No matter how much we want to pretend it isn?t, winter is just around the corner and yes, it?s time to get out the checklists to get your home ready for the blustery winter winds we all expect here on Vancouver Island. Likely you?ve heard that the Farmer?s Almanac is calling for one of the coldest winters on record here, so we should expect chilly rainstorms, and more than usual snow too. Winterizing your home before it gets super cold, can help you save on heating bills, make your home more … [Read more...]

With that, it?s time to check the schedules on your thermostats as we shift from our nice cool air conditioning to our furnaces and heating systems. Here at ExchangEnergy we?re booking up quickly with all of our customers preparing their heat pumps and furnaces for the coming winter months. Don?t forget to schedule your annual maintenance to rule out any problems before you get that heat system up and running this year. … [Read more...]

As heating bills continue to skyrocket, a growing number of homeowners are turning to more cost-efficient ways to heat their homes. When the time comes to replace your boiler, or you're simply fed up with the constant price hikes, energy efficiency should be your number-one priority. Solid-fuel heating systems have soared in popularity in recent years as a result, since they are vastly more cost-effective to run. However, overhauling your central heating system is not a project to take lightly, … [Read more...]

While it may not feel like it quite yet, spring has officially arrived. That means it?s time to start thinking about the warm weather ahead, particularly if last year is any indication: The summer of 2015 was one of the warmest British Columbia has ever experienced, with several temperature records being smashed in the process. Following these five tips will give you piece of mind that your system is prepared for what?s to come. … [Read more...]

Home furnaces are generally hidden away in a basement or utility closet so you may not be giving yours much thought. That is, of course, until they start to give off a strange smell. While some odours are completely normal, others are indications that there may be a problem with your furnace. Here are three of the most common causes of smells and what to do about them. … [Read more...]

In-floor heating: it?s been around since ancient times but, given modern advances, is seeing a explosion in popularity. For those who?ve experienced it, it?s easy to understand why. So what?s all the fuss about? Here are 5 reasons to love radiant in-floor heating: 1. Efficiency One of the biggest advantages of in-floor heating systems are their efficiency. In fact, in-floor heating systems can be 30% more efficient than traditional forced-air heating systems. How? Well, these systems, … [Read more...]

Spring might be the most popular time of year to give your home a facelift and a thorough clean, but preparing for the winter months is every bit as important. The muddy feet of guests and pets can quickly reduce the lifespan of your floor and have your home transform into a chaotic mess in no time, but that's not all. To make your home more comfortable, cleaner and safer this winter, you'll need to take a few extra steps. 1 - Prepare Your Entryway Unsurprisingly, most of the dirt and detritus … [Read more...]

As we approach colder weather, our homes are often shut up a little bit tighter than they are in warmer summer weather. Opening up a window to let in some fresh air is all well and good when the temperature outside is nearly the same as it is inside, but when that temperature starts to drop it can be a long time before a fresh breeze is allowed into the home again. Unsurprisingly, this is also around the time of year that colds and flus are caught and spread among the population. When we shut … [Read more...]

We likely still have a few weeks of mild weather ahead of us, but you can?t miss the signs. The trees are dropping leaves. Birds are turning south. Starbucks has pumpkin spice. Fall is here, and winter is coming. Consider Investing in a Smart Thermostat If you like being smart, you can help to keep energy bills down by investing in a Smart Thermostat. A smart thermostat is one that can be programmed to raise and lower the temperature of the home depending on the time of day.? Some will even … [Read more...]