Blog
Debunking 4 Common HVAC Energy Efficiency Myths
December 03, 2020
Your HVAC system is usually the biggest source of energy use in your home, so HVAC energy efficiency is a hot topic among contractors and homeowners. Unfortunately, energy efficiency is a complex subject, and several common misconceptions exist about the topic that can cause you to pay more for heating and cooling than you have to. Debunk four of the most common energy efficiency myths. 1. Closing Vents and Doors Saves Energy To most homeowners, the idea of closing off certain rooms to avoid heating or cooling them seems like a commonsense way to save energy. Unfortunately, this is not how a...
3 Tips to Get the Most From Your Smart Thermostat
November 12, 2020
If you're the first-time owner of a smart thermostat system, you may feel overwhelmed at the options you have available to you. A smart thermostat can do wonders for your home's energy efficiency and comfort, but unlike other HVAC upgrades, you can only reap the benefits by changing your usage habits to take advantage of advanced features. Here are three tips to help you get the most out of your smart thermostat. 1. Get to Know the Smart Features Like other smart devices, a smart thermostat gives you several options to interact with the temperature controls in your home. The most pro...
4 Reasons to Maintain Proper Humidity Levels in Your Home
October 23, 2020
Your home's HVAC system fills a surprising number of roles in your home. In addition to keeping you warm in the winter and cool In the summer, it also maintains your indoor air quality and humidity levels. Although these may not seem related at first, humidity has a significant role to play in keeping the air in your house fresh and clean. Maintaining a proper level of humidity throughout your home is the best way to remain comfortable all year round. Not only does this help you to breathe more easily, but it can even save you money on your utility bills. Keep reading to discover four way...
Bad Indoor Air Quality? Learn How Air Cleaners and Scrubbers Help
September 08, 2020
What's an air cleaner, and do you need one for your home? Indoor air pollutant concentration may — depending on the contaminants — range from two to five times higher than what you'd find in the air outdoors, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). If you want to clear the indoor air, take a look at what you need to know about ventilation, cleaners, and scrubbers. Can You Really Clean the Indoor Air? Simply stated — yes. But that doesn't mean you can clean the air in the same way you clean other areas of your home. To reduce dirt, debris, an...
8 Benefits of a Smart Home Thermostat
August 06, 2020
You might already have a smartphone or smart TV. However, did you know you can upgrade to a smart thermostat to help control the temperature of your home? While upgrades may appeal to you, a smart thermostat may benefit you in ways you may not have known. 1. Control from Your Cell Phone If you have a smart thermostat, you may connect it with your phone through an app. With this app, you can control the temperature of your home without the need to visit the thermostat. Not only can you control the temperature of your home currently, but you can also create a temperature schedule ...
4 Ways to Improve HVAC Airflow in Your Home
July 07, 2020
Ensuring that your HVAC system has adequate airflow is essential to keep your home comfortable and prolong the life of your furnace and air conditioner. As you use your heat and air, dust buildup and other factors can result in blocked airflow. Here are four ways to improve your system's airflow so you can get the most out of your heating and air conditioning. 1. Make Sure Your Vents Aren't Blocked Naturally, the first place you should check for airflow problems is at your vent registers. If any of your vents are blocked, your system is wasting energy by trying to circulate air to th...
Saving Money the Smart Way: Automating Your Home HVAC
June 10, 2020
Smart thermostats are not a new concept, but many people still view them as a luxury. Their flashy screens and high-tech array of features might be the first thing you notice, but these devices offer one incredibly practical benefit — they can save you money. If you're worried about climbing utility bills, then smart thermostats can play a key role in increasing your home's energy efficiency. Identifying Energy Efficiency Trouble Spots If you want to understand how you can save money on your monthly utility bills, you first need to know where your HVAC system may be wasting ene...
Boiler Heating 101: Common Trouble Signs
May 11, 2020
A boiler heating system provides heat in your home without the worry of dust and particles from forced air. Boiler heating warms your home with radiant heat, so there's no air blowing in the house. However, for those living with a boiler for the first time, the unit and its behavior can be confusing. Here's a look at some things that you should know about your home's boiler and when to call for service or repair. Circulator Pump Issues Circulator pumps push the heated water through your heating system's pipes and into the radiators to heat your home. You may only have ...
4 Benefits of HVAC Duct Cleaning
April 07, 2020
If you have been researching indoor air quality or HVAC system maintenance, you may be wondering if a professional duct cleaning is worth it. Here are four benefits of having your home's ducts cleaned. 1. Improved Indoor Air Quality Concern about reduced indoor air quality is the primary reason that most homeowners are interested in duct cleaning. Pollen, pet dander, and other airborne allergens in your home can trigger frequent allergic reactions, while bacterial pollutants in the air can lead to respiratory illness. While your furnace filter will remove many pollutants from the air be...
What's Wrong With Your Humidifier? The Questions to Ask Right Now
March 23, 2020
A whole-home humidifier can make the dry indoor air bearable again. But what happens when this HVAC accessory acts up? If your humidifier is on the fritz, take a look at what questions to ask next. How Old Is the Humidifier? Is the humidifier a new addition to your existing HVAC system or is it an older model? While age doesn't always predict humidifier failure, wear and tear from years of use can cause irreparable damage. According to the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI), the average home humidifier lasts for 12 years. A 12-plus-year-old humidifier th...
Choose the Right MERV-Rated Furnace Filter for Your Needs
March 23, 2020
Furnaces have air filters in them, and these filters are rated according to a minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV) scale. This scale escalates from MERV 1 to MERV 20, with the higher numbers corresponding to better air filtration. Here's how to select the right MERV-rated furnace filter based on your air quality needs. MERV 1 to 4: Minimal Filtration That's Unsuitable for Furnaces Filters with ratings between MERV 1 and MERV 4 only offer minimal filtration. They'll filter out pollen and dust mites, but they'll miss small particles that you don't want in your home. Fo...
What's Wrong With Your Humidifier? The Questions to Ask Right Now
March 23, 2020
A whole-home humidifier can make the dry indoor air bearable again. But what happens when this HVAC accessory acts up? If your humidifier is on the fritz, take a look at what questions to ask next. How Old Is the Humidifier? Is the humidifier a new addition to your existing HVAC system or is it an older model? While age doesn't always predict humidifier failure, wear and tear from years of use can cause irreparable damage. According to the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI), the average home humidifier lasts for 12 years. A 12-plus-year-old humidifier th...