Blog

Do I Need A Water Softener?

May 18, 2018

You may not realize how “hard” your own water is until you visit a friend with “soft” water. You will notice how just a small amount of soap creates a rich lather, and how soft the towels are as you dry your hands. This is the result of a water softener at work. Water softeners remove calcium and other dissolved mineral content from your water supply. Water is channeled through a reservoir filled with salt ions, where the hard mineral solids are contained and exchanged with the soft salt ions. The softened water evacuates

Get Your HVAC Maintenance Under Control With This Easy Guide

April 1, 2018

You have a lot on the go, so it’s normal if tending to the needs of your furnace, air conditioner, and other HVAC equipment often comes last on the list of priorities. That’s why we have compiled this primer on common HVAC equipment and care. Whether you have recently moved into a new home or gotten new equipment, or it has been a while and you need a refresher, this guide will help you gain an understanding of your equipment and the basic maintenance it requires. Maintaining Your Air Conditioner, Furnace, and HRV/ERV

Here’s Why Your Allergies Flared Up Recently

February 1, 2018

Ah, allergies – this gift that keeps on giving. For most people, they tend to act up in the spring and summer months when outdoor air is ripe with pollen. But if during our recent “January thaw” you noticed your allergies kicking in, this is why. Mold, mold, mold There’s a certain degree of mold present outside year-round, but most grows in the fall season. At this time piles of leaves and other dead vegetation absorb moisture and create dark, wet places ideal for bacteria growth. Anyone with allergies or respiratory

Guelph Students Get a Taste of the Trades

October 26, 2017

Hy-Mark had some special guests today…and they came hungry! Hy-Markwas a stop on “Residential Construction Day,” a field trip for Grade 12 students to gain an understanding of life in the residential construction industry and the skilled trades. Thirty-five construction students from the Upper Grand District School Board enjoyed one of our famous Hy-Mark barbeques with our team, and got a grand tour of our warehouse. They were also able to ask questions to our plumbers and HVAC technicians about what school is required to get licensed in the trades, what kind of salaries they could expect,

How to Choose Between a Gas Or Electric Fireplace

October 13, 2017

Nothing beats curling up in front of a cozy fire on a cold winter night. If you are considering adding a fireplace to your home, the first thing to decide is whether to go with a gas or electric model. Here is our breakdown of how the types compare. Installation Gas: Requires a gas line to the house and must have room to cut a vent to the outside of the home (usually means being located on an exterior wall). Electric: Simply plugs into an electrical outlet like any other appliance.

Why That Faucet Costs More Through A Plumbing Company…And Is Worth Every Penny

September 26, 2017

Maybe this situation has happened to you, or will one day occur: you are planning some plumbing renovations in your home and get a quote on the scope of work from a plumbing company. When you see the part versus labour breakdown, you decide to shop around and see if you can find the fixture for cheaper. You hop online and do a quick Google search and find the part around 30% cheaper at one of the big box home hardware stores. Great! You’ve just saved some money by doing a quick price comparison online, right? Actually

5 Ways to Keep Your A/C From Working Too Hard

June 27, 2017

1. Close your basement vents Since cold air settles in low places, you will want to adjust your home’s vents for the summer months. Your basement will naturally be the coolest place in the house, so close your vents in this area to prevent over-cooling. Leave them half open on the first floor, and wide open on the second or third floors. This will ensure enough cooled air makes it up to the higher levels of your home, giving you an even and comfortable temperature throughout your home. 2. Use a thin air filter

‘Project Hope” Build Is Complete!

June 13, 2017

Over the weekend Hy-Mark participated in the Project Hope build organized by Doug Tarry Homes. This charity event saw an entire home built in less than 3 days! Proceeds of the sale of the home will benefit the surviving family of St. Thomas native Johnny Nooren, who passed away leaving behind his wife and two young children. Beginning Friday, June 9th and culminating Sunday, June 11th before noon, the home took shape and was completed in only 39 working hours. Remarkably, site supervisors said that due to smooth coordination the home could even have been completed in

5 Signs It’s Time For a New Air Conditioner

May 31, 2017

Air conditioner getting up there in age, and not performing as well as it used to? The big decision is always to keep making repairs or replace. But how do you know when it’s time? Here are five ways to tell for sure if it’s time for a new unit. Not Enough Cooling Power Do you constantly have the air blasting on high, yet you’re still not comfortable? If your air conditioner is always working hard – but hardly working – it may be time to look for another. The problem could be

7 Bathroom Decor Ideas To Try

March 1, 2017

1. You’ve spent thousands of dollars on the perfect bathroom – why ruin the aesthetic with ugly plastic bottles? Instead, try putting mouthwash in an elegant glass bottle from the kitchenware section of any home goods store. Attach a rubber lined spout on top for easy, one handed pouring. Some small, nicely detailed disposable cups are a nice touch, especially for guests. 2. A display of clean bath towels can add a sense of luxury and comfort. A wine rack display can stow towels tightly in small areas, with the added

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