Blog

Sustainable HVAC: Modern Gas Furnaces and Tax Savings, what this guide covers Modern sustainable HVAC planning centers on pairing high efficiency gas furnaces (condensing, 95 to 98 percent AFUE) with efficient cooling, then coordinating design and installation to capture available tax credits and rebates. This guide frames sustainable HVAC around that combination, so you can understand how equipme ...

What Size Air Conditioner Do I Need? A Quick Overview Choosing the right size AC is critical for comfort, humidity control, energy use, and equipment life. After 30+ years sizing systems in all kinds of homes, we see two common mistakes: undersized units that run nonstop and still feel warm, and oversized units that short cycle, leave rooms clammy, and wear out faster. This overview shows how to g ...

Why Zoned HVAC Solves Multi Story Townhome Comfort Problems In multi story townhomes the pain is predictable. Upper floors run hot in summer, lower floors feel cool in winter, and a single hallway thermostat tries to average it all. One control point cannot satisfy bedrooms, living space, and stairwells at the same time, so comfort drifts and the system short cycles or overworks. Zoned HVAC fixes ...

What Is BTU in Air Conditioning? A Clear, Short Answer A BTU is the amount of heat required to raise 1 pound of water by 1 F. In air conditioning, we use it almost exclusively as BTU per hour (BTU/h), which tells you the cooling capacity: how much heat the system can remove in an hour. Think of it like the size of a bucket, the bigger the BTU/h number, the more heat it can carry out of a space in ...

Virginia Winter Storm Emergency: HVAC Solutions to Stay Safe and Warm Virginia winters can flip from chilly to hazardous when nor'easters, ice storms, and sudden cold snaps roll in. HVAC readiness matters because heat is more than comfort, it prevents frozen pipes, maintains indoor air quality, and protects sensitive electronics during long nights and short days. Your system is the home's first li ...

What's involved in installing a central air conditioner: a quick overview Installing central AC is a coordinated, code driven project that starts with planning and permitting and ends with a documented startup and inspection. It begins with proper sizing to match the home's load, then moves to duct evaluation or design, refrigerant line routing, condensate handling, and dedicated electrical work. ...

Tips for Buying a New Furnace for Your Historic Home Upgrading the furnace in a historic home is not just a swap. It is a balance of modern comfort and efficiency with preservation of original fabric, from plaster walls and trim to grilles and chimneys. Over decades working in prewar and mid century houses, we have learned that the right approach feels like tailoring a suit to a vintage pattern, p ...

Why Gas Furnace Pressure Matters for Safety, Heat and Efficiency Getting gas pressure right while a furnace is running is critical for safety, comfort, and efficiency. Live readings confirm the flame is stable, combustion is clean, and components are not stressed. We focus on what the burners see under actual load, not just at rest, because pressure can drop once the inducer and gas valve open. Te ...

Understanding the True Cost of a New HVAC System: Quick Summary Replacing your heating and cooling system affects comfort, monthly bills, indoor air quality, and equipment lifespan. It is a major investment, not just a swap. In 2026, typical whole home replacements commonly fall in the 11,590 to 14,100 dollar range nationally, with many 2,000 to 2,500 square foot homes landing around 13,430 dollar ...

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 yours nears that window, watch for rising energy bills, uneven rooms, repeated repairs, or safety issues. We recommend planning 6 to 12 months before heating season and roughly 1 to 2 years before expe ...

Milwaukee HVAC Thefts: Why This Guide Matters Now In Milwaukee, theft of outdoor HVAC equipment is climbing, and it hits where comfort and budgets intersect. Thieves target condensers and heat pumps that are easy to reach and poorly protected, then strip copper and other parts. The result is predictable: major replacement costs, possible code-compliance hurdles, and uncomfortable downtime during p ...

Why comparing split (mini split) and central AC costs matters A ductless mini split uses an outdoor condenser and one or more compact indoor air handlers connected by refrigerant lines, no ductwork required. Central air uses a single outdoor unit and an indoor coil or air handler to push conditioned air through ducts to every room. Both can cool well, but they are built for different homes and pri ...