Variable-Speed Furnaces: A Quick Overview A variable-speed furnace is the label for a furnace that can vary its indoor blower speed instead of running at one fixed pace. Think of it like a dimmer swi ...
In a Nutshell: SEER2 is the new DOE mandated standard efficiency metric that goes into effect January 1, 2023 which requires more stringent testing procedures than SEER thus lowering the SEER2 numbe ...
4 Facts About Smart Thermostats You Need to Know Smart thermostats are more than a convenience upgrade, they are a practical way to boost comfort, lower bills, protect equipment, and deliver useful d ...
HVAC vs Air Conditioning: Why the Difference Matters for Comfort, Cost and Air Quality Many people use HVAC and air conditioning interchangeably, but they are not the same. HVAC is a whole-home syste ...
Why R32 Is Becoming the Go To Refrigerant for Eco Friendly Homes R32 has emerged as a practical pick for homeowners who want comfort, lower utility bills, and a smaller environmental footprint. In ou ...
Daikin Cirra 18,000 BTU 2-Zone Mini Split: What It Is and Why It Matters Looking for whole-home comfort without energy waste? The Daikin Cirra 18,000 BTU 2-zone mini split heat pump delivers quiet, c ...
HVAC Sizing Secrets: Why Choosing the Right Tonnage Matters Selecting the right HVAC tonnage shapes three things that matter every day: comfort, energy bills, and equipment life. Get the size right a ...
Is It Safe to Use an Old Air Conditioning Unit in Your Home? Quick answer and what to check Quick answer: there is no simple yes or no. Safety hinges on age, upkeep, visible issues, and refrigerant t ...
Why HVAC Is the First Line of Defense Against Food Spoilage and Contamination Food safety starts before knives and cutting boards, it starts with environmental control. A well maintained HVAC system ...
How to Prevent Carbon Monoxide Leaks in Your Furnace: A Practical Safety Overview Carbon monoxide is invisible and odorless, so homeowners and renters can face danger without warning when a furnace h ...
Why HVAC Is Mission-Critical for Sports Facilities Sports venues rely on specialized HVAC that goes far beyond simple temperature control. Systems must actively manage humidity, ventilation, and indo ...
How HVAC Shapes Office Productivity, Health and Costs HVAC is not background equipment. It sets the daily conditions people work in, and it touches budgets and uptime. In offices we service, small sh ...
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.
