2015

About Me
How to Keep Your Cool When the Mercury is Rising

When the heat is rising to record-breaking levels, it can be really tough to stay cool. This summer, I found that my air conditioner had trouble keeping up with the temperatures. It wasn't that the AC wasn't working, it was just that I couldn't seem to get my house cooled down as much as I wanted. I worried that I would have to replace the whole AC system. Luckily, I have a good friend who works as an HVAC contractor. He took a look at my system and gave good news -- it didn't need to be replaced. Instead, he shared a lot of tips for helping my air conditioner work more efficiently, as well as some ideas to help supplement the AC and keep the house cooler. I'm using those tips to create this blog to share ways for all of us to keep cool on the hottest days.

Choosing Between An Air-Source Or A Ground-Source Heat Pump

7 December 2015
 Categories: , Blog

If you are looking for one system to both heat and cool your home, then you need look no further than a heat pump. Heat pumps work by absorbing heat from one location and then moving it to another. You have two main choices when it comes to heat pumps: air-source and ground-source. While you can save yourself money on installation costs by using an air-source heat pump, you will save more money in the long run with a ground-source heat pump. Read More …

Three Keys To Improve Your Furnace Efficiency

11 November 2015
 Categories: , Blog

Heating your home is one of the highest costs that you have to contend with as a homeowner. This does not, however, mean that you have to simply grit your teeth and deal with the high costs. Instead, you should take steps to improve the function of your furnace. The following suggestions can help. Roofing Material Heat gain may be the nemesis of an air-conditioning system, but it can be a boon to your furnace. Read More …

When Your Pilot Light Goes Out

13 October 2015
 Categories: , Blog

If you have an older gas furnace with a pilot light and it stops heating your home properly, one of the first things you should check is whether or not the pilot light is still lit. If the pilot light is out, then that's why your furnace is not heating—but you'll have to dig a little deeper to find out the cause of the dampened pilot light and what to do about it. Read More …

2 Questions To Ask Your Contractor Before Having A New Furnace Installed

6 October 2015
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For those who live in wintry climates, having a reliable furnace is of the utmost importance. Yet many people struggle when the time comes to upgrade--often ending up with a model that doesn't meet their needs as well as it could. If you have plans to replace your old furnace, read on. This article will present two topics to discuss with your contractor before you commit. Calculating Heat Loss It's important to be aware that not all furnaces are equally powerful. Read More …

The Four Main Types Of Duct Insulation

5 October 2015
 Categories: , Blog

Ducts will lose heat in the winter, and gain heat in the summer, if they are not properly insulated. Insulated ducts will have an easier time maintaining the temperature of the air flow throughout your home, ensuring the overall comfort levels in your home. Additionally, because heat is not lost or gained while moving air throughout your home, your heating and cooling system will not need to use as much energy to control the climate within your home, saving you money on your energy bills. Read More …