Are electric vehicles a viable option with Saskatchewan winters?

THE BATTERY IS UNRELIABLE

As with a vehicle with an internal combustion engine (ICE), it does take more energy to run an EV in the colder months, although Keyser noted that the battery powering her Tesla Model S is much more reliable in winter than the battery needed to start an ICE vehicle.

Cruickshank added that the engine in his Chevrolet Bolt kicks in automatically to keep the battery warm. Another plus is the fact that the 12-volt starter battery will never die because it's constantly being charged — whether plugged in or not, he said.

“A lot of people compare these batteries to their cellphones. But those batteries are designed for different operating conditions — it's not designed for cooler temperatures; there is nothing in there to try to keep the battery warm or conditioned."

COLD REDUCES THE EV'S RANGE

Keyser admits her Model S doesn't make it quite as far in the winter months as it does in the summer — about 25 percent less, according to her observations — but ICE vehicles also consume more fuel when idling or powering heaters and other electronics. For her, it's simply a matter of shifting her thinking to how she can drive to better extend the battery's range.

When she has used her car on a long road trip, the charging stops gave her a chance to discover different communities where she would never have stopped otherwise, she added.

CHARGING INFRASTRUCTURE IS LACKING

While there is some truth to this, Keyser said it's simply a downfall of being a pioneer of the continuously growing industry. Both Keyser and Cruickshank admit Saskatchewan is significantly behind the rest of Canada in this aspect.

“When motorized vehicles first came along, there weren't gas stations everywhere," Keyser noted.

Most EV owners don't use public charging stations for full charges, opting instead to plug into a regular wall outlet overnight or at work, Cruickshank said. As long as they aren't on a long trip, finding a public charger isn't required unless they want to top up their battery while out and about.  

CHARGING TAKES TOO LONG

When it's cold, no one wants to have to stop for hours to recharge a vehicle — But unless you are travelling a long distance, you generally don't tend to completely drain the battery.

Cruickshank said it can take about eight hours to fully charge his Bolt using a standard plug — fine for an overnight charge, but he admits it's not ideal when travelling long distances.

However, the technology is advancing quickly and more quick charge stations are popping up that can take a battery from zero to 80 percent in less than 45 minutes.

EV IS SIMILAR IN EFFICIENCY TO AN ICE VEHICLE

Even in Saskatchewan, where the majority of electricity comes from burning coal, EVs are about twice as efficient compared to their gas-burning counterparts.

Plugndrive.ca estimates every 20,000 kilometres Keyser drives her Model S in Saskatchewan costs roughly $570 and outputs 2,495 kg of carbon dioxide. Those numbers jump significantly, to $2,490 and 4,880 kg of carbon dioxide, when calculated for an ICE vehicle. 

Cruickshank's Bolt performs even better, costing only $490 and outputting only 2,160 kg of carbon dioxide. 

In provinces like Quebec and Manitoba, where electricity is mainly created at hydroelectric generating stations, the amount of carbon dioxide emitted drops to roughly 30 to40 kg for every 20,000 kilometres driven.

HOW TO STOP BURGLARS FROM TARGETING YOUR HOME

In Burglary Prevention Tips :

• Unlocked doors or windows
• Front doors with glass panes
• Open curtains that reveal what you have in your home
• Open doors or windows (this includes garage doors)
• Darkened points of entry
• Valuables left out in the open, such as lawn equipment or bicycles
• Large bushes that obscure the front yard or door to your home
• Fences that provide cover
• Neighbourhoods without neighbourhood watch

Signs that a home is an unoccupied target include:

•     Newspapers or unchecked mail
•     Overgrown yards
•    “Sorry we missed you” notes on the door

LOCK YOUR WINDOWS AND DOORS

REINFORCE YOUR DOORS

GLASS FRONT DOORS ATTRACT BURGLARS

They will look through the door in order to see what’s inside.  A thief can see if you have a traditional, monitored alarm system as well.

KEEP YOUR GARAGE DOOR CLOSED

I think a lot of people take leaving their garage door open for granted. Maybe you could do that in 1952, but those days are over. I know a man who’s wife pulled into the garage and left the garage door open when she went into the house. By the time she went back out to close it, someone had already run in and stolen his toolbox full of expensive tools. Now, talk about emboldened opportunism! Luckily they caught the guy because the man had a security camera that had captured a clear image of his face.

GET AN UP-TO-DATE OPENER

LOCK THE DOOR FROM YOUR GARAGE INTO YOUR HOUSE

CLOSE YOUR BLINDS OR CURTAINS

 WHAT BURGLARS WANT AND WHERE THEY LOOK FOR IT IN  YOUR HOUSE

• under the mattress
• under the bed
• master closest
• shoe boxes
• night stands
• tops of wardrobes
• bathroom cabinets
• dresser drawers
• medicine cabinets
• children’s’ rooms
• kitchen pantry
• broom or utility closet
• basement
• attic

Crime prevention officers suggest keeping bushes trimmed down to about 3 feet or shorter so that you increase the visibility for your neighbours or pedestrian onlookers. I can totally see keeping my front door and window bushes trimmed back. But let’s take a look at our other options below.

ADD LANDSCAPE LIGHTING FOR HOME SECURITY 

Basically, these are stand-alone security cameras installed in light fixtures. Whenever motion triggers them, both the light and the camera activate. Next, they send you an alert via text message. From there you can control the camera, which includes the ability to speak to whoever is there..ask Reed today! 

SIGNS YOU ARE AWAY

1.  OVERGROWN LAWNS 
2. TRASHCANS LEFT OUT BY THE CURB

WHAT DO BURGLARS LOOK FOR IN A TARGETED NEIGHBORHOOD?

• settled homes
• a particular type of home typically means disposable income..that means they have jewelry or cash
• well-kept homes
• yards with nice fences because they indicate nice interior
• houses without alarm systems
• glass front doors that let them see inside

The Trusted Saskatoon Directory Team are thrilled to brag about our latest Saskatoon partner in our Saskatoon Contractors, Exteriors & Roofers category. We would like to welcome and introduce you to Scott Roofing a Trusted Saskatoon Roofer. 

Scott Roofing has over 30 years years of experience in the Saskatoon roofing industry and they are the roofer of choice for many of Saskatoon's top contractors. Their extensive roofing experience, skills and knowledge means they have proven themselves to be a trustworthy business and they are known as a reliable roofing contractor for both builders and homeowners who value friendly service and honest advice. 

Scott Landru and his team at Scott Roofing have an impeccable reputation for high-quality, clean work and they believe that relationships really matter.

As part of the unique Trusted Saskatoon verification process, we contacted a long list of Scott Roofing clients. These included both residential and commercial roofing clients,  to hear their opinion about the quality of workmanship and service Scott and his team provide. 

Wow,  we were impressed! Most of those surveyed rated them 10/10! 

"We have used Scott Roofing for two projects in the last twelve months. First we had our detached garage reshingled and then our home. I have to say that we have been VERY pleased with the service and workmanship. They have many years of experience and it truly shows in the care and attention they take. I would highly recommend Scott Roofing to anyone looking for great service and quality workmanship at competitive pricing." Sherry, Saskatoon

 

One of their clients wrote about their experience in a Google review that we found whilst doing our due diligence and checking Scott Roofings online reputation. We wanted to share,  as it includes a word of warning about what happens if you are unfortunate enough to have an experience with disreputable roofers. 

" I was not fortunate enough to have Scott Roofing replace my roof, I had the experience of using a less reputable company last year.
Today, however, a crew from Scott Roofing was diligently working across the street from my house. On my way home one of the team stopped me and asked to speak with me. He pointed out a potentially serious mistake in the work done to my roof that I wouldn't have been able to identify myself. He asked if it would be okay for him to quickly hop onto my roof and fix the issue because as a professional it was painful for him to see a homeowner with such obvious deficiencies left behind.
To me, this is the measure of true character in a person and a company. How does someone treat you when you have nothing to offer them? When there is no personal benefit to helping you out, how do they react? Every company will talk highly of their service and quality of work, today Scott Roofing skipped the talk and showed their integrity in their actions.
Today, however, a crew from Scott Roofing was diligently working across the street from my house. On my way home one of the team stopped me and asked to speak with me. He pointed out a potentially serious mistake in the work done to my roof that I wouldn't have been able to identify myself. He asked if it would be okay for him to quickly hop onto my roof and fix the issue, because as a professional it was painful for him to see a home owner with such obvious deficiencies left behind To me, this is the measure of true character in a person and a company. How does someone treat you when you have nothing to offer them? When there is no personal benefit to helping you out, how do they react? Every company will talk highly of their service and quality of work, today Scott Roofing skipped the talk and showed their integrity in their actions.These are the actions of the only roofing company I will use from now on, and the only company I'll be willing to recommend to friends and family."  Scott Jamison, Saskatoon.

Your first step into the beautiful Wheatland Fireplace Kitchen & Bath Saskatoon showroom will help you understand why Wheatland Fireplace has been given the Thumbs up by Trusted Saskatoon. Wheatland loves their customers and as a result, their customers love and TRUST them. In their latest bathroom tip, they share news and inspiration about Eago Canada bathroom products.

Eago Canada

EAGO CANADA is a bathroom industry leader that specialises in Plumbing fixtures, steam showers, whirlpool bathtubs, vanities & accessories.

EAGO will continue to be a Leader with innovation, looking at best practices for Green manufacturing, healthy, environmental protection and scientific concept of development for state of the art products and constantly improve the quality of products to be a world leader in Bathroom products.

EAGO is determined to become “The Best Supplier and Service Provider of Sanitary Ware Product in the World” and supply best bathroom solution for all people around the world.

See some of the most popular models below:

Eago Canada Shower  

This high technology shower includes a hand shower, FM radio, ventilator, ceiling shower, small chromatherapy lights, steam generator cleaning function, seat with a wood front board, F8 control panel (6KW/4.5KW/3KW steam generator), shampoo holder and towel rack provided 100% drainable shower tray thanks to the good design!!

Eago Free-Standing Whirlpool Bathtub 

This model includes up to 6 types of massage modes available, bringing incredible massage experiences, 4 different types of massage intensity optional, automatically gradual change of massage intensity optional, impulsive massage optional!

1.2 HP pump, 15 jets in total, with 5 back hydro-massage jets, 8 bottom hydro-massage jets and 2 feet hydro-massage jets, water capacity from 241L – 374, fashionable touch-screen control panel, perfectly drainable whirlpool system, excellently healthy, sensational bottom hydro-massage system, chromatherapy, and an auto protection function for pump (if there is not enough water in the whirlpool bathtub, the pump cannot be started).

Waste with trap is equipped, which prevents bad smell from the drain system. It also includes a unique small children massage function. Now you can leave the children alone to enjoy the massage by themselves because the water depth can be very low!

Eago Canada Hand Held Shower 

This model includes an FM Radio, a ventilator,  it has a satin silver aluminum profile, a thermostatic faucet (optional), two big forest head showers, petite chromotherapy lights, a steam generator with a cleaning function, shampoo and ancillaries holder, and an F8 control panel (6KW/4.5KW/3KW steam generator options)!

Please note: Wheatland can order any EAGO Canada Bathroom products in current manufacture.

Wheatland really is where your Saskatoon Outdoor Living, Bathroom, Kitchen and Fireplace dreams meet in spectacular surroundings! Wheatland Fireplace Kitchen & Bath are your:

• Trusted Saskatoon Fireplace store
• Trusted Saskatoon BBQ, Firepit and Firetable dealer
• Trusted Saskatoon Kitchen fittings store
• Trusted Saskatoon Bathroom store 

Your first step into the beautiful Wheatland Fireplace Kitchen & Bath Saskatoon showroom will help you understand why Wheatland Fireplace has been given the Thumbs up by Trusted Saskatoon. Wheatland loves their customers and as a result, their customers love and TRUST them. In their latest Saskatoon fireplace tip, they share information about Enviro Fireplaces.

Enviro® Fireplaces

Superior quality and attention to detail have provided Enviro® with a competitive advantage. They recognized in the industry as having one of the most stringent quality standards. Enviro has an extensive manufacturing facility where they employ cutting edge technologies such as CAD (computer aided design) and a state of the art steel cutting laser, all designed to give you the best design for your home with the highest standards of engineering.

Wheatland can order any Eviro® product in current manufacture.

See some of the most popular models below:

E30 Gas Fireplace Insert

The Enviro E Series lineup provides a feature-rich gas insert experience with a large glass viewing area all packaged in a variety of sizes to fit many of today’s existing wood fireplaces. The E30 brings you the perfect combination of style, efficiency, and affordability. You can select between a traditional or contemporary style with many liner, burner, and surround options to choose from.

Enviro Q2L Fireplace

The Q2 is the middle size fireplace in the Q series with a beautiful and full flame! The Q2 can heat up to 1,400 square feet! With high definition log set and the option to make it ceramic brick or modern porcelain inner liner, natural gas or propane, and bigger or smaller – you can truly make it your own!

The Enviro Westport Steel Stove

The Westport standing gas stove incorporates one of the most realistic flames in the industry while staying very affordable. Solid and durable cast iron construction incorporating the patented “EmberGlo” system and the ability to control the heat output by up to 50% are all unique features of this remarkable stove.

Wheatland Fireplace Kitchen and Bath,  where your Saskatoon Outdoor Living, Bathroom, Kitchen and Fireplace dreams meet in spectacular surroundings!  Wheatland Fireplace is your:

• Trusted Saskatoon Fireplace store
• Trusted Saskatoon BBQ, Firepit and Firetable dealer
• Trusted Saskatoon Kitchen fittings store
• Trusted Saskatoon Bathroom store