Glossary

It installs into a home's service panel, kitchen, bathroom or breaker box, and provides GFCI protection for the entire branch circuit it serves.  This installation is commonly used as an alternative to installing GFCI receptacles(outlets) in specific locations where they are required by the local electrical code. 

Special devices capable of opening a circuit when “arcing” in the circuit is detected. Arc-faults can occur anywhere in the home's electrical system including within walls, at loose electrical connections. 

A measure of the capacity of a heating or cooling system.The amount of heat energy required to raise the temperature of one pound of water through a change of one degree Fahrenheit. 

A colorless, odorless, highly poisonous gas formed by the incomplete combustion of carbon. 

The ability of insulation to slow the transfer of heat is measured in R-values. The higher the R-value the better the insulation resists the flow of heat. 

A naturally-occurring, radioactive gas which is heavier than air and is common in many parts of the country. Mitigation measures may involve crawl space and basement venting. 

The driving force behind the flow of electricity somewhat like pressure is in a water pipe. Most homes are wired with '110' and '220' volt lines. The '110' volt power is used for lighting and most of the other circuits. The '220' volt power is usually used for the kitchen stove, water heater and dryer. 

The Alberta New Home Warranty Program (ANWHP) is the leading provider of new home warranty, renovation warranty, and homebuilder insurance.  Alberta's New Home Buyer Protection Act stipulates that all new homes on or after Feburay1, 2014 built must include warranty coverage of one year for materials and labour, two years for delivery and distribution systems, five years for building envelope and 10 years for major structural defects. 

All sewer line installations on private property fall under the property owner’s responsibility. When purchasing a home or business it is important to understand the current structural integrity and functionality of the sewer line system. If there is an existing problem with the sewer line system, all costs associated with repair or replacement are at the owner’s expense. Don’t get caught by these unforeseen expenses!  With a sewer scope inspection on your sewer line, you’ll be able to know if your sewer lines are being compromised by:

•  tree roots,
• debris,
• broken drain lines,
• clogs,
• sewer pipe misalignment,
• and more.

Though some insurance companies will pay for cleanup and restoration of damage caused by a sewer backup; repair or replacement of the sewer line is typically excluded. In Canada, it’s estimated that the average cost to repair or replace what’s known as a lateral (the sewer pipe connecting a house to a municipal sewer line) could cost property owners between $5,000 – $25,000 and loss of valuable personal property.