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The Power of Fire

Welcome to the era of the Feel-Good Home

Home has always been seen as a sanctuary. In a world that seems more stressful than ever, itʼs no wonder health and well-being at home have become must-haves. People are craving spaces that make them feel good, from spa-like bathrooms to backyard oasis. We couldnʼt help but wonder if we might be able to enhance the ways people rest, relax and rejuvenate. What if, through the power of fire, we could help to foster health and wellbeing at home?

Why is wellbeing so important?

People have been clocking the highest stress levels seen in decades. That stress will continue to have long-lasting health effects unless we can find ways to combat it. Let’s look at the current state of stress:

Stress is up

50% of people feel life is more stressful than before 2020.

Stress affects health

Prolonged, high stress can cause serious health issues such as heart disease.

People want relief

70% of people surveyed want to minimize daily stress.

What do fireplaces have to do with wellbeing?

We have always believed in the power of fire. To warm. To relax. To draw people together. Beyond the relaxation we all know, does fire have the power to make us feel better? We had to find out. We approached the Universities of Alabama and Illinois, two institutions leading the way in the study of health and well-being, and established endowments to help propel their research. In separate studies, a fireplace showed statistically significant impacts.

Fire Relaxes

At the University of Alabama, studies revealed that 15 minutes in front of a fireplace can actually lower blood pressure and decrease heart rate.

A fireplace can promote:

Physical Relaxation

Stress Relief

Reduced Risk of Stress-Related Health Issues

Read the Study *

Fire Stimulates

At the University of Illinois, studies revealed that in front of a fire, overall cognitive performance improved by 12 percent, and adaptivity to enrichment-seeking activities (e.g. playing a game) increased.

A fireplace can promote:

Healthy Aging

Improved Cognitive Ability

Enrichment Seeking

Read the Study *

* Please Note: These study reports are in peer review and are expected to be fully published in Fall 2023. In the interim, reference the research abstracts linked above.

The Fireplace Effect

A fireplace provides so much more than warmth. Sitting by a fireplace, even an electric one, can lower blood pressure and heart rate, helping with relaxation, and lowering the risk of stress-related health issues like heart disease. It can also support mental well-being, which is important as we age.

Researchers dubbed it The Fireplace Effect

Get Fired Up to Feel Good

There are so many ways to add The Power of Fire to your home. Explore our endless fireplace options online or at an authorized dealer near you. Let’s make your whole home a feel-good space.

Fireplace Catalog
Fireplace Design Studio
Dealer Locator

Responsible Business Practices

From top to bottom and throughout our organization, we are committed to conducting our business practices responsibly and sustainably with a vision to ensure a healthy and productive way of life for future generations. As a home heating and cooling systems provider, we gladly acknowledge that we can play a direct role in innovating eco-minded energy-efficient systems that can help preserve valuable resources while enabling our communities to flourish.

Our commitment to reducing our carbon footprint remains a top priority across our organization. That’s why we have developed an Environmental Vision Committee that brings forward green initiatives to continue lowering our company’s carbon footprint and ensure all our actions are guided by environmentally friendly business principles. In addition to leading the industry in developing energy-efficient systems, we have introduced a number of sustainable business practices to mitigate our environmental impact in the supply chain.

Recycling & Waste Diversion

We have adopted an official Source Separation Program that calls for coloured sorting waste drums to be strategically distributed throughout our facilities. This initiative has enjoyed great success in ensuring recyclables like water bottles, batteries, metal, electronics and printer cartridges are re-routed from general waste, keeping these items of our landfills and into the appropriate recycling programs downstream.

Energy-efficient Equipment

We have invested heavily in procuring new, energy-efficient manufacturing technologies that reduce our carbon footprint. Recent purchases include electric turret presses, energy-efficient air compressors, fibre optic lasers, electric brake presses, and electric-powered forklifts and lift trucks.

Eliminate Plastic Bottle Waste

In 2020, we installed numerous touchless water dispensing stations on our premises to encourage reusable water bottle use and reduce the number of plastic water bottles ending up in landfill. This initiative saved over 20,000 bottles in just the first four months of implementation across our Ontario facilities alone.

Did you Know?

The province of Ontario has estimated that for every 1,000 tonnes of waste diverted from landfill, seven full-time jobs, $360,000 in wages and another $700,000 in gross domestic product are generated. Source: BarrieToday.com.

Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) policy

A commitment to health and safety is an integral part of our organization. We have adopted an environmental health and safety policy that governs the following actions company-wide:

  • Providing leadership and the required resources necessary to support environmental health and safety
  • Improving our processes to maximize safe working practices
  • Increasing our environmentally sustainable products by 250% by 2025
  • Ensuring a safe environment, not only for our associates, but also for visitors, contractors, customers and neighbours

HVAC – Warranty

Warranty – HVAC

Every Continental HVAC system is designed, engineered, manufactured, and hand-inspected to the strictest quality control standards. With proper maintenance and care, your state-of-the-art system is intended to last.

For additional peace of mind, we suggest you register your new Continental system to ensure that, in the unlikely event of a malfunction, your heating and cooling appliances are covered under warranty.

For the warranty coverage on your specific unit, please speak with your Continental dealer to learn more.

Gas Furnaces

C97 Series

10 Year Parts Limited

15 Year Unit Replacement Limited

Lifetime Heat Exchanger Limited

C96 Series

10 Year Parts Limited

10 Year Unit Replacement Limited

Lifetime Heat Exchanger Limited

C96Q Series

10 Year Parts Limited

10 Year Unit Replacement Limited

Lifetime Heat Exchanger Limited

C95 Series

10 Year Parts Limited

10 Year Unit Replacement Limited

Lifetime Heat Exchanger Limited

Central Air Conditioners

CT Series 16 SEER

10 Year Parts Limited

10 Year Compressor Limited

CT Series 14 SEER

10 Year Parts Limited

10 Year Compressor Limited

CT Series 13 SEER

10 Year Parts Limited

10 Year Compressor Limited

Central Heat Pumps

CS18 Series

10 Year Parts Limited

10 Year Compressor Limited

Air Handlers

18 SEER Series

10 Year Parts Limited

Indoor Air Quality

UV-C Technology

1 Year Parts Limited

Thermostats

CT144 Thermostat

1 Year Parts Limited

CT95 Thermostat

1 Year Parts Limited

Promotions & Savings

Save Money and Add Peace of Mind

We believe feeling Continental-style comfort at home shouldn’t break your budget. Your Continental Dealer can advise you on the many ways you can get the most value for your heating and cooling dollar. Depending on your location and time of year, you may qualify for one or more of the following money-saving programs:

  • Special financing offers
  • Rebate offers
  • Eco-rebates on ENERGY STAR Rated units
  • Savings through local utility providers

Keep in mind that a new Continental HVAC system includes the latest energy-efficient technologies to reduce your home energy bills… and your carbon footprint.

Rebates & Tax credits in Canada

Rebates and tax credits are generously offered in Canada through federal and provincial government agencies, plus energy providers such as Enbridge. The purpose of these financial support services is to increase the adoption of energy-efficient systems by offsetting some of the costs involved in upgrading legacy HVAC systems.

To receive a rebate or tax credit, you can expect to go through the following three steps:

Home Energy Audit

Your first step is to arrange a home energy audit with a registered energy advisor. This important first step is crucial in ensuring you later receive financial support, as the advisor must confirm your home meets the rebate/credit requirements. Upon completing your home energy assessment, you will receive a report outlining the suggested upgrades you can complete to help lower your home’s energy costs.

Contact a Continental HVAC Dealer

Your Continental Dealer will review the home energy assessment and explain all the HVAC system options that qualify for the rebate/credit. You will often have multiple options to choose from, where the more expensive the system the more generous the rebate. Keep in mind that a more expensive system may not just qualify you for more cash back but save you more money on your monthly energy bills.

Follow-up Assessment

In some cases, a follow-up assessment may be required. Once completed, you will receive a reimbursement cheque typically within 12 weeks of your follow-up appointment.

AFUE bonus rebate

If the furnace you select has an AFUE of 96% or more, you may qualify for an additional $250 rebate. To receive this rebate, you must complete three qualifying upgrades including a new furnace with an AFUE of 96% or higher.

Still have questions on how to qualify for a rebate or tax credit? Contact a Continental HVAC Dealer today.

Energy Ratings Explained

With Canada’s frigid, cold winters and oppressively hot summers, it can take a lot of energy to feel comfortable and composed at home. With HVAC systems, the higher the energy rating the easier it is for your unit to maintain the optimal temperature as efficiently as possible.

Select Continental HVAC systems are ENERGY STAR rated to meet strict energy efficiency standards. The standards were developed in collaboration with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to encourage significant reductions in harmful greenhouse gases. Not only do ENERGY STAR rated products leave a lighter environmental footprint, but they’re lighter on your wallet for all your home energy expenses.

The following are some other energy rating measurements:

Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE)

A ratio that measures the percent of heat produced for every dollar of fuel consumed. A high AFUE rating means that you can expect lower fuel costs to run your furnace because the furnace is extremely efficient in fuel consumption.

Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER)

A ratio of cooling output divided by the energy consumed. A high SEER rating indicates the efficiency and energy performance of your air conditioner or heat pump, which equates to a lower environmental impact and lower energy bills.

Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF)

A ratio of heat output to the electricity used by your unit. HSPF is used to measure the efficiency of the heating component of your heat pump or furnace. A heating system with an HSPF rating will lower your electricity bills.

Ask your Continental HVAC Dealer which energy-rated system is ideal for your home, eco-consciousness, and budget.

Repair or Replace?

If your HVAC system has broken down or is experiencing issues, common sense traditionally dictates that your best bet is to get it fixed and extend its operating life for as long as possible. The truth is it’s not always that simple. If you have a newer unit, a repair may be all you need to make it as good as new. If it’s an older unit, however, replacing it with a modern and new energy-efficient model could add up to significant savings on your home energy bills.

Most air conditioners and heat pumps have a lifespan of approximately 10 to 12 years, while furnaces are expected to operate for 15 to 20 years. If your system is towards the end of its life expectancy, chances are that a replacement will save you money in the long run.

The following are some key signs you should look out for while deciding whether to replace or repair your HVAC system:

Performance Declines

If the rooms in your house are no longer heating or cooling to the set temperature on your thermostat, that’s a sign that your unit is in decline. Older systems do struggle to heat or cool homes consistently, which is an early sign that it should be replaced.

Frequent Repairs are Needed

We’ve all been on that car repair roller coaster before. We tell ourselves that we’ll just fix it one more time, but the next time it needs another repair we fix it again. Your HVAC system is like the engine that powers your house. Once you start experiencing frequent repairs, that’s a huge sign that your HVAC system is at the end of its life. Naturally, if the cost of repair is greater than the cost of a replacement, it’s time to replace that HVAC regardless.

Increasing Energy Costs

As an HVAC system ages, it gradually becomes less efficient and burns more fuel to compensate for its loss of power. Look back at your last few years of energy bills. If you’re using significantly more energy this year than at the same time and season last year than the year before, that’s a sign that your HVAC unit either needs servicing or, in a worst-case scenario, replacement.

Keep in mind that replacing your HVAC unit won’t just lower your energy consumption but improve the air quality in your home as well. A newer system will be much more capable of keeping your indoor air clean and breathable while eliminating pollutants like dust, dirt, debris, and dander.

Contact a Continental HVAC Dealer today and consult with them on whether to repair or replace is your best option.

Price Guide

What Goes into the Cost of my HVAC system?

The cost of a new HVAC system can vary from customer to customer due to a variety of factors, usually reflected in the ease or difficulty of the installation process. After an in-home consultation with a licensed Continental HVAC Dealer, your dealer will provide you with a comprehensive estimate and take the time to explain how each of the following three factors will impact your final cost.

Your Location

Your home’s location plays a big role in how much energy it will take to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature. Homes within areas that are prone to temperature extremes may require a higher capacity system versus those located within more moderate climates. Your Continental Dealer will share the best HVAC options based on the weather patterns and general climate in your specific location.

Your Home

Naturally, the larger your home the larger the HVAC system capacity required to effectively heat or cool your space. The quality of insulation in your home also plays an important role in the heating or cooling systems required; newer homes or homes with upgraded insulation may not require the power or heat load of a larger system to keep you comfortable.

Another factor taken into consideration is the overall design and layout of your home; features such as high ceilings or southern-facing windows will impact how efficiently your rooms can be heated or cooled, and which model or system would work best for your space. Your Continental Dealer will also consider where in your home the system is being installed. Hard-to-access spaces or older homes requiring retrofitting may add to your installation costs.

Your Ductwork

Your home’s ductwork is the infrastructure that distributes the heated or cooled air throughout your home. If your ductwork is in a state of disrepair or needs to be replaced, this will increase the upfront cost of installing your new HVAC system. Keep in mind that new or repaired ductwork is always worth the investment, because clean and well-functioning ductwork will ensure that your system is heating or cooling your home in the most energy-efficient and cost-effective manner.

To receive a breakdown on the estimated cost of a new HVAC system for your home (including installation), contact a trusted Continental Heating & Cooling Dealer today.

Learn the Basics

HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) systems are designed to keep your home at a comfortable temperature while maintaining a healthy indoor air quality. In achieving this, an HVAC system serves three primary functions: Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning.

Continental is proud to offer everything you need to heat, ventilate and cool your home utilizing the latest energy-efficient technologies. We also offer advanced air-quality solutions that can be integrated into your system, helping you and your family relax and breathe easily within a safe, clean and comfortable home environment.

Gas Furnaces

Heating

The furnace or boiler in your HVAC system is used to heat your home. If you have a forced-air system (i.e. a furnace), heated air is distributed via ductwork to in-room vents; if you have a radiant-heat system (i.e. a boiler), heated fluid is conveyed via a pipe system to radiators distributed throughout your home.

Heat Pumps

Ventilation

Indoor air quality plays an important role in home comfort. Ventilation helps circulate the air in your home, control moisture levels, remove unwanted odours and keep the air from stagnating. Proper ventilation is also important in controlling any allergy or respiratory issues. Your HVAC’s ventilation system can be either natural or forced; with forced ventilation, you can expect your system to also have air-cleaning capabilities.

Air Conditioners

Air Conditioning

The air conditioning component of your HVAC system ensures you stay cool and comfortable during warmer months. Continental’s energy-efficient AC units remove the heat from inside your home and replace it with cool air. A well-cooled home plays an important role in your whole-body health.

Knowledge Base

Today’s HVAC systems are more technologically advanced, eco-friendly, and easier to use and maintain than ever before. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or an old pro, find out everything you need to know involved in heating, ventilating, and cooling your home.

Learn the Basics

HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) systems are designed to keep your home at a comfortable temperature while maintaining healthy indoor air quality.

View More

Price Guide

The cost of a new HVAC system can vary from customer to customer due to a variety of factors, usually reflected in the ease or difficulty of the installation process.

View More

Energy Ratings Explained

Select Continental HVAC systems are ENERGY STAR rated to meet strict energy efficiency standards. The standards were developed in collaboration with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to encourage significant reductions in harmful greenhouse gases.

View More

Rebates & Tax Credits

Rebates and tax credits are generously offered in Canada through federal and provincial government agencies, plus energy providers such as Enbridge. The purpose of these financial support services is to increase the adoption of energy-efficient systems by offsetting some of the costs involved in upgrading legacy HVAC systems.

View More

Repair or Replace?

Most air conditioners and heat pumps have a lifespan of approximately 10 to 12 years, while furnaces are expected to operate for 15 to 20 years. If your system is towards the end of its life expectancy, chances are that a replacement will save you money in the long run.

View More

Promotions & Savings

We believe feeling Continental-style comfort at home shouldn’t break your budget. Your Continental Dealer can advise you on the many ways you can get the most value for your heating and cooling dollar.

View More