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Showing posts from April, 2025

The Once-a-Year Home Maintenance Checklist (That Actually Matters)

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Let’s be honest. Most of us only think about home maintenance when something starts dripping, buzzing, or making a noise that sounds expensive. This is not that list. This is the once-a-year checklist that actually saves you money, stress, and surprise water features in your basement . You can do this in one afternoon. Maybe two, if you keep stopping for coffee and “just one more YouTube video.” Here we go. 1. Change your furnace filter (yes… really). If you can’t remember the last time you changed it, that’s your answer. A dirty filter: makes your furnace work harder lowers air quality and quietly increases your heating bill Pro tip: write the date on the new filter. Your future self will thank you. 2. Test your sump pump (before it becomes a personality test). Pour a bucket of water into the pit and make sure it: turns on pumps out and turns off again If it doesn’t, your basement may soon become a very exclusive indoor pool — especially with our spring melt and heavy rain around King...

A Glimpse into Kingston’s Darker Past: Notable Tragedies and Events

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Kingston, Ontario, is a beautiful city with a rich history, marked by its strategic location on the shores of Lake Ontario and its historical significance. However, like many cities, its past isn't without its share of darker events that have shaped its identity. While Kingston is often celebrated for its stunning waterfront views, historical buildings, and thriving arts scene, it’s also important to reflect on the moments that have left scars on the community. Let’s take a look at some of the more tragic and unsettling episodes in Kingston’s history. 1. The Kingston Penitentiary and the Dark History of Canadian Prisons The most well-known symbol of Kingston’s darker history is undoubtedly the Kingston Penitentiary, which opened in 1835 and operated for 178 years before it was closed in 2013. This was the oldest maximum-security prison in Canada and one of the most notorious correctional facilities in the world. During its years of operation, Kingston Pen became infamous for its ha...

Aluminum Wiring in Residential Properties: What Homeowners Need to Know

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If you're considering buying or selling a home in Kingston, or even just maintaining your current property, the topic of aluminum wiring is one that might come up. While aluminum wiring was commonly used in homes built between the mid-1960s and late 1970s, it has since been largely replaced by copper due to safety concerns. However, aluminum wiring is still found in many homes today, and understanding its risks and potential solutions is crucial for homeowners and buyers alike. Why Was Aluminum Wiring Used? During the 1960s and 70s, copper prices surged, leading builders to seek a more affordable alternative. Aluminum was an attractive choice because it was significantly cheaper and easier to source at the time. While aluminum is a good conductor of electricity, its long-term performance in household wiring has raised some concerns. The Risks of Aluminum Wiring Aluminum wiring poses several risks, primarily due to how it reacts to electrical currents and environmental factors: Expa...