Certified HVAC Design: Adhering to Building Code Requirements & HRAI Guidelines for HVAC Design in Ontario
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HVAC Equipment Buying Guide
The Ontario HVAC Market Place can be extremely difficult to Navigate for the average home owner. We're actively working to provide concise model information, across multiple equipment categories. Our intention is to give you the in and outs, of the specs, and features that will make your next HVAC equipment purchase a huge success.
Humidity Controls
Supplemental Heating & Cooling
Current Market Supply has made this guide challenging to produce. Consult your Mechanical Ventilation Design Summary for specified equipment. All equipment must conform to SB-12 and OBC Requirments
Furnace Filter Buying Guide
Size Matters for Furnace Filter
It's important to choose a furnace filter that is the right size and type for your furnace. Measure the filter slot in your furnace carefully to ensure that you get the right size. If the filter is too small, it may not seal properly and air could bypass the filter. If the filter is too large, it may not fit in the slot and could damage your furnace. Most furnaces use standard sized filters, but it's always best to measure and check to be sure.
The Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) rating is a standard measurement of a filter's ability to remove particles from the air. The higher the MERV rating, the better the filter is at removing particles such as dust, pollen, and pet dander. Filters with higher MERV ratings are typically more expensive, but they can improve the air quality in your home. If you have allergies or other respiratory issues, you may want to choose a filter with a higher MERV rating.
Furnace filters have a limited lifespan and need to be replaced regularly to ensure that they continue to function properly. Some filters are designed to be disposable and thrown away after a certain amount of time, typically between 30 and 90 days. Other filters can be washed and reused, which can save money in the long run, but they may need to be replaced more frequently than disposable filters. Consider your budget and needs when choosing a filter with the right lifespan for you.
Reviews and recommendations: Before purchasing a furnace filter, it can be helpful to read reviews from other customers and consult with a professional if you are unsure. Reviews can provide valuable information about the quality and performance of different filters, as well as any potential issues or problems. A professional HVAC technician can also provide recommendations based on your specific furnace and needs. This can help you make an informed decision and choose the best furnace filter for your home.
MERV Rating
Lifespan
Reviews
Bathroom Fans Buying Guide
The size of your bathroom and the ventilation requirements will determine the type and size of exhaust fan you need. Your Mechanical Ventilation Design summary provides the ratings and CFM of your fan. Most bathrooms, need a fan with a minimum airflow rate of 100 CFM. Larger bathrooms will require more ventilation, so it's important to follow the MVDS and choose a fan that is powerful enough to effectively move air out of your bathroom.
Bathroom exhaust fans can be noisy, so it's important to choose one that is quiet enough to be used comfortably in your home. Look for a fan with a low sones rating, which indicates the noise level. The lower the sones rating, the quieter the fan will be. Most bathroom exhaust fans have a sones rating of between 1 and 5, with lower numbers indicating a quieter fan.
The efficiency and airflow rate of an exhaust fan is indicated by its CFM (cubic feet per minute) rating. This rating indicates the amount of air that the fan can move in a minute. A higher CFM rating indicates a more powerful and efficient fan. Choose a fan with a high CFM rating to ensure that it can effectively move air out of your bathroom.
The design and installation of your exhaust fan are also important factors to consider. Choose a fan that will fit in your bathroom and that can be installed easily and securely. Some exhaust fans are designed to be mounted on the ceiling, while others can be installed in a wall or on the floor. Consider the design of the fan and how it will look in your bathroom, as well as the installation requirements and any additional tools or materials you may need
Popular brands of bathroom exhaust fans include Broan, Air King, and Panasonic. These brands offer a range of different models with different sizes, noise levels, and airflow rates, so you can choose the right fan for your needs. It's always a good idea to read reviews and consult with a professional before purchasing a bathroom exhaust fan to ensure that you choose the best option for your home.
Size and ventilation needs:
Noise Level
Efficiency and airflow rate:
Design and installation:
Kitchen Exhaust Fan Buying Guide
Things to consider when purchasing a kitchen exhaust fan:
The OBC and HRAI ventilation requirements will determine the type and size of exhaust fan you need. As a general rule, a kitchen should have at least 100 CFM of ventilation for every 10 square feet of space. So, for a 100 square foot kitchen, you would need a fan with a minimum airflow rate of 1000 CFM. Larger kitchens or those used for frequent cooking will require more ventilation, so it's important to choose a fan that is powerful enough to effectively move air out of your kitchen.
Kitchen exhaust fans can be noisy, so it's important to choose one that is quiet enough to be used comfortably in your home. Look for a fan with a low sones rating, which indicates the noise level. The lower the sones rating, the quieter the fan will be. Most kitchen exhaust fans have a sones rating of between 1 and 5, with lower numbers indicating a quieter fan.
The efficiency and airflow rate of an exhaust fan is indicated by its CFM (cubic feet per minute) rating. This rating indicates the amount of air that the fan can move in a minute. A higher CFM rating indicates a more powerful and efficient fan. Choose a fan with a high CFM rating to ensure that it can effectively move air out of your kitchen.
The design and installation of your exhaust fan are also important factors to consider. Choose a fan that will fit in your kitchen and that can be installed easily and securely. Some exhaust fans are designed to be mounted on the ceiling, while others can be installed in a wall or on the floor. Consider the design of the fan and how it will look in your kitchen, as well as the installation requirements and any additional tools or materials you may need.
Some popular brands of kitchen exhaust fans include Broan, Delta Breez, and Panasonic. These brands offer a range of different models with different sizes, noise levels, and airflow rates, so you can choose the right fan for your needs. It's always a good idea to read reviews and consult with a professional before purchasing a kitchen exhaust fan to ensure that you choose the best option for your home.
Sizing and Ventilation Needs
Noise Level
Efficiency and HVI Rating
Design and Installation of Hood
Heat Recovery Ventilator (HRV) Buying Guide
Things to consider when purchasing an HRV:
A heat recovery ventilator (HRV) is a type of mechanical ventilation system that is used to provide fresh air to a building while recovering the heat from the exhaust air. HRVs are commonly used in homes and other buildings to improve air quality and reduce energy consumption. When buying an HRV, there are several factors to consider:
The size and airflow rate of an HRV are important factors to consider. The HRV should be properly sized for your home or building, and it should have a high airflow rate to ensure that it can effectively move air in and out of the space.
The efficiency of an HRV is typically indicated by its effectiveness or efficiency rating. This rating indicates how much heat the HRV can recover from the exhaust air. A higher rating indicates a more efficient HRV.
The design and installation of an HRV are also important factors to consider. Choose an HRV that will fit in your home or building and that can be installed easily and securely. Consider the design of the HRV and how it will look in your space, as well as the installation requirements and any additional tools or materials you may need.
HRVs can be noisy, so it's important to choose one that is quiet enough to be used comfortably in your home or building. Look for an HRV with a low sones rating, which indicates the noise level. The lower the sones rating, the quieter the HRV will be.
Some HRVs have additional features and controls that can make them more convenient and effective. For example, some HRVs have programmable timers or automatic controls that can adjust the ventilation based on the time of day or the indoor air quality. Consider the features and controls that are available and choose an HRV that meets your needs.
Some popular brands of HRVs include Broan, Venmar, and Lifebreath. These brands offer a range of different models with different sizes, efficiencies, and features, so you can choose the right HRV for your needs. It's always a good idea to read reviews and consult with a professional before purchasing an HRV to ensure that you choose the best option for your home or building.
Efficiency
Size and Airflow
HRV Noise Level
Features and Controls
Design and Installation of HRV
Thermostatic Controls (Thermostat) Buying Guide
Things to consider when purchasing a Thermostat:
Thermostats are the brains behind your heating and cooling system. These clever little devices are like the thermostat fairy - they magically maintain a comfortable temperature in your home or building, so you don't have to shiver or sweat your way through the day. Just set the temperature you want, and the thermostat will make it happen. When the temperature falls below your set point, the thermostat sends a signal to the heating system to turn on. And when the temperature rises above your set point, the thermostat signals the cooling system to kick in. It's that simple! So why not give your thermostat a pat on the back (or maybe a hug) for all the hard work it does to keep you comfortable.
Recently advancements in thermostats, including the development of smart thermostats with have brought about advanced features and capabilities such as zoning, multi room monitor and remote operation.
Smart thermostats are thermostats that are connected to the internet and can be controlled and monitored using a smartphone or other device. These thermostats allow users to adjust the temperature in their home or building remotely, and they often have advanced features such as automatic scheduling and energy-saving modes.
Thermostats with advanced features and capabilities include things like touch screen displays, multiple zones, and the ability to control other devices in the home, such as lights and appliances. Some thermostats also have sensors that can detect motion and adjust the temperature accordingly, or they can be integrated with home automation systems for even greater control and convenience.
Overall, the advancements in thermostats have made them more convenient, energy-efficient, and user-friendly.
There are many popular brands of thermostats, including Nest, Honeywell, Ecobee, and Carrier. These brands offer a range of different thermostats with different features and capabilities, so you can choose the right thermostat for your needs. Nest and Ecobee are popular brands of smart thermostats, while Honeywell and Carrier offer a range of thermostats with advanced features and capabilities. It's always a good idea to read reviews and consult with a professional before purchasing a thermostat to ensure that you choose the best option for your home or building
Supplemental Heating and Cooling Guide
Supplemental heating and cooling systems are used in residential buildings to provide additional heating or cooling as needed. These systems can be used in a variety of situations, such as when the primary heating and cooling system is not sufficient to maintain a comfortable temperature in the space.
Supplemental heating and cooling systems can include portable heaters or air conditioners, electric baseboard heater, combo systems, space heaters, and heat pumps. These systems can be used to provide additional heating or cooling as needed, in order to maintain a comfortable temperature in the space.
Supplemental heating and cooling systems are often used in specific areas of a building, such as bedrooms or living rooms, where extra heating or cooling may be needed. They can also be used in buildings with large or open floor plans, where the primary heating such as radiant heating, may not be able to effectively heat the entire space.
Overall, the use of supplemental heating and cooling systems can improve comfort and energy efficiency in residential buildings. By providing additional heating or cooling as needed, these systems can help to maintain a comfortable temperature in the space and reduce energy consumption.
Supply and Return Grille Buying Guide
Supply and return grilles are components of a heating and cooling system that are used to distribute air throughout a space. Supply grilles are typically located near the floor and are used to blow warm or cool air into a room. Return grilles are typically located highwall or floor and are used to draw air back into the system to be heated or cooled.
In a forced-air heating and cooling system, the supply grilles and return grilles work together to circulate air throughout the space. The supply grilles blow warm or cool air into the room, and the return grilles draw the air back into the system to be reheated or recooled. This helps to distribute the air evenly throughout the space and maintain a consistent temperature.
Supply and return grilles are important components of a heating and cooling system, as they help to distribute the air and ensure that the system functions properly.
Size: The size of the grilles is important, as they must be the right size to fit in your home or building and to provide adequate airflow. Consult your Duct Layout and measure the openings where the grilles will be installed to confirm the right size.
Design: The design of the grilles is also important. Choose grilles that will blend in with the design of your home or building and that will complement the overall aesthetic.
Material: The material of the grilles is a factor to consider, as it can affect the durability and performance of the grilles. Common materials for grilles include plastic, metal, and wood.
Airflow rate: The airflow rate of the grilles is an important factor to consider. The grilles should be able to provide adequate airflow to effectively heat or cool the space. When purchasing a supply register, it's important to consider the free grille area to ensure that it will provide adequate airflow to effectively heat or cool the space. Look for a supply register with a high free grille area to ensure that it can provide sufficient airflow.
Brand: Finally, consider the brand of the grilles. Some popular brands of supply and return grilles include TruAire, Accord, and Ekena Millwork. These brands offer a range of different grilles with different sizes, designs, and materials, so you can choose the right grilles for your needs.
Overall, it's important to carefully consider these factors when purchasing supply and return grilles for a heating and cooling system. This will help you choose the right grilles for your home or building and ensure that your HVAC system functions properly.