Is Your 12-Year-Old AC a 2026 Disaster Waiting to Happen? (Quick Answer) If your central AC is around 12 years old, you are at a pivotal point. The industry median life lands around 12 to 15 years, a ...
What Size AC Do I Need for My Living Room? Quick Overview In our experience, getting the size right is not guesswork. It drives comfort, humidity control, indoor air quality, energy bills, and equipm ...
Why Prepping Your HVAC for Severe Weather Pays Off Severe weather, whether cold snaps, extreme heat, windstorms, wildfire smoke, or flooding, pushes HVAC systems to their limits. We have watched well ...
How Often Should You Replace Your AC or Furnace in Texas? A quick overview In Texas, reliable cooling is not optional. Long, high load summers put extra miles on an air conditioner, so planning repla ...
How IRA Era HVAC Incentives Shifted for 2026: A Quick Overview In 2026 the incentive map shifts from a familiar federal tax credit toward state and utility programs. The expanded federal Section 25C ...
Why Ductwork Is the Silent Key to HVAC Efficiency Your HVAC can only be as efficient and comfortable as the ductwork that carries air through your home. This guide shows how to optimize ducts for eff ...
Why Ductwork Is the Silent Key to HVAC Efficiency Your HVAC can only be as efficient and comfortable as the ductwork that carries air through your home. This guide shows how to optimize ducts for eff ...
Should I Replace My 25 Year Old AC Unit? What to Know First If your 25-year-old AC still cools, that speaks well of the original design and your upkeep. It is also usually not a reason to keep it. Un ...
This AC System Cools 3 Rooms in 2026: What to Expect In 2026, you can get true room by room comfort while trimming wasted energy. Most buyers weigh a 2-3 zone mini split or heat pump setup against ce ...
Why Furnace Lifespan Matters for Your Home (A Quick Guide) Your furnace shapes winter comfort, monthly energy costs, and indoor air quality. Knowing how long a system typically lasts helps you budget ...
What Size Room Will a 6,000 BTU Air Conditioner Cool? Quick answer A 6,000 BTU room or window AC is built for small spaces. We size this class for about 150 to 250 sq ft, and up to roughly 300 sq ft ...
Ventilation Solutions for Homes Without Ductwork: What this guide covers Living in a home without ductwork does not mean sacrificing comfort or indoor air quality. With targeted ventilation and ductl ...
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.
