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Quebec plans to phase out fossil-fuel-based natural gas heating in homes by 2040, aiming to curb greenhouse gas emissions. Environmental advocates commend this decision, calling it a critical step in tackling climate change. Environmental groups welcome Quebec’s recent announcement banning natural gas heating in…

Asbestos in building materials is a health risk for humans when disturbed and particles become airborne. Protect the air quality of your home by identifying and mitigating risks of asbestos exposure. Asbestos is a mineral with excellent heat resistance and durability, leading to it being widely used in construction…

We live in an age of rapid urbanization that brings with it an endlessly growing demand for new homes, which has impacted the quality and lifespan of the homes we build. The current fate of older homes is typically one of demolition, sadly, rather than deconstruction. The relatively low-cost of the industrial waste…

Dry rot really is a rotten problem to have to deal with - but this destructive fungus that can infest homes is preventable, repairable and treatable - if you know how. First though, the identification of dry rot, and discover all about it. So what is dry rot? Dry rot - two words that can send shivers down the spine…

Is natural gas a good heat source for your home? If you're looking for a green and clean heat source for you home the answer seems to be no, and it won't be cheap for long either. Is natural gas bad? Yes it very much is no matter how you look at it. Burning any fossil fuel releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere…

Radiant barriers can help reflect heat and reduce heating and cooling costs, but by how much, and are they worth the investment. Do radiant barriers work? If you have noticed that the rough interior of some unfinished buildings or attics is covered in a layer of foil and you’re afraid that you might be missing out…

The electrification of homes and a move away from natural gas and fossil fuel heating systems is fast gathering momentum but are heat pumps any good, and is this a good time to buy one? We take a deeper look into heat pumps. As a seasoned construction professional with lots of HVAC experience, people often ask me…

All basements are prone to flooding, which is why we don't really like basements much. So, if it's your turn to look with dismay at your unplanned basement pool and wonder what to do next to fix things, read this guide and we will try our best to help. Flooded basement? That really sucks... Basement flooding can be…

In North America rarely a day goes by without a home renovation show or well known home renovation celebrity extolling the virtues of spray foam insulation. Homeowners in the UK are starting to realize what an expensive mistake spray foam can be. Spray foam insulation has gained popularity in North America as a…

The challenges of removing spray foam insulation means that recycling or even sustainably disposing of homes in the future will be problematic for those choosing this popular insulation material - a favorite of many TV renovation shows. Spray foam insulation is often promoted as an environmentally friendly option…

Most finished basements are moldy or will develop mold in the future because they are usually built poorly. Learn what to look for when home shopping. Basements, downstairs in more ways than one For those wishing to become homeowners, one of the decisions you'll face when buying a new property is whether or not to…

The LogisVert programme by Hydro Quebec encourages the adoption of electric heat storage systems with a special grant, which are an effective way of conserving energy for home heating, reducing the costs and problems associated with electric heating. Electric heating is the best option in Quebec . The downside…

The Awards recognize excellence in the design & execution of all types of sustainably-designed, high-performance Canadian residential & non-residential buildings & interiors, both new & renovated. Ecohome are collaborating with SABMag, here's more info. It's that time of year again, when Architects, Designers and…

The federal government has proposed a groundbreaking solution to the Canadian housing crisis: the establishment of a standardized home directory. Ecohome would like to see the accent on performance and sustainability. In Canada, the pursuit of homeownership faces formidable challenges, including escalating…

Beyond Bricks and Mortar: Partanna's Carbon-Negative, Storm-Resistant "Tree-like" Home Offers Self-Sufficiency for a Changing World. Imagine a home that embraces nature's wisdom, not just mirroring its beauty but also actively healing the environment it inhabits. This isn't a futuristic fantasy; it's the…

Insights, impacts, and industry perspectives on the early end to the seven year initiative to encourage greener Canadian homes. Starting March 2024, the Greener Homes grant program in Canada will stop accepting new applications , as reported by the Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada…

While electric powered homes, using high efficiency heat pumps and heat pump water heaters are the preferred option for green homes, if your home is too far from the natural gas supply or it's mobile home or tiny house, propane may be the only option. While Ecohome is a firm advocate of decarbonizing homes by the…

An in-depth guide with checklists to help make the best choices when buying a home, by outlining the advantages or disadvantages of buying a Fixer-Upper vs. Move-In Ready or New Property for sustainability, health and investment potential. The classic dilemma when buying a property is whether to buy new, to buy…

What is a 3D printed House? What are the pros & cons of 3D printing homes? Ecohome takes a detailed look at the printed home idea using new technologies and gives its verdict on this innovative construction technique that is very popular in the media. We've seen more and more headlines calling 3D Printed homes, "the…