Central Air vs Mini Split Systems: How to Choose Central air conditions the whole home through ductwork using one outdoor unit with an indoor coil or air handler. Mini splits place compact indoor unit ...
Do Central Air Conditioners Use Water? The short answer No. Central air conditioners in typical homes do not use water to cool. They circulate a closed-loop refrigerant that absorbs heat from indoor a ...
Breathe Easy: How HVAC Air Purifiers Improve Your Indoor Air Quality Clean indoor air is essential for comfort and health. When you integrate an air purifier into the HVAC system, the equipment becom ...
Cooling a Mother in Law Suite: Central AC vs. Ductless Mini Split, What to Expect Building or converting a mother in law suite raises a key question: extend your central AC or install a dedicated duct ...
How to Create a Pet Friendly Home Environment with Your HVAC Pets shed, track in pollen, and stir up dander. Litter boxes and wet coats add persistent odors. All of that rides your home's air currents ...
Air Conditioning Costs by Climate: An Annual Expense Analysis Air conditioning costs are shaped first by where you live. Cooling season length, humidity, and peak temperatures determine how hard your ...
How Smart Home Technology Works with Your HVAC System Smart HVAC integration links your thermostat, sensors, and controllers to the home network. Using schedules, occupancy, geofencing, and learning, ...
Mini Split Systems vs Traditional HVAC: A Quick Overview Mini Split Systems vs Traditional HVAC: Which Is Right for You? The choice shapes day to day comfort, energy costs, and how well a system fits ...
Why the HVAC Refrigerant Landscape Is Changing: A Practical Overview With more than 30 years in HVAC, we are watching a pivotal shift unfold, the move away from high GWP R 410A toward next generation ...
How Often Should You Change Your HVAC Air Filter? A Practical Overview How often should you change your HVAC air filter? There is no single calendar date that fits every system. This overview explains ...
Why Lifetime Operating Cost Matters When Choosing a Heat Pump When comparing a heat pump to traditional HVAC, the real decision is total cost of ownership over the life of the equipment, not just the ...
Do you mean LP or Propane? Start Here Before Any Conversion In residential HVAC, LP almost always means propane. In our experience, LP to propane usually means converting a natural gas or oil applianc ...
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.
