At Big Red Home Comfort, we are committed to helping our customers save money and stay comfortable year-round. Choosing Energy Star® certified products is one of the best ways to achieve both. Here are the most common questions we hear from homeowners about Energy Star.
Energy Star is the government-backed symbol for energy efficiency. In Canada, Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) administers the program. When you see the blue Energy Star label on a furnace, air conditioner, or heat pump, it means that unit has been strictly tested to meet or exceed high efficiency specifications without sacrificing performance.
There are three main reasons:
Lower Utility Bills: Energy Star products use significantly less energy than standard models. For example, a certified central air conditioner uses about 8% less energy than a standard model.
Better Comfort: These units often feature advanced technology (like variable-speed motors) that provides more consistent temperatures and better humidity control.
Environmental Impact: Using less energy reduces your home’s carbon footprint, helping protect the Canadian environment.
Yes! While high-efficiency equipment might have a higher upfront cost, the “invisible savings” on your monthly bills add up quickly. If you are replacing a furnace or A/C unit that is 10–15 years old, a new Energy Star model can reduce your energy consumption by up to 30%.
Think of “Most Efficient” as the “best of the best.” Every year, Energy Star identifies the top-performing products in each category. If you want the absolute highest level of energy savings and the most advanced technology available on the market, look for the Energy Star Most Efficient label.
Often, yes! Many federal, provincial, and municipal programs (as well as local utility companies) offer rebates specifically for Energy Star certified upgrades—especially for heat pumps and high-efficiency furnaces.
Tip: Ask the team at Big Red Home Comfort about current rebates available in your area today!
The installation is just as important as the equipment. To get the actual efficiency listed on the Energy Star label, the system must be sized correctly for your home and installed by professionals. At Big Red Home Comfort, we perform full home load calculations to ensure your new system is perfectly matched to your space.
Look for the blue Energy Star logo on the manufacturer’s nameplate or the yellow EnerGuide label. If your system is more than 10 years old, it likely does not meet today’s Energy Star standards and could be costing you hundreds of dollars in wasted energy every year.
We carry a wide range of certified equipment, including:
Furnaces and Boilers
Central Air Conditioners
Air-Source Heat Pumps
Smart Thermostats
Water Heaters
Ready to upgrade your home comfort?
Contact Big Red Home Comfort today for a free estimate. We’ll help you find the right Energy Star certified solution for your home and your budget.
Cardinal IG is widely recognized as the industry leader in glass technology. We use it because it offers the best thermal performance and the lowest failure rates in the world. Their patented coating process keeps your home warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer by reflecting radiant heat back to its source. It’s the reason we can confidently offer a 40-year seal warranty.
A “seal failure” is when the gas between your window panes escapes, causing the glass to look foggy or milky. While most companies offer 10 or 15 years, we offer 40 years. This means we guarantee your windows will stay crystal clear and energy-efficient for four decades, protecting your view and your utility bills.
Hometech frames are engineered for the extreme temperature swings we see in Barrie, Orillia, Innisfil, and Bradford. Their vinyl compounds are “virgin” (not recycled), which prevents the frames from becoming brittle, yellowing, or cracking over time. This high-grade construction is why we provide a 25-year paint and mechanism warranty—your windows will operate smoothly and look brand new for a quarter-century.
If you are finishing a basement or have a bedroom below ground level, Ontario building codes require an Egress window. These are specifically designed to be large enough (and easy enough) for a person to climb out of in case of an emergency. At Big Red, we specialize in these installations, ensuring they meet all safety codes without sacrificing energy efficiency.
Even the best window will fail if it’s poorly installed. Our guarantee means your windows are installed by trained professionals who prioritize airtight seals and proper flashing. If you experience a draft, a leak, or a sticking window due to our workmanship, we return to fix it immediately. We don’t just sell windows; we ensure they perform.
In the shifting climates of Barrie, Orillia, Innisfil, and Bradford, wood door frames are notorious for absorbing moisture, leading to swelling, peeling paint, and eventually, rot. Our composite jambs are made from a poly-fiber material that looks like wood but is completely waterproof. This allows us to offer an unprecedented no-rot guarantee—your door frame will never decay, warp, or invite termites.
Standard glass, even if tempered, can be a point of vulnerability. Our integrated security film is a transparent, high-tensile layer applied to all full-length glass doors. It is designed to hold the glass together upon impact. Whether it’s an attempted break-in or an accidental strike from a heavy object, the film prevents the glass from shattering inward, keeping your home secure and your family safe.
The Cobra 2000 is engineered for high-traffic Canadian homes. It combines a reinforced structure with superior thermal performance. When paired with our composite frames and expert installation, it creates a “vault-like” seal that keeps the drafts out and the comfort in.
Yes. Because we use composite materials for the jambs, brickmolds, and sills, the entire structural opening of your exterior door is protected from moisture damage. We believe a door should be a “once-in-a-lifetime” purchase, and our materials are chosen specifically to make that a reality.
Absolutely. A premium door is only as good as the person who hangs it. Our guaranteed installation service ensures that your door is perfectly leveled and sealed. If it’s not closing smoothly or you feel a draft, we’ll come back and fix it—no questions asked.
Looking for service across Central and Southern Ontario? We’ve got you covered!
Our comprehensive service area includes the entire Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and stretches through the North GTA.
We proudly serve the following communities:
Barrie
Collingwood
Orillia
Vaughan
Wasaga Beach
Innisfil
Bradford
Newmarket
Aurora
Richmond Hill
King City
East Gwillimbury
West Gwillimbury
Oro Medonte
Horseshoe Valley
Dufferin County https://betterhomesdufferin.ca/ including: Orangeville, Shelburne, Grand Valley, Mono Amaranth, East Garafraxa, Melancthon and Mulmur Key Benefits – Loans up to $40,000 – 2.5% fixed interest rate(0% for income-qualified households) – Loans are tied to the property, not the homeowner – Repayment through property taxes – Terms up to 20 years – Upfront financing – Incentives for saving energy
Huntsville: We support the Better Home Huntsville program Key Benefits https://betterhomeshuntsville.ca/ – Loans up to $40,000 – 2.0% fixed interest rate (0% for income-qualified households) – Loans are tied to the property, not the homeowner – Repayment through property taxes – Terms up to 20 years – Upfront financing – Incentives for saving energy
Home improvement financing refers to various loan or credit products, such as home equity lines of credit (HELOCs), personal loans, and renovation-specific loans, that provide funds for homeowners to pay for repairs, upgrades, or major renovations to their properties. This financing bridges the cost gap, allowing homeowners to pay for projects over time in installments instead of needing the entire sum upfront.
Financeit Canada Inc. is a Toronto-based provider of point-of-sale (POS) financing solutions for home improvement, vehicle, and retail businesses, founded in 2011. The company’s cloud-based technology enables merchants to offer consumers flexible, transparent payment plans for large purchases, which helps boost sales and transaction sizes. Financeit works with enterprise businesses, retailers, and dealer networks to facilitate financing for projects and big-ticket items, offering direct bank transfers to merchants and providing customers with simple application processes and no prepayment penalties.
Financeit allows businesses to offer customers flexible payment options for large purchases, such as home improvements, retail items, or recreational vehicles. Businesses use the platform’s tools to quote, close, and get paid for projects. Homeowners complete a fast, mobile-friendly application, and upon approval, they receive an instant credit decision and can complete the process on their own devices.
Financeit is owned by Wafra Capital Partners Inc. (WCP), a New York-based investment firm that acquired the company in February 2022 from Goldman Sachs Asset Management. WCP specializes in specialty finance and real estate, and their acquisition supported Financeit’s projected growth and expansion within the home improvement, recreational vehicle, and retail industries.
The top furnace brands for performance and reliability include Lennox, Midea, and Trane. For a Canadian brand, Chinook (Dettson) is a strong choice. Consider factors like AFUE (efficiency), comfort features (like variable-speed blowers), durability, and warranties when choosing the best furnace for your needs.
Furnaces generally last between 15 to 30 years, depending on maintenance, unit quality, and installation. After 15 years, consider replacement as efficiency declines and repair costs rise. With proper maintenance and no safety issues, they can remain functional. Furnaces paired with a heat pump often last over 25 years since the heat pump reduces the furnace’s workload.
Furnaces made in Canada include brands such as Dettson and Napoleon. Dettson is known for electric furnaces and is based in Sherbrooke, Quebec, while Napoleon manufactures both its gas furnaces and the Continental brand in Barrie, Ontario. You can find these Canadian-made options from companies focused on efficient and durable heating solutions.
Furnaces can be either gas or electric; there is no single answer. Gas furnaces burn natural gas to create heat, while electric furnaces use electrically heated resistance coils to generate heat. The best type of furnace for a home depends on factors such as the availability and cost of fuel, local climate, and installation costs.
Yes, furnaces can leak water due to clogged condensation lines, a faulty humidifier, or a cracked heat exchanger. Water leaks can damage the furnace, cause electrical problems, and lead to carbon monoxide exposure. If you notice a leak, turn off the HVAC system and call a qualified professional to diagnose and repair it.
You can expect the cost for a complete attic insulation install to be in the range of $1.90 per square foot.
At this price point, a qualified contractor will provide and install high-quality fiberglass or cellulose insulation, ensuring your system includes key features like ventilation baffles and a well-sealed attic hatch with new weatherstripping.
Any charges for removing old material or professional mold treatment on the rafters would typically be quoted separately.
The “best” attic insulation depends on your budget and needs, but spray foam is the most effective for air sealing and high-R-value, while blown-in cellulose and fiberglass are cost-effective options that provide good coverage. Fiberglass batts are affordable and easy for DIY installation but can leave gaps. Consider your climate, budget, and whether you need moisture or structural benefits to choose the ideal type
In Ontario, you need attic insulation with an R-value of R-50 to R-60 (Climate Zone 7), which is considered a cold climate. The most common types are blown-in fiberglass, cellulose, or mineral wool, and batts for DIY projects. You should also check your local building codes for specific requirements and consider air sealing to ensure a “tighter” home to increase energy efficiency.
Yes, attic insulation can catch fire, especially foam and paper-faced insulation, although many types are treated with fire retardants or are inherently resistant to burning. The risk is heightened by poor installation, which can cause issues like air leaks, and contact with heat sources, such as faulty wiring or chimneys. Regular attic inspections are recommended to ensure safe insulation practices and prevent potential fire hazards.
Yes, attic insulation can cause or worsen allergies because it traps dust, pollen, pet dander, mold, and pest droppings. Disturbing old or dirty insulation releases these irritants and allergens into the air, leading to symptoms like sneezing, coughing, and itchy eyes. Airborne fiberglass fibers from some types of insulation can also irritate the skin, eyes, and lungs. Always check with your contractor to ensure they provide the lowest VoC (Volatile Compound) products. Not all insulation is made the same.
Yes, attic insulation significantly helps in the summer by acting as a barrier to prevent the sun’s heat from entering your home through the roof, thereby keeping your living space cooler and reducing the workload on your air conditioning system. This energy efficiency also leads to lower cooling bills, more consistent indoor temperatures, better indoor air quality by reducing pollutants, and can help prevent mold and mildew growth due to better humidity control.
Attic insulation significantly improves home comfort and can lower energy bills by 15% or more when combined with air sealing. It acts as a barrier, preventing heat from escaping in winter and entering in summer, reducing your HVAC system’s workload. Properly sealed and insulated attics also help prevent moisture problems and ice dams in winter.
Yes, vinyl windows are generally good due to their durability, energy efficiency, low maintenance, and affordability. They offer excellent insulation, resisting heat transfer to lower energy bills, and require minimal upkeep since they don’t need painting or staining and are easy to clean. Vinyl windows are also robust, non-corroding, and perform well in various climates, making them a popular and cost-effective choice for many homeowners.
Energy Efficiency: Vinyl is a poor conductor of heat, creating a more effective thermal barrier that helps keep your home warm in winter and cool in summer, reducing energy costs.
Low Maintenance: Unlike wood windows, vinyl windows don’t need painting, staining, or sanding. They are easy to clean and resist rot, rust, and fading.
Durability: Vinyl frames are non-corroding, resist moisture, and perform well in most environmental conditions.
Affordability: Vinyl windows are generally less expensive than wood or fiberglass options, making them a budget-friendly choice.
Availability: They are widely available at home improvement stores, making them convenient to purchase.
Eco-Friendly: Vinyl can be recycled into new building materials, and their longevity means fewer replacements are needed, conserving resources.
Yes, vinyl windows can be painted, but it requires careful preparation, specialized paint, and a strong understanding of the risks, including potentially voiding the manufacturer’s warranty, paint peeling, and the possibility of frame warping due to heat absorption from darker colors. To achieve a lasting result, you must clean the surface thoroughly, apply a suitable primer and paint designed for vinyl, and consider using lighter-colored paints to avoid excessive heat buildup.
Vinyl windows are popular because they are affordable, offer good energy efficiency with excellent insulation, are very low maintenance, and are durable and weather-resistant, not rotting, warping, or fading. They also provide good soundproofing, are easy to clean with soap and water, and come in various customizable styles and colors to fit different homes.
Vinyl windows are primarily made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC). This plastic-like material is a synthetic polymer created from ethylene and chlorine and is often modified with additives for enhanced durability and UV resistance. The hollow chambers within the PVC frames can also be filled with insulation for improved energy efficiency.
The first vinyl windows were produced in Germany in the early 1950s. They were introduced to the United States in the mid-1960s, but it wasn’t until the late 1980s that their popularity grew significantly, with major advancements in technology during the 1980s and 1990s making them a preferred choice for homeowners.
There is no single “best” heat pump, as the ideal choice depends on your specific climate and needs. However, for Canada’s cold climate, brands like Midea and Gree make most of the heat pumps in North America. They offer patented and reliable cold-climate models that perform well in freezing temperatures. Consider factors like energy efficiency, cold-weather performance, warranty, quiet operation, and professional installation when choosing the right heat pump for your home.
Yes, a heat pump can replace a furnace as a primary heating and cooling system, offering benefits like higher energy efficiency and lower environmental impact, but its effectiveness depends on your climate. Modern cold-climate heat pumps are designed to operate in colder temperatures and can handle most heating needs, though some homeowners in very cold regions opt for a dual-fuel system with a backup furnace for extreme cold days. Factors like local electricity rates, insulation, and the availability of natural gas also influence the decision to switch.
A heat pump works by transferring heat, not creating it, to warm your home in winter and cool it in summer, similar to how a refrigerator works. In heating mode, it absorbs heat from the cold outdoor air, compresses a refrigerant to increase its temperature, and then releases that hot air inside your home via an indoor coil and fan. In cooling mode, it reverses the process, absorbing heat from inside your home and transferring it to the outside air.
In winter, an air-source heat pump works by extracting heat from the cold outside air, even at low temperatures, and transferring it inside your home. The process involves a refrigerant absorbing heat and evaporating, a compressor heating the refrigerant gas further, and the hot gas condensing to release its heat indoors. Because it moves existing heat rather than creating it, a heat pump is more energy-efficient than a furnace, but it may require a backup heat source like a furnace or electric heater in extremely cold conditions.
A heat pump freezes when there is a lack of airflow or a mechanical issue, such as a clogged air filter, low refrigerant, dirty outdoor coils, or a faulty defrost control system. To address a frozen unit, switch the system to the fan-only mode, run the fan for an hour to help thaw the ice, and ensure all indoor vents are open and outdoor unit is clear of debris. If the unit continues to freeze, a professional should be contacted to check for low refrigerant or other mechanical issues.
Yes, a heat pump can help reduce your energy costs, especially if you’re switching from an electric furnace, baseboard heaters, or oil/propane furnaces. Savings depend on factors like your local climate, energy rates, insulation, air sealing, the heat pump model’s efficiency, and installation costs. Heat pumps move heat instead of generating it, making them more energy-efficient. They can provide $2 to $5.40 worth of heating or cooling for every $1 spent on energy. Canadian households can save hundreds to over a thousand dollars annually by switching to a heat pump.
They are specifically designed for sub-zero climates. Our Ultra Heat models use two-stage compression to maintain 100% of their heating output even at -15°C, and they continue to operate effectively all the way down to -30°C.
Absolutely. Gree is one of the largest air conditioner manufacturers in the world. Their reputation is built on being the “engine” for the industry; they have spent years engineering and building systems for major North American brands like Trane and Carrier. When you buy Gree, you are buying battle-tested technology.
We believe in transparency and flexibility. We register every warranty on your behalf the moment the job is done. You’ll receive a certification that is tied to the equipment and backed by Gree globally. This means your warranty is valid with any certified HVAC partner, giving you total freedom and peace of mind that your investment is protected no matter what.
Not at all. Gree has a massive footprint in Ontario, with two major distribution centers in Markham and one in Mississauga. This local infrastructure ensures that getting parts is simple and painless, keeping your downtime to an absolute minimum.
You are cutting out the middleman. Because Gree is a vertically integrated manufacturer (they make their own parts) and we avoid the “luxury brand” marketing markup, we can pass a 20-30% savings directly to you without sacrificing quality.
Not at all. Because Gree manufactures at such a massive scale, parts are widely available and generally much easier for technicians to source than parts for “boutique” or smaller specialty brands.
Traditional systems are either “on” or “off,” which wastes energy. Gree’s G10 Inverter acts like a dimmer switch, allowing the compressor to slow down to a tiny 1Hz frequency. This keeps your room temperature perfectly stable and significantly reduces your monthly energy bill.
Midea is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of HVAC systems. In fact, Midea has a long-standing partnership with Carrier, manufacturing many of the systems and components that Carrier sells under its own name. When you choose a Midea Evox, you are getting the same world-class engineering and reliability found in “premium” North American brands, but without the additional cost of the logo.
The Evox series is Midea’s flagship line designed specifically to replace traditional gas furnaces in North America. It features:
Modular “Block N Lock” Design: The indoor unit can be separated into three pieces. This allows us to fit high-efficiency equipment into tight attics or crawlspaces where other brands simply won’t fit.
Enhanced Vapor Injection (EVI): This is like a “turbocharger” for your heating. It allows the system to maintain 100% heating capacity down to -25°C and keep working all the way to -30°C.
Yes. Midea Evox G3 units are Energy Star Cold Climate certified. While older heat pumps might need a backup furnace as soon as it hits 0 degrees Celsius, the Evox is engineered to be your primary heat source even during an Ontario deep freeze.
Actually, it’s easier than many other brands. Midea Canada is headquartered right here in Markham, and their primary distribution hub is in Mississauga. Because they have such a massive local presence, parts are stocked locally and aren’t sitting on a boat in the middle of the ocean when you need them.
The Evox is exceptionally quiet. The outdoor unit operates as low as 42 dB(A)—which is quieter than a typical library. You can install it right outside a bedroom window or near a patio without it disrupting your sleep or outdoor conversations.
When installed and registered by Big Red Home Comfort, the Midea Evox typically carries a 10 to 12-year parts and compressor warranty.
We do the work: We register the warranty for you the day we finish the install.
You are protected: You receive a certification that is valid with any licensed HVAC provider in North America. Even if you move or we aren’t available, Midea’s global network has you covered.
The Evox is designed to be “universal.” It can work with Midea’s own high-tech wall controllers, or it can be paired with your favorite smart thermostat like Ecobee or Nest.
Neither steel nor fiberglass doors are definitively “better”; the best choice depends on your priorities, as steel offers superior security and lower upfront cost, while fiberglass excels in energy efficiency, durability, and a more realistic wood-grain appearance. Steel doors are stronger and more affordable but are prone to denting and rust, while fiberglass doors are more resistant to the elements, less prone to damage, and better insulators.
Yes, steel doors can be painted to refresh their appearance and protect them from the elements. To achieve a professional, smooth, and long-lasting finish, you should properly prepare the surface by cleaning and sanding it, apply a high-quality metal primer, and then apply two or more coats of a durable exterior latex or alkyd paint, allowing sufficient drying time between each coat.
Yes, steel doors can be cut to size, but it requires caution and the right tools, such as a circular saw with a metal-cutting blade or a cut-off wheel. The process is possible, especially for reducing the height, but it’s important to know how to properly handle the internal structure and reinforce the cut edge to maintain integrity and finish.
Yes, most quality steel doors are insulated, typically with a foam core, like polyurethane, sandwiched between two steel skins. This foam core is the primary source of the door’s energy efficiency, helping to keep homes warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.
No, not all steel doors are fire-rated; a steel door may be a standard door or a specifically designed fire-rated door. Fire-rated steel doors are built to withstand flames for a designated period, indicated by a label certifying its fire resistance, while a non-fire-rated steel door is designed for everyday use where fire protection isn’t a primary concern.
Big Red Home Comfort proudly provides professional window, door, heat pump, and air conditioning services across Central Ontario. Explore the communities we serve and find the service you’re looking for in your area.
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