Top Hat Home Comfort Blog

Tips, guides and seasonal advice on heating, cooling, fireplaces, indoor air quality and home care from Ottawa and Carleton Place’s home comfort experts since 1974.

Dos and Don'ts: Tips on Cleaning Wool Rugs

Dos and Don’ts: Tips on Cleaning Wool Rugs

Dos and Don’ts: Tips on Cleaning Wool Rugs The origins of wool rugs date back approximately 8,000 years ago, around the same time that sheep began to be sheared for their wool. In perfecting their craft, textile artists continue to weave together this material in the modern day with intricate patterns and beautiful colours. The…

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Does Your Eavestrough Need Replacement

How Often Should Ducts Be Cleaned in Your Home?

How Often Should Ducts Be Cleaned in Your Home? You work hard to protect the inside of your home from the elements. While a good-quality roof is important to keep everything dry inside, your eavestrough plays a vital role in protecting not only the interior but also the exterior of your home. It diverts water…

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Furnace Maintenance Checklist for This Spring

Furnace Maintenance Checklist for This Spring

Furnace Maintenance Checklist for This Spring The warmer weather is just around the corner, which means it’s time to start thinking about those seasonal spring cleaning chores. One important task to add to your to-do list each year is furnace maintenance, especially as we get ready for the hot summer months. Keep your system working…

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Fireplace Safety Tips How to Prepare for Winter

Fireplace Safety Tips: How to Prepare for Winter

Fireplace Safety Tips: How to Prepare for Winter As the temperature drops and the snow arrives, it’s time to get your fireplace ready for the winter. But before you light it or switch it on, it’s important to take time to prepare it so that you and your family can remain safe and sound while…

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7 Risks of Ignoring Furnace Maintenance

7 Risks of Ignoring Furnace Maintenance

7 Risks of Ignoring Furnace Maintenance Your HVAC system is an intricate and important piece of machinery. Just like a vehicle, it requires regular upkeep so it can function safely and efficiently. If you ignore furnace maintenance, you could be left with an HVAC system that has to work overtime just to keep your home…

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5 Reasons You Should Have Your Roof Inspected

5 Reasons You Should Have Your Roof Inspected

5 Reasons You Should Have Your Roof Inspected Just because your roof is out of sight doesn’t mean it should be out of mind. Similar to our vehicles, we often think of having the roof inspected and maintained once something goes wrong. This can lead to serious and costly problems. Considering just how vital your…

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Time to Start Thinking About Your Air Conditioner

Time to Start Thinking About Your Air Conditioner

As soon as the temperature reaches the mid-20s and edges towards the 30-degree mark, it’s time to start thinking about your air conditioner. Follow these tips to get the most out of your unit this year to avoid facing a sudden loss of service on a scorching hot day. Initial cleaning Before you start up…

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Taking Proper Care of Your Furnace

Taking Proper Care of Your Furnace

Did you know that your furnace is likely the largest energy expense in your home? That’s why it’s worth keeping it in good condition so it can operate as efficiently as possible and help keep your monthly bills lower. With some regular maintenance and care, your furnace can last longer while avoiding costly problems and…

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Gas vs. Wood Burning Fireplace

Gas vs. Wood Burning Fireplace: Which Is Right for Me?

Gas vs. Wood Burning Fireplace: Which Is Right for Me? When it comes to adding warmth and elegance to a room, there’s nothing as effective as a fireplace. But with all the design options available today, is a gas fireplace a better option than a wood burning fireplace for your home? Here we’ll help you…

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How Long Does a Roof Last

How Long Does a Roof Last?

How Long Does a Roof Last? Some roofs will last for 50 years and longer. Some will need replacing after 15 years. What’s the difference between the two? The lifespan of the roof depends on a number of factors including the type of materials used, the quality of those materials, the installation process and workmanship,…

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5 Things to Consider Before Replacing Your Roof

5 Things to Consider Before Replacing Your Roof

Are the shingles on your roof curling or falling off? Are you suddenly experiencing leaks? If so, these are all tell-tale signs that it’s time to get a new roof. But before you do, here are some important things to consider before replacing your roof.  Repairs vs. Replacement Not every damaged roof needs a full…

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