace can meet up to half a home’s heating demand.

6. Beware of Carbon Monoxide

Gas fireplaces are safe. But as with all gas appliances, they do produce carbon monoxide. If something goes wrong, carbon monoxide put the home’s occupants at risk.

It’s not always easy to tell when theres a carbon monoxide leak. Carbon monoxide has no colour, smell, or taste, and the early symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are subtle. Therefore, carbon monoxide detectors are a critical part of gas fireplace safety, even if you don’t use the fireplace often. Ensure your home has at least one on each floor.

 7. Don’t Use It During Renovations

Planning to undertake a home renovation this winter? Avoid using your gas fireplace during that time.

Drywall dust and other debris can accumulate and cause fan, motor, or burner damage. Plus, it’s never wise to have the fireplace on when there are flammable materials like drop cloths and paint cans nearby.

8. Get an Annual Tune-Up

Overall, gas fireplaces are safe and energy-efficient. But like all parts of your heating and cooling system, they require service to perform at their best. The best way to guarantee your unit runs safely and at peak efficiency is to schedule a fireplace inspection with a professional. A skilled technician will also polish the inside of the glass and clean the fans to ensure good circulation.

 

Image: Paul Maguire

How to Protect Your Home from The Next Big Freeze

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Last December ended with some of the coldest local temperatures on record and that trend carried right on into the new year. It was certainly the sort of weather that made you grateful for a warm and cozy home!

In case history repeats itself, here are a few preventative steps that will help protect your home from the next big freeze.

Book a Furnace Inspection

A furnace is the heart of your home heating system. If it goes down, you will certainly feel it this time of year. Preventative inspection and maintenance are the best way to avert that.

An experienced technician will put the unit through a complete operating cycle, checking such essentials as temperature levels across the air handler, the condition of the fan belt, and the thermostat. Other checks include making sure there are no blockages in the vent system, examining the fresh air intake grills and louvers, and looking for instances of corrosion and wear that could be problematic in future.

Just as your vehicle needs tune-ups to perform at its best, a furnace will last longer and provide better results with some periodic care. Comprehensive yearly maintenance packages are available at a low monthly cost.

Take Steps to Avoid Frozen Pipes

One of the first dangers brought about by a dead furnace is frozen pipes. This can be a particularly expensive problem to deal with as you face both plumbing repair costs and water damage.

If you have any sinks on an exterior wall, leave open both the hot and cold taps just enough for them to drip until the outside temperature warms up a bit. That can often be enough to prevent a frozen pipe. Applying pipe wrap insulation is another good preemptive measure. Ensure that you have easy access to your main water shut-off as time is of the essence if a break occurs.

For outside pipes, confirm the water is off and then drain the lines. Be sure to disconnect your garden hose and check that the hose bib insulation is still intact.

Inspect Both the Exterior and Interior

While you’re checking the exterior plumbing, take a close look at the outside of your house. Keep an eye out for cracks or holes where heat can escape and repair as necessary. Also, replace any old, failing weather stripping around doors and windows. Check the basement for drafts and correct as needed. Apply additional insulation should you find air leakage in the attic.

Clean Out Your Eavestroughs and Check Roof Tiles

Snow and ice formation on roofs can lead to leaks and structural harm, including a roof collapse. If your roof is too high to clean with a snow rake, there is not much you can do to stop accumulation during a storm.

Cleaning out your eavestroughs before winter sets in will help to limit the amount that can sit up there. Repairing and replacing roof tiles during the fall will also prevent winter water damage.
If you are concerned about whether your roof will make it until spring, contact a professional snow removal company to lessen the weight.

Keep Your Garage Door Closed

Keeping the garage closed as much as possible during winter is essential. This not only protects the contents, but also helps to prevent heat escaping and possible pipe freezing.

Image: Nobilor

What is a Heat Pump and How Can It Benefit My Home?

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All homeowners strive to find the home comfort system that will best serve their needs year-round, while also fitting within their energy budget. Most Canadians rely on air conditioning during the warmer months and a furnace when it gets cold outside.

Wouldn’t it be great to have a device that does both?

Heat pumps offer just that.

What is a Heat Pump?

Heat pumps are not a new product.  The basic principle is it removes heat from the air and extracts it either internally or externally from your home. The unit’s compressor pumps refrigerant between a pair of heat exchange coils. The first coil causes the refrigerant to evaporate and absorb heat. While on-route to the second coil, the refrigerant compresses. Upon arrival, it condenses at high pressure, releasing any heat absorbed.

If that sounds like the opposite of what refrigerators and air conditioners do, you’re right. But this type of heat pump can also perform the reverse function, turning warm air into cool air. The switch happens via the unit’s reversing valve.

Indoor and Outdoor

Just as a furnace/air conditioner HVAC system has mechanisms on both the inside and outside of a home, heat pumps consist of indoor and outdoor components. In contrast, the heat pump’s two halves work together simultaneously.

These provide your living space with both warm or cold air when desired. Unlike a furnace, which is constantly generating heat, the heat pump is always moving existing warm air throughout the home. This makes for highly efficient distribution of heat.

The unit does not use fuel, like many furnaces, running instead on electricity. Like all electrical products sold in Canada, the Canadian Standards Association certifies heat pumps for electrical safety, so look for the CSA seal when shopping for one.

Your Furnace and Heat Pump Can Work Together

While it seems unlikely this time of year in Canada, it is always possible to extract some heat energy from even the most frigid air outside. The heat pump then does its magic and circulates this available heat throughout your home.

Heat pumps are a great choice, but they cannot replace a furnace in most parts of Canada. Most experts feel that once the temperature dips below -15°C in winter time, the warmth circulated by a heat pump is no longer enough. However, heat pumps can work quite well in conjunction with a furnace by acting as a back-up.

If you are looking to upgrade your old furnace and add a heat pump or just add a heat pump to your existing furnace, input from a home comfort expert is invaluable. They will take into consideration where you live, your home heating needs and, if you decide on a heat pump/furnace combination, which units would work best together.

 

Image: galinast