Christmas tree fires are one of the most common holiday worries among homeowners, but the winter months present other dangers, as well. While decking the halls, follow these 4 tips to prevent holiday fire hazards from claiming your home. 1. Use CSA-Certified Lights The Canadian Standards Association certifies string lights for safety. When shopping for light strings, look for the CSA certification mark on the packaging to ensure you do not bring fire hazards into your home. [Read More]

Your forced-air furnace requires a massive volume of air to provide heat to your home. When your furnace doesn't receive enough air, it won't be able to heat your home quickly or efficiently. If your furnace just doesn't seem to be receiving a sufficient amount of airflow, then perform or arrange for these three maintenance tasks: Replace or Clean Your Air Filter Clogged air filters are one of the leading causes of restricted airflow throughout an HVAC system. [Read More]

Concrete is one of the most common construction materials in the U.S., with over 68 million metric tons of the material produced in 2004. It's considered the standard building material for a wide range of construction projects, from ordinary residential homes to towering skyscrapers and massive hydroelectric dams. Recently, a University of Arizona student created an eco-friendly alternative that offers its own set of useful benefits. The following takes a look at how this new material, known as Ferrock, stacks up to traditional concrete. [Read More]

Almost 9 million Canadians rely on groundwater for drinking, cooking, washing and agriculture. Water wells are drilled to reach groundwater in aquifers. Aquifers can be found in various sizes underground and are, essentially, holding tanks for groundwater. The ground naturally filters groundwater before it reaches these aquifers. Groundwater, however, can become contaminated and may run out of water. Here's what you need to know if you depend on your water well.  [Read More]