The document summarizes the strong performance of the Toronto real estate market in September 2011, with home sales up 25% from the previous year. It also discusses factors contributing to the robust market, such as low interest rates, rising incomes, and limited housing supply. The average price of homes sold in the GTA rose nearly 10% to $465,369. While sales have been strong, the market remains tight with listings down 8% from the previous year.
See a selection of our portrait images.
For more images visit www.thegrovelibrary.net and select "search images".
Like us on Facebook and see even more of our amazing resources. Search for Grove History.
Citizen playing an active role in the process of collecting, reporting, analyzing, and disseminating news and information. Which is called as street journalism or citizen journalism
Bitter Pill: Why Medical Costs Are Killing Us?Anup Soans
This is Where India is also Headed - Un-affordable and Inexplicable Costs of Medical Treatment. The health care debate has been about who will pay? The question are prices too high? has been ignored.
It is nauseating that helpless sick people are billed huge amounts of money that bear little relation to costs.
How To Stay Covered in the Mobile Work DownpourCitrix Online
Once upon a time people went to the office five days a week. They commuted and were only able to complete their work at the office. Find out what happened when the digital rains arrived, empowering people to connect to their work from other locations.
Implementing OpenID for Your Social Networking SiteDavid Keener
There are thousands of social networking sites, each with their own unique sign-on systems. How many user names and passwords do you really want to remember? Wouldn't it be nice if you could have a single sign-on that you could use on all of the sites that you frequent? OpenID is an open-source, decentralized sign-on technology that promises this and more. Find out how to implement OpenID for a web site using Ruby on Rails.
In this presentation for the Metro UX Special Interest Group Meeting in NYC on February 10, 2015, I speak about User Experience history, practices and philosophy at Darien Library.
Comunicare con i Motori di Ricerca senza essere fraintesi: alla scoperta del ...Mamadigital
l primo vero fattore di ranking è rappresentato dalla capacità di comunicare correttamente con i Search Engines.
Il protocollo HTTP è l'opportunità per gestire efficacemente i processi di crawling nei nostri siti fornendo indicazioni in modo chiaro ai Search Engine. Nell'intervento verranno condivisi approcci ed esempi reali in cui la gestione attraverso il protocollo HTTP è stata risulitiva ed efficace anche in termini di effort, oltre che la recentissima case history in cui l'attivazione del protocollo HTTPS ha generato in Google inaspettati (e non reali) cali di visibilità.
See a selection of our portrait images.
For more images visit www.thegrovelibrary.net and select "search images".
Like us on Facebook and see even more of our amazing resources. Search for Grove History.
Citizen playing an active role in the process of collecting, reporting, analyzing, and disseminating news and information. Which is called as street journalism or citizen journalism
Bitter Pill: Why Medical Costs Are Killing Us?Anup Soans
This is Where India is also Headed - Un-affordable and Inexplicable Costs of Medical Treatment. The health care debate has been about who will pay? The question are prices too high? has been ignored.
It is nauseating that helpless sick people are billed huge amounts of money that bear little relation to costs.
How To Stay Covered in the Mobile Work DownpourCitrix Online
Once upon a time people went to the office five days a week. They commuted and were only able to complete their work at the office. Find out what happened when the digital rains arrived, empowering people to connect to their work from other locations.
Implementing OpenID for Your Social Networking SiteDavid Keener
There are thousands of social networking sites, each with their own unique sign-on systems. How many user names and passwords do you really want to remember? Wouldn't it be nice if you could have a single sign-on that you could use on all of the sites that you frequent? OpenID is an open-source, decentralized sign-on technology that promises this and more. Find out how to implement OpenID for a web site using Ruby on Rails.
In this presentation for the Metro UX Special Interest Group Meeting in NYC on February 10, 2015, I speak about User Experience history, practices and philosophy at Darien Library.
Comunicare con i Motori di Ricerca senza essere fraintesi: alla scoperta del ...Mamadigital
l primo vero fattore di ranking è rappresentato dalla capacità di comunicare correttamente con i Search Engines.
Il protocollo HTTP è l'opportunità per gestire efficacemente i processi di crawling nei nostri siti fornendo indicazioni in modo chiaro ai Search Engine. Nell'intervento verranno condivisi approcci ed esempi reali in cui la gestione attraverso il protocollo HTTP è stata risulitiva ed efficace anche in termini di effort, oltre che la recentissima case history in cui l'attivazione del protocollo HTTPS ha generato in Google inaspettati (e non reali) cali di visibilità.
James Metcalfe's Real Estate Update August 2012James Metcalfe
In the August 2012 Real Estate Update July home prices were on the rise and basement apartment legalities were in question. Mold can be a major issue in homes, so we have provided some helpful tips on how to identify it, how it's growth is affected and what exactly it is.
Better Builder Magazine brings together premium product manufactures and leading builders to create better differentiated homes and buildings that use less energy, save water and reduce our impact on the environment. The magazine is published four times a year.
Here is a great article about what constitutes Retrofit and what constitutes legal status in the City of Toronto by Carson Dunlop Consulting Engineers.
In the summer of 2008 with crude oil prices soaring to $140 per barrel, GeoThermal energy became a clear alternative for hot water, heating and cooling for a residential home.
TSG Realty under the leadership of Raul Sanchez De Varona operates four distinct divisions –Leasing Division, Retail Divisions, Acquisitions Division and Sales Division.
TSG - A premiere real estate investment and development company in Miamiraulsanchezvarona
Since the very inception of TSG, Raul Sanchez De Varona has consistently employed innovative techniques and unique strategies to maximize the returns and efficiency of real estate assets.
Find out how to select a lot and good questions to ask potential builders. Step by step advice from purchasing the lot to selecting your ideal builder, written by David Belman of Belman Homes.
James Metcalfe's November Real Estate UpdateJames Metcalfe
This month we saw a 6% rise in the average cost of homes in the GTA. Also we look at status certificates and some important tips on evaluating adjustable rate mortgages. The ever popular pearls of wisdom also return
Better Builder Magazine, Spring Issue, 2014Better Builder
Better Builder is a magazine geared towards the green energy construction market. Timely articles about new designs and products are featured each issue which comes out 6 times a year.
Better Builder Magazine brings together premium product manufactures and leading builders to create better differentiated homes and buildings that use less energy, save water and reduce our impact on the environment. The magazine is published four times a year.
Similar to James Metcalfe's Real Estate Market Update 10,11 (20)
Resale volume sees a slight increase in April. This month learn about a new research tool and how to design a kitchen. Also, as always the ever popular pearls of wisdom return.
Home Prices Up - Unit Sales Down August 2010 vs 2009
The average price for August transactions was $411,012 – up six per cent compared to the average of $387,921 reported in August 2009.
Visit www.OurHomeToronto.com to review actual listing prices and offerings.
Lung Cancer: Artificial Intelligence, Synergetics, Complex System Analysis, S...Oleg Kshivets
RESULTS: Overall life span (LS) was 2252.1±1742.5 days and cumulative 5-year survival (5YS) reached 73.2%, 10 years – 64.8%, 20 years – 42.5%. 513 LCP lived more than 5 years (LS=3124.6±1525.6 days), 148 LCP – more than 10 years (LS=5054.4±1504.1 days).199 LCP died because of LC (LS=562.7±374.5 days). 5YS of LCP after bi/lobectomies was significantly superior in comparison with LCP after pneumonectomies (78.1% vs.63.7%, P=0.00001 by log-rank test). AT significantly improved 5YS (66.3% vs. 34.8%) (P=0.00000 by log-rank test) only for LCP with N1-2. Cox modeling displayed that 5YS of LCP significantly depended on: phase transition (PT) early-invasive LC in terms of synergetics, PT N0—N12, cell ratio factors (ratio between cancer cells- CC and blood cells subpopulations), G1-3, histology, glucose, AT, blood cell circuit, prothrombin index, heparin tolerance, recalcification time (P=0.000-0.038). Neural networks, genetic algorithm selection and bootstrap simulation revealed relationships between 5YS and PT early-invasive LC (rank=1), PT N0—N12 (rank=2), thrombocytes/CC (3), erythrocytes/CC (4), eosinophils/CC (5), healthy cells/CC (6), lymphocytes/CC (7), segmented neutrophils/CC (8), stick neutrophils/CC (9), monocytes/CC (10); leucocytes/CC (11). Correct prediction of 5YS was 100% by neural networks computing (area under ROC curve=1.0; error=0.0).
CONCLUSIONS: 5YS of LCP after radical procedures significantly depended on: 1) PT early-invasive cancer; 2) PT N0--N12; 3) cell ratio factors; 4) blood cell circuit; 5) biochemical factors; 6) hemostasis system; 7) AT; 8) LC characteristics; 9) LC cell dynamics; 10) surgery type: lobectomy/pneumonectomy; 11) anthropometric data. Optimal diagnosis and treatment strategies for LC are: 1) screening and early detection of LC; 2) availability of experienced thoracic surgeons because of complexity of radical procedures; 3) aggressive en block surgery and adequate lymph node dissection for completeness; 4) precise prediction; 5) adjuvant chemoimmunoradiotherapy for LCP with unfavorable prognosis.
Report Back from SGO 2024: What’s the Latest in Cervical Cancer?bkling
Are you curious about what’s new in cervical cancer research or unsure what the findings mean? Join Dr. Emily Ko, a gynecologic oncologist at Penn Medicine, to learn about the latest updates from the Society of Gynecologic Oncology (SGO) 2024 Annual Meeting on Women’s Cancer. Dr. Ko will discuss what the research presented at the conference means for you and answer your questions about the new developments.
Recomendações da OMS sobre cuidados maternos e neonatais para uma experiência pós-natal positiva.
Em consonância com os ODS – Objetivos do Desenvolvimento Sustentável e a Estratégia Global para a Saúde das Mulheres, Crianças e Adolescentes, e aplicando uma abordagem baseada nos direitos humanos, os esforços de cuidados pós-natais devem expandir-se para além da cobertura e da simples sobrevivência, de modo a incluir cuidados de qualidade.
Estas diretrizes visam melhorar a qualidade dos cuidados pós-natais essenciais e de rotina prestados às mulheres e aos recém-nascidos, com o objetivo final de melhorar a saúde e o bem-estar materno e neonatal.
Uma “experiência pós-natal positiva” é um resultado importante para todas as mulheres que dão à luz e para os seus recém-nascidos, estabelecendo as bases para a melhoria da saúde e do bem-estar a curto e longo prazo. Uma experiência pós-natal positiva é definida como aquela em que as mulheres, pessoas que gestam, os recém-nascidos, os casais, os pais, os cuidadores e as famílias recebem informação consistente, garantia e apoio de profissionais de saúde motivados; e onde um sistema de saúde flexível e com recursos reconheça as necessidades das mulheres e dos bebês e respeite o seu contexto cultural.
Estas diretrizes consolidadas apresentam algumas recomendações novas e já bem fundamentadas sobre cuidados pós-natais de rotina para mulheres e neonatos que recebem cuidados no pós-parto em unidades de saúde ou na comunidade, independentemente dos recursos disponíveis.
É fornecido um conjunto abrangente de recomendações para cuidados durante o período puerperal, com ênfase nos cuidados essenciais que todas as mulheres e recém-nascidos devem receber, e com a devida atenção à qualidade dos cuidados; isto é, a entrega e a experiência do cuidado recebido. Estas diretrizes atualizam e ampliam as recomendações da OMS de 2014 sobre cuidados pós-natais da mãe e do recém-nascido e complementam as atuais diretrizes da OMS sobre a gestão de complicações pós-natais.
O estabelecimento da amamentação e o manejo das principais intercorrências é contemplada.
Recomendamos muito.
Vamos discutir essas recomendações no nosso curso de pós-graduação em Aleitamento no Instituto Ciclos.
Esta publicação só está disponível em inglês até o momento.
Prof. Marcus Renato de Carvalho
www.agostodourado.com
Title: Sense of Taste
Presenter: Dr. Faiza, Assistant Professor of Physiology
Qualifications:
MBBS (Best Graduate, AIMC Lahore)
FCPS Physiology
ICMT, CHPE, DHPE (STMU)
MPH (GC University, Faisalabad)
MBA (Virtual University of Pakistan)
Learning Objectives:
Describe the structure and function of taste buds.
Describe the relationship between the taste threshold and taste index of common substances.
Explain the chemical basis and signal transduction of taste perception for each type of primary taste sensation.
Recognize different abnormalities of taste perception and their causes.
Key Topics:
Significance of Taste Sensation:
Differentiation between pleasant and harmful food
Influence on behavior
Selection of food based on metabolic needs
Receptors of Taste:
Taste buds on the tongue
Influence of sense of smell, texture of food, and pain stimulation (e.g., by pepper)
Primary and Secondary Taste Sensations:
Primary taste sensations: Sweet, Sour, Salty, Bitter, Umami
Chemical basis and signal transduction mechanisms for each taste
Taste Threshold and Index:
Taste threshold values for Sweet (sucrose), Salty (NaCl), Sour (HCl), and Bitter (Quinine)
Taste index relationship: Inversely proportional to taste threshold
Taste Blindness:
Inability to taste certain substances, particularly thiourea compounds
Example: Phenylthiocarbamide
Structure and Function of Taste Buds:
Composition: Epithelial cells, Sustentacular/Supporting cells, Taste cells, Basal cells
Features: Taste pores, Taste hairs/microvilli, and Taste nerve fibers
Location of Taste Buds:
Found in papillae of the tongue (Fungiform, Circumvallate, Foliate)
Also present on the palate, tonsillar pillars, epiglottis, and proximal esophagus
Mechanism of Taste Stimulation:
Interaction of taste substances with receptors on microvilli
Signal transduction pathways for Umami, Sweet, Bitter, Sour, and Salty tastes
Taste Sensitivity and Adaptation:
Decrease in sensitivity with age
Rapid adaptation of taste sensation
Role of Saliva in Taste:
Dissolution of tastants to reach receptors
Washing away the stimulus
Taste Preferences and Aversions:
Mechanisms behind taste preference and aversion
Influence of receptors and neural pathways
Impact of Sensory Nerve Damage:
Degeneration of taste buds if the sensory nerve fiber is cut
Abnormalities of Taste Detection:
Conditions: Ageusia, Hypogeusia, Dysgeusia (parageusia)
Causes: Nerve damage, neurological disorders, infections, poor oral hygiene, adverse drug effects, deficiencies, aging, tobacco use, altered neurotransmitter levels
Neurotransmitters and Taste Threshold:
Effects of serotonin (5-HT) and norepinephrine (NE) on taste sensitivity
Supertasters:
25% of the population with heightened sensitivity to taste, especially bitterness
Increased number of fungiform papillae
- Video recording of this lecture in English language: https://youtu.be/lK81BzxMqdo
- Video recording of this lecture in Arabic language: https://youtu.be/Ve4P0COk9OI
- Link to download the book free: https://nephrotube.blogspot.com/p/nephrotube-nephrology-books.html
- Link to NephroTube website: www.NephroTube.com
- Link to NephroTube social media accounts: https://nephrotube.blogspot.com/p/join-nephrotube-on-social-media.html
Explore natural remedies for syphilis treatment in Singapore. Discover alternative therapies, herbal remedies, and lifestyle changes that may complement conventional treatments. Learn about holistic approaches to managing syphilis symptoms and supporting overall health.
Couples presenting to the infertility clinic- Do they really have infertility...Sujoy Dasgupta
Dr Sujoy Dasgupta presented the study on "Couples presenting to the infertility clinic- Do they really have infertility? – The unexplored stories of non-consummation" in the 13th Congress of the Asia Pacific Initiative on Reproduction (ASPIRE 2024) at Manila on 24 May, 2024.
Acute scrotum is a general term referring to an emergency condition affecting the contents or the wall of the scrotum.
There are a number of conditions that present acutely, predominantly with pain and/or swelling
A careful and detailed history and examination, and in some cases, investigations allow differentiation between these diagnoses. A prompt diagnosis is essential as the patient may require urgent surgical intervention
Testicular torsion refers to twisting of the spermatic cord, causing ischaemia of the testicle.
Testicular torsion results from inadequate fixation of the testis to the tunica vaginalis producing ischemia from reduced arterial inflow and venous outflow obstruction.
The prevalence of testicular torsion in adult patients hospitalized with acute scrotal pain is approximately 25 to 50 percent
Title: Sense of Smell
Presenter: Dr. Faiza, Assistant Professor of Physiology
Qualifications:
MBBS (Best Graduate, AIMC Lahore)
FCPS Physiology
ICMT, CHPE, DHPE (STMU)
MPH (GC University, Faisalabad)
MBA (Virtual University of Pakistan)
Learning Objectives:
Describe the primary categories of smells and the concept of odor blindness.
Explain the structure and location of the olfactory membrane and mucosa, including the types and roles of cells involved in olfaction.
Describe the pathway and mechanisms of olfactory signal transmission from the olfactory receptors to the brain.
Illustrate the biochemical cascade triggered by odorant binding to olfactory receptors, including the role of G-proteins and second messengers in generating an action potential.
Identify different types of olfactory disorders such as anosmia, hyposmia, hyperosmia, and dysosmia, including their potential causes.
Key Topics:
Olfactory Genes:
3% of the human genome accounts for olfactory genes.
400 genes for odorant receptors.
Olfactory Membrane:
Located in the superior part of the nasal cavity.
Medially: Folds downward along the superior septum.
Laterally: Folds over the superior turbinate and upper surface of the middle turbinate.
Total surface area: 5-10 square centimeters.
Olfactory Mucosa:
Olfactory Cells: Bipolar nerve cells derived from the CNS (100 million), with 4-25 olfactory cilia per cell.
Sustentacular Cells: Produce mucus and maintain ionic and molecular environment.
Basal Cells: Replace worn-out olfactory cells with an average lifespan of 1-2 months.
Bowman’s Gland: Secretes mucus.
Stimulation of Olfactory Cells:
Odorant dissolves in mucus and attaches to receptors on olfactory cilia.
Involves a cascade effect through G-proteins and second messengers, leading to depolarization and action potential generation in the olfactory nerve.
Quality of a Good Odorant:
Small (3-20 Carbon atoms), volatile, water-soluble, and lipid-soluble.
Facilitated by odorant-binding proteins in mucus.
Membrane Potential and Action Potential:
Resting membrane potential: -55mV.
Action potential frequency in the olfactory nerve increases with odorant strength.
Adaptation Towards the Sense of Smell:
Rapid adaptation within the first second, with further slow adaptation.
Psychological adaptation greater than receptor adaptation, involving feedback inhibition from the central nervous system.
Primary Sensations of Smell:
Camphoraceous, Musky, Floral, Pepperminty, Ethereal, Pungent, Putrid.
Odor Detection Threshold:
Examples: Hydrogen sulfide (0.0005 ppm), Methyl-mercaptan (0.002 ppm).
Some toxic substances are odorless at lethal concentrations.
Characteristics of Smell:
Odor blindness for single substances due to lack of appropriate receptor protein.
Behavioral and emotional influences of smell.
Transmission of Olfactory Signals:
From olfactory cells to glomeruli in the olfactory bulb, involving lateral inhibition.
Primitive, less old, and new olfactory systems with different path
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN HEALTHCARE.pdfAnujkumaranit
Artificial intelligence (AI) refers to the simulation of human intelligence processes by machines, especially computer systems. It encompasses tasks such as learning, reasoning, problem-solving, perception, and language understanding. AI technologies are revolutionizing various fields, from healthcare to finance, by enabling machines to perform tasks that typically require human intelligence.
Ozempic: Preoperative Management of Patients on GLP-1 Receptor Agonists Saeid Safari
Preoperative Management of Patients on GLP-1 Receptor Agonists like Ozempic and Semiglutide
ASA GUIDELINE
NYSORA Guideline
2 Case Reports of Gastric Ultrasound
Ozempic: Preoperative Management of Patients on GLP-1 Receptor Agonists
James Metcalfe's Real Estate Market Update 10,11
1. MarketNews
JAMES METCALFE’S REAL ESTATE UPDATE OCTOBER 2011
SEPTEMBER RESALE MARKET STAYS STRONG
Greater Toronto REALTORS® reported 7,658 sales through While sales have been strong especially in recent months, the
the TorontoMLS® system in September 2011, continuing the market continues to experience a shortage of listings, which
strong momentum of the past several months. The growth has resulted in more competition between home buyers.
rate versus September 2010 was a whopping 25% and, on a Buyers also have enjoyed rising incomes combined with
year-to-date basis (January thru September), sales growth now the aforementioned low interest rates. These factors have
stands at 2.6 percent versus the first nine months of 2010. conspired to push the average price of a resale home in the
The fragile state of the global economic recovery has clearly GTA to $465,369 - which is up almost by 10% versus the
benefitted the market by propagating our exceptionally low September 2010 average price of $425,757. The total number
interest rate environment. The Bank of Canada is now solidly of active listings on the market stood at 18,808 at the end
committed to maintaining low rates well into 2012 (good news of September, which was down by 8% versus the September
for variable mortgage rates) while the continued migration 2010 month-end figure of 20,334. It took 27 days on average
of stocks into bonds will keep bond yields very low as well to sell a resale home in September, which was 6 days fewer
(good news for fixed mortgage rates). than the 33 days it took to sell a home in September 2010.
GTA RESALE HOME SALES (UNITS SOLD) - SEPTEMBER GTA RESALE HOME SALES (AVERAGE PRICE) - SEPTEMBER
2008 2008
2009 2009
2010 2010
2011 2011
5,000 6,000 7,000 8,000 $300,000 $350,000 $400,000 $450,000
James Metcalfe BROKER
416-931-4161 Royal LePage Real Estate Services Ltd.
www.OurHomeToronto.com Johnston & Daniel Division, Brokerage
Service@OurHomeToronto.com 477 Mount Pleasant Rd., Toronto, ON M4S 2L9
PAGE 1
2. Smoking in condominiums
Condo
Corner
As the debate about smoking heats up across the country, it seems the Tribunal made the following statement:
to be getting close to the boiling point in some condominium If the Kabatoff’s are able to establish that they have
corporations. In the condominium setting, balancing the rights disabilities that are exacerbated by secondhand
or privileges of all residents is often a difficult task. In the case of smoke, their complaint that [the condo corp.] failed
smoking, it seems there is never an easy answer. The issues related to to accommodate their disabilities could amount to
smoking may slowly be coming into sharper focus. discrimination under the Code.
Changes in provincial legislation which occurred in 2006 had This is a strong statement. In essence, the statement suggests that
the effect of prohibiting smoking of tobacco in any enclosed if human rights issues are raised, there could be a possibility that a
common area of a condominium. So, for example, it was clear that condominium corporation could be forced to become “smoke free”
condominium corporations were now required to have smoke-free – both on the common elements, and in the units!
hallways, party rooms and lobbies.
NOTE: As noted briefly above, this case has not been argued on its
It has also been our view that the application of this legislation in merits. Furthermore, there is some indication that it may not reach a
conjunction with general condominium law principles permits a full hearing, as settlement discussions are underway.
condominium corporation to prohibit smoking on all common
Where do we go from here? If a condominium wants to become
elements (including the exclusive use common element areas and
entirely smoke-free (by banning smoking in the units), the
other outdoor areas) by passing a rule.
condominium may consider the following:
The issue which has remained in question is: Can the corporation 1. Amending the Declaration (with the consent of the owners of
prohibit smoking in the units as well? A recent decision of the at least 80% of the units); or
British Columbia Human Rights Tribunal [Kabatoff v. Strata Corp. 2. Passing a Rule.
NW 2767, 2009 BCFRT 344] may shed some light on this issue,
In our view, a Declaration amendment would very likely be valid and
and could have national implications. The Kabatoffs have lived in
enforceable. However, the validity of such a rule is questionable.
their condominium unit for many years. The Kabatoffs suffer from
[The Courts have not yet considered such a Rule.] In either case
respiratory illnesses and allergies, both of which are exasperated by
(Declaration or Rule), we are inclined to feel that existing smokers
cigarette smoke. Recently, a new owner moved into a neighbouring
would have to be grandfathered. [Yes, smokers have rights too!]
unit. The new owner smokes. The Kabatoffs attempted, without
success, to have the condominium corporation resolve the issue Furthermore, the Kabatoff case tells us that condominium corporations
– essentially by forcing the neighbouring owner to either stop MIGHT have a duty to take some measures (to control smoke in
smoking, or alternatively to stop all smoke transfer from the unit. units) in cases where smoke is shown to be causing a disturbance or
Because they were unable to resolve the issue with the Board of harm to any residents. We might even see new legislation or Court
Directors, the Kabatoffs commenced a Human Rights Application. decisions that may impose duties on condominium corporations in
The Corporation sought to have the Application dismissed. these cases.
The decision of the Human Rights tribunal dealt with whether
This article was contributed by Nancy Houle. Nancy practices condominium law
or not the case should be dismissed. A full hearing on the “merits” with the law firm Nelligan O’Brien Payne. Please visit them at nelligan.ca. Nancy
of the case has not yet occurred. However, at this initial hearing, is a partner in the firm.
PAGE 2
3. Most common causes of high heating bills
House
The exact cause of high home heating bills and uncomfortable drafts
Smart
in the ceilings or walls. Depending on the current insulation
are unique to specific conditions in each home, however one or more levels in your home, retrofitting your ceilings/walls with more
of the following factors are generally at play. insulation may be an option to reduce heat loss from your home
and heating bills.
1. Older, inefficient heating equipment. An older, conventional
natural gas or oil fired furnace commonly operates at efficiencies 3. Air leakage through gaps in the building’s thermal
on the order of 65-70%. In general, this means that for every envelope. A building that has a poorly sealed thermal envelope
dollar you are spending on heating, approximately 30-35 cents (i.e., inadequately trimmed or caulked/sealed windows, doors,
is going up your chimney to heat the great outdoors. Newer, attic hatches, plumb vents, foundation sills, etc.) can rapidly
high efficiency systems are often 90% (or more) efficient, which leak warm air out of and cold air into the building, dropping
results in less than 10 cents of each dollar being wasted. On the house temperature quickly in winter months and therefore
this basis, an upgrade from a conventional furnace to a high requiring the heating system to run longer and more often.
efficiency furnace could reduce heating fuel usage and costs By properly sealing the thermal envelope of leaky buildings,
by 20-30%. significant energy cost reductions can often be achieved.
2. Low insulation levels in the walls and ceilings. Heat flows 4. Continuous furnace blower fan operation. If the house
from the inside of your home to the outside during colder is heated by a forced air central heating system, the drafty
months. The barrier between the interior heated portion of conditions may be caused by continuous furnace blower
your home and the outside or unheated portions of your home operation. The blower is a large fan located in the base of the
(i.e., most attics and garages) is called a “thermal envelope”. furnace that circulates air in a home. You can check if continuous
The more insulation you have in your walls and ceilings blower operation is the source of the drafty conditions by feeling
(thermal envelope), the slower the rate of heat loss from the for an intermittent cool breeze at heat registers in your home.
house. Insulation levels within the thermal envelope are often If a cool breeze is noted, attempt to adjust the fan setting on
measured by R-value. An R-value is simply a measure of thermal your thermostat from “manual” to “automatic” mode. If your
resistance. The higher the R-value, the greater the resistance thermostat is older and not equipped with these settings, a
to heat transfer. Current R-values required by building codes similar switch may be located at the main panel of your furnace.
in Canada are on the order of R-32 for ceilings and R-19 for If neither of these switches are present, consider consulting a
walls, although this varies significantly with the location of the heating contractor to discuss possible options to reduce the
home. A typical house built 30 years ago often had an R-15 drafty conditions and improve comfort in your home.
ceiling insulation level and R-10 wall insulation level. Houses
This article was contributed by Amerispec Canada, a leading Canadian home
built before 1940 often had very little or no insulation installed inspection company. Visit them online at www.amerispec.ca
PAGE 3