Home Utilities and Systems

Home utilities contractors can help you with electrical work, heating and cooling systems, plumbing, security and fire systems, your septic line, solar energy, and more. Our articles and DIY tips can help guide you through performing the work yourself. If you require the services of a local professional, browse through our list of home utilities contractors in our directory to find the best professionals in your area.

Electrical	TOP

Electrical Contractor Hiring the right electrical contractor for the building of a new home is usually the job of the general contractor. An electrical contractor has the ability to either supervise the work of a crew on a job site or do the work personally. This depends on the type of electrical job and whether or not the project requires an electrician with a specialty like solar electric or commercial.

Off-Peak Electric Power Use Power companies cannot step up or turn down the flow of electricity to accommodate power consumption and so many are offering a time-of-use program where homeowners get a much reduced rate when using power during off-peak hours. By setting up a special meter and processor the power company can monitor this power use and help the homeowner to save money and reduce energy use.

	Does Your Kitchen Renovation Plan Involve a New Major Kitchen Appliance? Check out this Appliance Outlet Installation Guide This helpful guide provides homeowners with information about which wiring, plugs, and outlets to use when installing a new kitchen appliance is part of their kitchen renovation plan.

	Don’t Get Tangled With An Unlicensed Electrical Contractor Electrical wiring and fixtures are a crucial part of any new construction or remodeling project. Improper installation can wreak havoc on your property with fire or injury. This article gives helpful information on selecting a qualified electrical contractor for you project.

Heating & Cooling	TOP

	Radiant In-Floor Heating Radiant infloor heat is one of the most efficient ways to heat a home. This is because once the floor is heated the rest of the home is more comfortable. In other words there are no cold spots. Hot water or hydronic infloor heating is made up of PEX tubes encased in a mortared slab or under the wooden substrate. Electrical in-floor systems are also popular and are easier to install by do-it-yourselfers.
	OWB: Outdoor Furnaces Outdoor furnaces, or OWB's, are wood-burning water heaters that are situated outside of the home. This type of heating unit provides a cleaner and safer heat source that heats a coolant that is transferred to the home in underground, insulated pipes. The heat is provided by pumping the hot liquid into a heating system inside the home or building.
	Cold Weather House Ninja The cold Canadian winter becomes a realitywhen the fuel bills begin to arrive. This is also the time to go over the homeand locate any cold spots where heat could be escaping. In many cases it is abare concrete wall that is a major source of heat loss and this should beinsulated. Windows are another reason for a cold home and these should becovered with plastic.

	HVAC Contractors HVAC contactors are an important part of the health of a family because they install the air exchanging systems while preserving the energy in the home. Not only is fresh air brought into the home it is heated by the exhausting air trough a heat recovery system. In this system over 85% of the outgoing heat is recovered.

Electric Thermal Storage Power companies have surplus energy at night and weekends that they sell for almost 40% of the daily rate using a special time-of use power meter. This cheaper power is utilized in energy thermal storage units where electric coils heat up dense, ceramic bricks that store it in an insulated cabinet. This heat energy is slowly released during the peak hours when electricity is high.

	Get Paid to Save Energy To combat the rising cost of energy the Canadian government is offering a home renovation initiative called Ecoenergy, a plan which will reward homeowners and the owners of multi-unit dwellings who want to make energy-efficient changes to their home. This grant is up to $5,000 and will be awarded after a diagnostic is performed to the home by a qualified inspector.

	Finely Tuned HVAC = Energy Savings Energy costs are skyrocketing, and more homeowners than ever are looking for ways to save. This informative 928-word article offers helpful advice; how to get more from your HVAC system with regular inspection, repair, and cleaning.

	Make Your Home Heating System More Cost Effective This helpful article gives homeowners useful ideas for updating a heating system; making their home more energy efficient. Included are new innovations in energy efficient heat sources. Also included is information about solar and geothermal heating.

	Wood Burning Fireplace or Wood Stove vs. Contemporary Fireplace Options This informative article brings to light necessary considerations for choosing a wood burning fireplace, wood burning stove, a gas fireplace, or other more contemporary options.

	Alternative Heating Heating our homes is becoming increasingly expensive and as a result many people are looking for alternative heating methods.

	Cold Outside, Cozy Inside; All About Wood Burning Fireplace Anatomy and Maintenance Tips Nothing is quite as cozy as sitting beside a burning fireplace while winds rage outside. But, a proper understanding of fireplace construction and regular maintenance is important for safe use and top performance of your wood burning fireplace. This article explains the ins and outs of both.

Your Residential HVAC System; Types, Considerations, and Finding the Right Contractor When it comes to something as important as your residential heating, ventilation or air conditioning, you want to make sure new installation or expansion of your existing system is done accurately and cost-effectively. Read this article on various HVAC system types, requirements, and alternatives. With helpful tips for contractor selection and drawing up the contract. Plus ideas that could help you save big bucks!

Plumbing	TOP

Plumbing Contractors Plumbing contractors follow the building contractors' directions for plumbing installation in a new home. This includes building the water supply for the new home and extending it to all the pertinent rooms and providing drainage from the bathrooms, kitchens and wash rooms for hook up to the municipal sewer system. In rural areas the plumbing installation requires well hook-up and supervising the building of septic tanks.

	Water Damage Restoration; Acquire the Services of an Emergency Plumber and Drywall Repair Contractor A must-read. This 652-word article prepares homeowners for effectively dealing with a water damage disaster, and gives sound advice on making the right choice when it comes to service providers. It also includes tips on ways to save considerable amounts of money

	Plumbing Problems May Require a Plumbing Contractor Most plumbing woes require a licensed professional, whether repairing a leak, or insuring trouble-free installation of new plumbing and fixtures. This article gives insight to common plumbing problems, and tips for remodeling or new construction.

Security / Fire Systems	TOP

	Smoke Alarm VS. Fire Alarm System This informative 921-word article gives homeowners and business owners valuable information; helpful in determining what type fire alarm devices are right for them. Also included are basic regulations regarding fire alarm system installation and maintenance.

	Home Security Tips to Make Your House More Safe Protecting your home investment by making regular home repairs and home improvements is important. And making sure your house is safe and secure for your family is equally important. Read this handy article to find out what you can do to help ensure proper home security – quickly, easily, and affordably!

Septic / Sewage	TOP

	Your septic system can be well maintained, abused or neglected – your choice Thousands of homes and cottages treat household waste water using private sewage systems. Many people unfamiliar with a septic system do not realize the importance of an ongoing maintenance schedule.

Solar / Alternative Energy	TOP

	Introduction to the Eco Friendly Home; a Healthier, More Earth-Conscious Option With so much emphasis on environment friendly practices, is it any wonder many homeowners are opting for green house structures? Energy efficient homes that compliment the environment and help conserve resources. This 964-word article introduces the reader to the concept of an eco friendly home.

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