HVAC

Geothermal energy has been gaining popularity as an eco-friendly way to heat and cool a home at a fraction of the cost of fuel-burning systems or even conventional air-source heat pumps. While this energy source does offer a lot of benefits, it’s not ideal for everyone. If you’re considering having a geothermal (ground-source) heat pump […]

The idea of killing off the germs in your home just by shining a light into your air ducts admittedly sounds a little too good to be true, but HVAC UV lights really can improve your home’s air quality. In fact, these lights have been used for decades in hospitals and other facilities where sanitation […]

All HVAC systems include a furnace filter, but many homeowners are also purchasing air filters for their vents. These optional filters are bought in sheets which may be then cut to fit both register and air return vents throughout the house. While helpful, vent filters are not ideal for all homes and may or may […]

Forced air heating is one of the most common methods of keeping a home warm and cozy in cold weather, but even if your home uses one of these systems, you might not know exactly what it is or how it works. The more you know about forced air heating, the better you’ll be able […]

While Freon leaks are rare, when they do occur, they can have a number of unpleasant effects on your health. If you have an older air conditioner or other appliance that uses Freon, it’s worth taking the time to learn how to keep your family safe in the event of a leak. Freon’s Role in […]

As with most appliances, furnaces can emit a number of different odors. These smells can indicate various issues that might be affecting your heating system. Some of these problems are simple fixes, but others are serious and potentially life-threatening. Knowing how to identify a problem based on the smell your furnace is giving off will […]

A ceiling fan doesn’t call much attention to itself, so it’s easy to overlook when you’re taking care of routine home maintenance. Like any appliance, though, your ceiling fan needs a little attention in order to keep performing reliably. Change the Blade Direction On your fan’s motor housing you’ll find a small switch. This switch […]

While dryer venting isn’t complicated, there are still a few critical guidelines you’ll need to follow to protect your health and safety. An incorrectly vented dryer will release lint and humidity into your home, reducing your air quality. Even worse, incorrect venting can pose a fire hazard. Materials for a Safe, Low-Maintenance Vent Due to […]

Wood is the original energy source. Since prehistoric times, humans have kept warm by burning it. Here in the 21st century, there are more effective, efficient and safe ways to burn wood for household warmth. Even the wood fuel itself now can be a standardized product that eliminates most of the physical effort of acquiring […]

Heat pumps are a fairly recent innovation over traditional furnaces and air conditioners. Diagrams make them appear deceptively simple, although they run into problems like any other HVAC unit. Thankfully, many of these issues are easy to repair. The following are some common malfunctions, their possible causes, and the best solutions. A Note on Thermostats […]