New requirements for heat pump refrigerant
Editor, Glebe Report
Use of heat pumps is on the rise, with an eye to reducing emissions.
Unfortunately, most heat pumps sold in Canada have used the R-410a refrigerant, which has a global warming potential 2,088 times higher than carbon dioxide.
But there is good news: R-410a is being phased out in many countries, including Canada, to be replaced with something less harmful to the environment.
In fact, this year, the use of R410a refrigerant in new HVAC systems will be prohibited across Canada. This regulatory change is aligned with new Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) requirements, known as SEER2.
What does this mean for you if you are looking at acquiring a heat pump? If possible, hold off on your purchase a bit and avoid acquiring a heat pump that uses R-410a!
If you already have a heat pump installed that uses R410a, please be very careful when it comes time to recharge or scrap the unit – even a little leak of the refrigerant is extremely harmful for our atmosphere.
Jay Miller
Castles built of sand
Editor, Glebe Report
It makes me sad when I see high quality homes being demolished in the Glebe so that rental properties can be built in their place. Instead of individuals being able to purchase their future residence, corporate interests are buying up the properties and churning out rentals. Expensive rentals that ensure that young families in particular can never save enough to own their homes.
It is important that we offer the next generation a chance at home ownership and give our young families a path forward to a sound investment in their future retirement. This is achieved by putting limits on the amount of corporate-owned rental units being built. Corporate buyouts are preventing families from either finding affordable rent or owning their own homes.
These multi units increase traffic and congestion, create a lack of green space and decrease personal privacy. As a structural expert, I see no reason to tear down most homes in the Glebe that are presently being considered for demolition.
So, what is the solution? If you are thinking of selling your home, make sure the new purchaser is a private citizen and not an investment group. This one act will help preserve the Glebe as we know and appreciate it as an outstanding community to live in.
Charles Zave
On reading
Editor, Glebe Report
Reading liberates the mind, soul and spirit. It teaches one to live in the present moment, learn from one’s past experiences and cry out in joy for the future. It strengthens friendship and conversations which become lived experiences and then stories to be recounted. Most of all, reading heals wounds and impassions one’s thoughts and actions to support others. It improves memories of love and fairness and, depending on what one is reading, it harnesses undesirable urges by expanding vocabulary and connection with one’s emotions. All to say, there is nothing to ease the mind in peace and community like a good book to enhance the utility of one’s possessions, making oneself happy.
Danny Handelman
Noise from The Clemow a health risk
Editor, Glebe Report
The noise pollution from The Clemow high rise is appropriately receiving increasing public attention. Much of the focus has been on measurement of noise levels, with city Bylaw staff dismissing our community’s concerns by claiming that The Clemow is within code. This has been questioned on several fronts. But importantly, such measurements are just at a point in time.
There is considerable peer-reviewed research showing that persistent, cumulative exposure to noise pollution, even at so-called acceptable bylaw levels, can have serious consequences for both mental and cardiovascular health.
From a mental health perspective, research shows continuous exposure to relatively high noise levels has been strongly linked to increased stress, anxiety and sleep disturbances and decreased cognitive performance. The brain’s constant reaction to unwanted sound disrupts normal psychological functioning, leading to a heightened risk of depression and emotional fatigue. In children, it can impair learning and memory; in adults, it may reduce productivity.
Just as alarmingly, cardiovascular health is also at risk. Studies have shown that persistent noise exposure, especially at night, activates the body’s stress response, leading to elevated levels of cortisol and adrenaline. These hormonal changes can increase blood pressure, damage blood vessels and accelerate the development of heart disease. Individuals exposed to chronic noise pollution are at greater risk for hypertension, heart attacks and stroke.
Testimonials from our neighbours clearly show the serious consequences for our community’s overall well-being: a hematologist has lost her peaceful place to prepare for her workday caring for leukemia patients; parents see negative consequences for their children; volunteers providing services across Ottawa are fighting sleep disturbances and mental fatigue.
Each testimonial points to the same conclusion. Given these serious health implications, it is crucial to take noise pollution seriously – not just as a nuisance, but as a public health risk. It’s time for City Council, City engineers and The Clemow to step up to do the right thing – install effective sound barriers now.
Paul Jenkins