Blog
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...