Noticed a burning smell from your furnace the first time you turned the heat on this fall? A dusty burning smell during the first start of the season is normal and usually fades within an hour. But a smell that lingers, or smells like burning plastic, rubber, or wiring, is a warning sign that you should shut the furnace off. Sherwood Mechanical explains how to tell the difference, which smells need immediate attention, and what steps to take to keep your Sherwood Park home safe this heating season.

Protect your investment by knowing the warning signs before you hire. This guide to flat roofing installations in Edmonton lists six red flags every building owner should watch for. These include quotes that don't name the membrane or insulation, no plan for drainage, contractors who skip deck inspections, roof-over suggestions without a moisture check, missing workmanship warranties, and crews without torch safety training or WCB coverage. Spotting these early can save you thousands in repairs and years of leak problems.

Two homeowners with the same leak can get roof repair quotes that are $1,000 apart. Why? Roof pitch and height, hidden decking rot, material type, season, urgency, lot access and roof age all change the final roof repair cost in Edmonton. Silverline Roofing explains each factor in plain language, including why steep and three-storey roofs cost more and why metal, cedar and rubber roofs need specialised repairs and parts.

Crawlspaces are where spray foam thermal barrier rules get tricky. Requirements can depend on whether the space is only accessed for maintenance, whether it contains fuel-fired equipment like a furnace or hot water tank, and which spray foam product is used. Some crawlspaces may qualify for alternative protection, while others need a full thermal barrier. Because the rules vary, it's important to work with an installer who knows your local building official's expectations. Our guide explains what BC homeowners should know before spray foaming a crawlspace. Learn more here: https://westerninsulation.ca/spray-foam-thermal-barrier-bc/

A variable speed furnace blower can matter almost as much as the furnace stage itself. ECM blower motors move air gently, use far less electricity than older fixed-speed motors, and keep air flowing through your filter more often. During Calgary's closed-window winter months, that means less dust, better filtration and more even comfort from room to room. Learn how a variable speed furnace pairs with humidifiers and air purifiers to improve your home's indoor air quality this winter.

The rim joist — perimeter framing at the top of your foundation wall — is one of the highest heat loss and air infiltration locations in a Langley home. Uninsulated or poorly insulated rim joists create a direct thermal bridge from the cold foundation into the floor above. Closed-cell spray foam applied to rim joists in a 2 to 3 inch layer delivers R-12 to R-21, seals every gap around sill plates and framing connections, and bonds permanently to concrete and wood simultaneously. Most Langley rim joist spray foam projects are completed as part of a broader crawlspace scope in a single day. Book at westerninsulation.ca/spray-foam-insulation/

This men's sweaters collection at Bia Boro Menswear also includes a strong hoodie and sweatshirt edit for men who want comfort without sacrificing style. The Knitted Zip Hoodie in Black, the Ashen Hoodie in Grey and the Raw Edge Sweatshirt in Black or Off White all bring a more relaxed, streetwear-adjacent option into the mix. It's a practical addition to this men's sweaters range for casual days around Vancouver that still call for a considered outfit.