by Cathy Rust | 13,Nov, 2019 | Guide, Water Efficiency
The MaP rating system for toilets measures a toilet’s flush performance – how effective it is at doing its job. The minimum performance should be 350.
by Cathy Rust | 9,Aug, 2016 | Guide, News and Events
Bird-friendly glass is critical to designing safe buildings so that birds don’t crash into them. Some tips when designing a bird-friendly building.
by Cathy Rust | 11,Mar, 2016 | Guide, Lighting
I’ve been meaning to write this post for awhile as the lighting industry is changing over to lumens from watts to measure light intensity. So, the next time you have to go buy an (LED) light bulb, you will be able to use your newfound knowledge to buy with...
by Cathy Rust | 25,Mar, 2014 | Green Living, Guide, Water Efficiency
March 22nd marked World Water Day, a day used to highlight how important fresh water is to the planet and how much of the world’s population struggles to get reliable clean freshwater every day. Canadians are the second largest users of water in the world with...
by Cathy Rust | 3,Apr, 2012 | Guide
In 2007 we moved into a brand new house with the naive view that new was always better than old. My husband’s and my belief was that a new house would involve less maintenance, lower running costs, higher energy efficiency and overall fewer headaches. What...
by Cathy Rust | 19,Mar, 2012 | Flooring, Guide |
Linoleum flooring was the flooring of choice for schools, hospitals, residential kitchens and entryways until the invention of vinyl (PVC) tile and sheeting. It’s relatively easy to maintain, especially newer versions, it is hypo-allergenic and doesn’t...
by Clara Puskas | 2,Mar, 2012 | Cabinetry, Guide |
Beside budget, style, color, durability, brand that influenced our selections in the past, kitchen cabinet manufacturers increasingly compete for our business on the basis of providing healthy cabinets. Cabinets are often made of particle board, press wood, hardwood...
by Cathy Rust | 25,Oct, 2011 | Energy Efficiency, Green Living, Guide
The latest in energy efficient stove tops uses induction heating to warm and cook food. Food and liquids are heated significantly faster than with either a traditional electric stove or natural gas. But I’ve always had a few reservations with induction heating...
by Cathy Rust | 30,Sep, 2011 | Energy Efficiency, Guide |
Buying new appliances can be a pretty overwhelming task, even if you’re just buying a replacement for one that’s finally konked out. And if you’re buying a suite of new appliances as part of an overall kitchen/laundry room renovation, they will...
by Cathy Rust | 10,Sep, 2011 | Energy Efficiency, Government Incentives and Rebates, Guide
I’ve written many articles on energy efficiency, and read a lot on it as well, where I’ve always gotten frustrated are the uncoordinated tips that are given about improving your home’s energy efficiency. “Buy this super duper auto shut-off...
by Cathy Rust | 10,Aug, 2011 | Energy Efficiency, Guide
Think back to the ’80s, before the existence of iPods, home computers, electric telephones, home theatres, gaming stations (all right, there was Nintendo). Although our appliances consumed a lot more electricity per unit than the ones we use now, we used a lot...
by Cathy Rust | 27,Jul, 2011 | Energy Efficiency, Guide
In a previous post I discussed the importance of benchmarking your electricity use. Benchmarking helps you understand how much electricity you are currently consuming, as well as your usage history. Now we want to figure out where we consume it. A Do it Yourself Home...
by Cathy Rust | 19,Jul, 2011 | Building Envelope, Guide, Windows and Doors
Windows are usually the “path of least resistance” when it comes to heat loss/gain. Because you’re cutting a big hole in your building, it’s not hard to see where your heat loss is likely to come from. So compromising on window quality could...
by Cathy Rust | 15,Jun, 2011 | Architecture and Design, Guide |
Kitchen renovations tend to be a first priority when it comes to renovating older homes. There are many reasons for this including colour, design, material use (think terracotta tile flooring from the 80s), and most importantly, functionality. Kitchens are also a...
by Cathy Rust | 10,May, 2011 | Guide, Renewable Energy, Water Efficiency |
There are pros and cons to tankless water heaters. We list them in this short article.
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