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Latest tips, tricks, and insights for your HVAC needs

November 7, 2026

Canada's New $10,000 Heat Pump Rebate: What Waterloo Region Homeowners Need to Know

The federal National Heat Pump Rebate pays $2,000, or up to $10,000 for households at or below the median income. Heat pumps installed from November 1, 2026 can qualify, and applications open in early 2027. On October 8, 2026, the federal government announced the [National Heat Pump Rebate](https://www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/campaigns/one-million-home-energy-retrofits.html), a $2 billion program to help up to 820,000 households switch to a cold-climate heat pump.

November 2, 2026

Condensation on Inside of Windows in Winter: Causes & Fixes

Foggy, dripping or frosted windows every winter morning? Here's what's causing it in your Kitchener-Waterloo home, and the fixes that actually work. It's one of the first signs that winter has arrived in Waterloo Region: you open the blinds in the morning and the bottom of every window is fogged up, dripping, or even covered in a layer of frost.

November 2, 2026

Top 5 Best Gas Furnaces in Canada

Looking for the best furnace for your home? We've ranked the top 5 high-efficiency gas furnaces in Canada based on efficiency, comfort, reliability and warranty. These are the **best gas furnaces available in Canada**, according to the installers at Afterglow.

April 12, 2026

Ontario Heat Pump Rebates in 2026: What's Actually Still Available

Canada's new National Heat Pump Rebate pays $2,000 or up to $10,000, and Ontario's Home Renovation Savings program adds up to $7,500. Here's what Kitchener-Waterloo homeowners can claim. If you've been thinking about a heat pump but assumed the rebate window closed, you're not alone. There was a lot of confusion after the federal **Canada Greener Homes Grant** shut down.

January 5, 2026

Why Winter Air Feels So Dry (And What to Do About It)

Dry skin, static shocks and scratchy throats this winter? Here's why it happens, and how to bring healthy humidity back to your Kitchener-Waterloo home. If you've noticed your skin feeling tight, your lips cracking, or an annoying static shock every time you touch a doorknob—you're not imagining things. Winter in Waterloo Region brings **brutally dry indoor air**, and it affects more than just your comfort.

October 30, 2025

Winter Ready: Your Heating Checklist for a Cozy, Safe Home

A simple, practical checklist to keep your furnace or boiler running safely and efficiently all winter across Kitchener‑Waterloo, Cambridge, and Guelph. When the temperature drops, your home’s heating system becomes the quiet hero of the season. A little preparation now can prevent surprise breakdowns later — and keep energy bills in check.

May 29, 2025

Beat the Heat: Win a Free American Standard A/C from Afterglow & CTV Kitchener

Summer’s on its way—enter now for your chance to win a complete American Standard air-conditioning system courtesy of Afterglow and CTV Kitchener! Summer’s on the horizon, and the last thing you want is to sweat through the season without reliable cooling. That’s why Afterglow Ltd has teamed up with **CTV Kitchener** to give one lucky Ontario resident a brand-new **American Standard air-conditioning system** (retail value: $7,000 CAD!).

December 3, 2024

What Does Red-Tagging Mean? A Guide to Fuel-Burning Appliance Safety

Learn about red-tagging, why it happens, and how it protects your home from dangers like carbon monoxide poisoning. As temperatures drop, we rely on our heating systems to stay warm and cozy. But what happens when your heating system is deemed unsafe? That’s where red-tagging comes in—a term no homeowner wants to encounter, but one that’s crucial for safety.

June 26, 2024

Oh Canada! Discover HVAC-Related Geographic Names Across Canada

This Canada Day, celebrate the beauty and diversity of our country by exploring locations with HVAC-related names. This Canada Day, let’s explore unique locations across our beautiful country that share names resonant with the HVAC industry! Join us on a journey from coast to coast, celebrating the beauty and diversity of Canada through an HVAC lens.

March 18, 2024

To Rent or Not to Rent Your Water Heater

Should you rent or own your water heater? Discover the pros and cons of each option to help make the right decision for your home. In our 30+ years in the HVAC business, one question has often left homeowners pondering: Should I rent or own my water heater? While there is no right answer, it’s a choice that impacts both your comfort and budget. Let’s delve into what factors to consider to help you make the best choice for your situation.

March 4, 2024

Top 5 Best Residential Boilers in Canada

Looking for the best boiler for your home? We’ve ranked the top 5 residential boilers in Canada based on efficiency, durability, and long-term performance. These are the **best residential boilers available in Canada in 2026**, according to the installers at Afterglow.

July 6, 2023

3 Types of Heat Pumps for Every Application in K-W Homes

Heat pumps are versatile, efficient, and eco-friendly alternatives to traditional HVAC systems. Discover which type suits your Kitchener-Waterloo home best. Heat pumps are all the rave these days—and rightfully so!

November 21, 2022

3 Reasons Why Winter Is the Time to Consider Replacing Your A/C

Think winter is the wrong time to replace your air conditioner? Think again. Discover why the off-season might be the best time to make the switch. If your air conditioner has been giving you trouble, is aging out, or you’re considering an energy-efficient upgrade like a heat pump—oddly enough, **fall or winter** is one of the best times to replace it. Here’s why:

April 26, 2022

Ways to Purify Your Home Naturally this Spring

Breathe easier this spring with natural ways to purify your indoor air. From fresh air to houseplants, explore our top clean air tips for your home. It’s that time of year… the sun is shining, the snow is melting, and it’s time to open your windows!

December 13, 2017

Ratty Radiator: Refurbishing Your Old HVAC Units

Love the charm of old homes but not the outdated HVAC gear? Learn how to creatively reuse vintage heating units in your decor — with safety in mind. Hunting for a home is a challenge — especially with the way the market's been trending. Add in the **new vs. old home debate** and things get even more complicated.

November 17, 2017

Hot Box History: A Look Back at Heating Through the Ages

From Neanderthal hearths to Victorian radiators, heating systems have come a long way. Here's how we got from smoke-filled caves to modern HVAC comfort. Are you sitting in your home or office, shivering and cursing your faulty thermostat under your frosted breath? Tired of bundling up like a burrito just to answer emails?

September 19, 2017

Duct Discoveries: Surprising Finds and How to Safeguard Your Home

From forgotten VHS tapes to... a tarantula? The weirdest things HVAC pros find in ducts, and how regular maintenance protects your home and air quality. Have you ever been confused by a lack of airflow in your home — even with your energy bills skyrocketing?

July 11, 2016

Top 5 Reasons Why Your AC Broke Down

Is your AC acting up? Here are the top 5 reasons we see breakdowns during summer in Kitchener-Waterloo — and how to prevent them before it gets too hot. ☀️ Summer came with a vengeance this year, and with it came **emergency calls** for broken air conditioning units.

April 18, 2016

So, What Does a New Air Conditioner Actually Cost?

In Waterloo Region, air conditioning is no longer a luxury. Learn what drives the cost of a new AC and how to choose the right system for your home. An air conditioner can improve your health and quality of life!

January 12, 2016

Five Historical Facts You Didn’t Know About Furnaces

From cast iron radiators to programmable thermostats, furnaces have come a long way. Five fascinating facts about how home heating became possible. The start of 2016 brought big blasts of winter to the Waterloo Region. From frigid temperatures to icy conditions, it’s no wonder everyone is seeking out the comfort of their heated homes.

December 9, 2015

Emergency Holiday Heating Service in Kitchener-Waterloo

Furnace failure on Christmas? Afterglow offers 4-hour emergency heating service across Kitchener-Waterloo, so you’re never left in the cold this season. 🎄 It’s Christmas Day. The turkey’s in the oven. Holiday music is playing. Guests are on the way.

March 26, 2014

HVAC vs HAC: What's the Difference?

Ever heard a contractor say they're in 'Heating and Cooling'? That might not mean HVAC. Learn the difference, and why ventilation matters more than you think. Like all industries, the heating and cooling world is full of acronyms: **HRV, ACH, ECM, AFUE, SEER, and HVAC**. But have you ever wondered what they actually mean — and what makes **HVAC** different from just **HAC**?

December 11, 2013

Giving Warmth This Holiday Season

It’s our 2nd annual Afterglow Furnace Giveaway! See how we’re helping one local family stay warm this winter, as featured in The Waterloo Chronicle. 🎄 **Afterglow featured in The Waterloo Chronicle!**

July 25, 2013

Wow! What a Storm!

A week after hurricane-like winds hit Kitchener-Waterloo, we reflect on the clean-up, the community effort, and how storms can bring neighbours together. It’s been one week since **hurricane-like winds** swept through Kitchener-Waterloo, leaving a trail of destruction in their path. Thousands of residents were left without power due to extreme weather and damaged hydro lines.

December 14, 2012

Blown Softener

A failed water softener can take out more than itself. See how one shut down a tankless water heater — and how Afterglow got it running again. Turning on the faucet and being rewarded with hot water is a luxury many of us take for granted.