Furnace efficiency is a significant concern for many homeowners who want to get the best performance out of their heating systems. Those who want the highest-efficiency furnace available can purchase and install a condensing furnace. The following should help you understand how condensing furnaces work.

If you’re ready to upgrade to a tankless water heater, you’re not alone. Tankless technology is more popular than ever with its ability to provide endless hot water for less money. Before you start shopping, take a look at some tankless water heater myths to settle any unrealistic expectations you may have. Myth: You can […]

Whether you’re having new construction done or are working on a renovation of your existing space, careful planning is necessary to ensure that all elements of the project fit together properly. This is perhaps even more important when installing or renovating a commercial HVAC system. Errors in planning could mean last-minute revisions to current blueprints, […]

The Energy Star label has recently celebrated its 20th birthday. First conceived to rate the energy efficiency of personal computer monitors—in 1992, a new item just appearing in homes—Energy Star ratings now apply to thousands of household appliances, including HVAC equipment. In 2010, Americans purchasing Energy Star-rated appliances prevented the release of greenhouse gas emissions […]

Ductless system components are compact and manageable enough for a do-it-yourselfer homeowner to handle, as far as lifting and moving. But, that may be as far ductless mini split installation should go without the helping hand of your HVAC professional. Here’s why. Guide to Ductless Mini Split Performance Ductless mini splits feature advanced components and […]

Just as other HVAC technologies have advanced by leaps and bounds, furnace technology has advanced too. Furnaces now come with the option of having single-stage, double-stage or modulating operation. If you’re in the market for a new heating system, you may want to consider the latter. Take a look at the benefits that modulating furnaces […]

Most of the homes in the U.S. use storage water heaters dependably for many years. In principle, water heaters work like a stove burner, providing heat to warm the water. Natural gas and electricity provide the energy to warm the water, although other fuels also work. Cold water enters the tank and exits through another […]

Household drain lines are a critical element in any healthy indoor environment. This essential fact becomes plainly obvious if or when a drain clog or another malfunction occurs. Because all parts of a typical system are connected, a dysfunction in one area can frequently affect the performance of more than one drain elsewhere in your […]

Much of what’s assumed about issues like home ventilation was accepted before we knew the actual facts. The advantages of technology that accurately chart heat gain and loss in a home and pinpoint sources of energy inefficiency are relatively recent. Attics are frequent sources of home ventilation issues. Here are three attic ventilation myths to […]

Everyone old enough to be responsible should know the signs of a gas leak indoors and out. Gas lines are buried underground where they provide decades of service safely. However, over time, the lines may corrode or leaks can start. The lines may also leak at their point of entry into your home or as […]

Electronic air cleaners utilize the power of electrostatic attraction to clean your air of microscopic contaminants your standard air filter doesn’t capture. The air filter in your heating and cooling system is actually designed to protect mechanical components from large, inorganic dust particles that accelerate wear and tear and diminish performance. Tiny, invisible particulates, however—including […]

Commercial boilers are sturdy pieces of equipment that are designed for long life with minimal attention. However, your boiler still requires regular inspections and maintenance to run properly and safely. Generally, an annual maintenance visit by a qualified professional is sufficient, though some modern high-efficiency models may need adjusting twice a year to keep them […]

Geothermal heating and cooling utilizes the earth as a heat source and a heat sink for all-season comfort. Only six feet beneath the surface, the earth maintains a steady temperature in the mid 50-degree Fahrenheit range, year-round. A geothermal heating and cooling system utilizes buried loops of tubing that circulate heat-absorbing fluid and return the […]

Adding a zoning system to your HVAC system, whether you’re replacing it or retrofitting it assures you that your home will be comfortable for the whole family. Instead of having your forced-air heating and cooling system controlled by a single thermostat, a zoned home uses thermostats installed in specific places throughout. By their nature, homes […]

Your home’s storage-tank water heater requires very little maintenance other than flushing sediment once a year. Taking this relatively simple step will ensure more efficient water heating and will minimize clogs in fixtures caused by sediment in the water. However, if you don’t feel comfortable undertaking this maintenance step, a qualified plumbing professional can do […]

A thermostat is the device that controls how much warm or cool air is produced by your HVAC system. In homes without air conditioning, the thermostat controls only the furnace. Thermostats work by detecting the temperature in a home and comparing it to a set temperature. It will then request heat or cool air in […]

Ductwork, like any part of your home, can become dirty due to smoke, dust, and other debris both from within the house and from outside it. While the contaminants may not pose an immediate health threat, there are circumstances under which you may want to have your ducts cleaned.

As with any important piece of equipment in your commercial facility, chillers require regular maintenance to sustain efficient and effective operation. A poorly maintained chiller can add 10 percent or more to the cost of operating this system, which is already likely to be one of the largest consumers of electricity in your facility. Whether […]