When Should You Start Thinking About Purchasing a New Furnace? Think about a new furnace before it fails, the way you replace tires before a blowout. Most units deliver 15 to 20 years of service. As ...
The Tech Behind Electric HVAC Most People Miss: A Quick Primer Many people assume electrifying HVAC is a simple on/off swap. In reality, modern electric systems are built on a stack of variable-speed ...
Quick answer: Is the AC making your vents stink, or is something else to blame? Vent odors are common, and they do not always mean the air conditioner is broken. In our 30 plus years working on HVAC ...
HEPA vs MERV Filters: What's the Difference and Why It Matters for Your HVAC HEPA and MERV describe two different ways of measuring filtration. MERV is a 1 to 16 scale used for HVAC filters in ducts ...
Why Your Roof Is One of the Biggest Drivers of Home Energy Use Your roof is the biggest solar collector on the house, the hat that sets how hot or cool the attic runs. Materials behave differently in ...
Why Two-Stage Furnaces Matter for Comfort and Efficiency Two-stage furnaces heat at two output levels: a lower comfort stage for everyday demand and a high stage that steps in during very cold weathe ...
Why Is Air Conditioning So Expensive to Operate in Florida? Quick Summary Air conditioning is unusually costly to run in Florida because a hot, humid climate and a long cooling season keep systems on ...
What to Do When a Furnace Shows a Limit Switch Error Code Seeing a furnace limit switch error code is a safety alert. The limit switch is a temperature guardian, like a circuit breaker for heat, that ...
Don't Be Fooled: The AC Size Myth That Will Burn You This April As April heat ramps up, the push to get ready for summer begins, and the advice to go bigger with your air conditioner gets loud. That ...
Stay Cool and Comfy: The Rising Popularity of Mini Split AC Systems Mini split, often called ductless, AC systems have moved from niche choice to neighborhood standard. In our 30 plus years working w ...
Stay Cool and Comfy: The Rising Popularity of Mini Split AC Systems Mini split, often called ductless, AC systems have moved from niche choice to neighborhood standard. In our 30 plus years working w ...
The Heat Transfer Mystery: Why Some Rooms Stay Cold in Winter Keeping a steady, comfortable temperature through a house in winter can feel impossible when one bedroom or a corner office stays chilly. ...
The right furnace size depends on your home's square footage, insulation quality, climate zone, and ceiling height. A unit that's too small won't heat effectively, while an oversized furnace will cycle on and off frequently, wasting energy and causing uneven temperatures. Our blog articles include BTU calculators and sizing guides to help you find the perfect fit.
Most HVAC air filters should be replaced every 30 to 90 days, depending on the filter type, household size, and whether you have pets. High-efficiency filters like MERV 13 or higher may need more frequent changes due to their denser material. Regular replacement improves indoor air quality and keeps your system running efficiently.
A heat pump transfers heat from outdoor air to warm your home and can reverse the process for cooling, making it an all-in-one solution. A furnace generates heat by burning fuel (gas, oil, or propane) or using electric resistance. Heat pumps are more energy-efficient in mild climates, while furnaces perform better in regions with harsh winters.
Start by sealing air leaks around windows, doors, and ductwork. Adding proper insulation to your attic and walls makes a significant difference. Schedule annual HVAC maintenance, upgrade to a programmable thermostat, and consider replacing older equipment with high-efficiency models rated 95% AFUE or higher.
AFUE stands for Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency and measures how efficiently a furnace converts fuel into heat. A furnace with a 96% AFUE rating converts 96 cents of every dollar spent on fuel into actual heat, with only 4 cents lost to exhaust. Higher AFUE ratings mean lower energy bills and reduced environmental impact.
Consider replacing your heating system if it's over 15 to 20 years old, requires frequent repairs, or your energy bills have increased significantly. Other warning signs include uneven heating, strange noises, and difficulty maintaining consistent temperatures. Modern high-efficiency furnaces and boilers can reduce heating costs by up to 30%.
A modulating furnace adjusts its flame and blower speed in small increments to match your home's exact heating demand. Unlike single-stage units that only run at full capacity, modulating furnaces provide more consistent temperatures, quieter operation, and improved energy efficiency. They're ideal for homeowners seeking maximum comfort and lower utility costs.
Your choice between a gas furnace and an electric furnace depends on local utility costs, existing infrastructure, and climate. Gas furnaces typically have lower operating costs and heat more quickly, but require a gas line and proper venting. Electric furnaces have lower upfront costs and simpler installation but may cost more to run in colder regions.
Annual professional maintenance should include inspecting the heat exchanger, cleaning burners, checking the flue system, testing safety controls, and lubricating moving parts. Homeowners should regularly replace air filters, keep vents unobstructed, and check thermostat batteries. Proper maintenance extends equipment life and prevents costly emergency repairs.
Smart thermostats can reduce heating costs by 10% to 15% by learning your schedule and adjusting temperatures automatically. Features like remote control via smartphone, energy usage reports, and integration with home automation systems add convenience. Most homeowners see a return on investment within one to two heating seasons.
