Replacing a furnace in a commercial building requires careful assessment of factors that affect furnace performance and efficiency. Here’s a brief description of several of those factors, along with general estimates of what it will cost to replace furnace equipment in your facility. Furnace Types In commercial facilities, there are three major types of furnaces […]

The never-ending search for ways to save energy and boost home efficiency tends to focus on improvements inside the home. Installing Energy Star windows, tankless water heaters and high efficiency heating systems are common and effective ways to save energy, but one of the most overlooked solutions is as close as your own back yard. […]

Staying on top of furnace cleaning throughout the heating season is a must to heat your home dependably. Dust and debris covering the parts inside your blower compartment compromise the entire system and can lead to safety problems. Depending on your skill level and comfort with mechanical systems, you may be able to clean some […]

The changing of the seasons from summer to fall is a sign that cooler weather is on the way. It should also be a signal that it’s time to prepare your office building for the drops in temperature, shifts in usage patterns, and changes in maintenance needs that will occur during fall and winter. By […]

Whether you are installing a new A/C or tuning up your old workhorse for another summer, reduce the strain on your A/C system and pocketbook by using these tips to lighten your A/C system’s load. You will enjoy better cooling comfort, lower cooling bills. Lighten Your A/C System’s Load The cooling load placed on the […]

Air pollutants are one of the largest health risks for American adults, but many don’t realize that the problems are bigger indoors than out. In fact, because indoor air isn’t naturally refreshed and it has additional pollutants such as cleaning chemicals and cooking fumes, it may be two to five times as polluted as outdoor […]

If you’ve ever made an effort to save money on your heating bills, you may have considered closing the vents in rooms or spaces not being used by anyone. While this tactic was very effective in the era when fireplaces and floor furnaces were commonly used, doing this with a central heating system can actually […]

Toilet problems can be a real hassle for homeowners, especially since they often occur at the most inopportune times. Here are some tips to help you troubleshoot toilet problems. Toilet Won’t Flush Completely A toilet that needs multiple flushes to completely clear the bowl is an annoyance. There are a few things that may be […]

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 […]

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 […]

Maintaining a clean furnace filter is important, for a variety of reasons. Not all furnace filters are created equal – some are very basic, capturing only the largest airborne particulates; others are quite dense and elaborate, capturing all but the very tiniest particles in the air. Similarly, furnace filters have different effects on system airflow. […]

It’s no secret that high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filtration offers the best results when it comes to improving indoor air quality. Commonly used in whole-house air cleaners and a variety of other HVAC products, true HEPA filters are capable of filtering out up to 99.999 percent of airborne particulate matter, according to the U.S. Environmental […]

Knowing how to drain your pipes to prevent freezing may help you avoid a future repair, as well as potentially catastrophic water damage to the interior of your home. Ice tends to form inside water supply lines when temperatures drop to about 28 degrees. This is especially a concern when your home’s unoccupied. For example, […]

Preventive maintenance of HVAC systems is necessary to keep heating and cooling equipment operating at its best. Regular inspections and maintenance, however, are also a requirement for preventing damage to the HVAC equipment itself, as well as to the structure and contents of your commercial facility. Here are some of the HVAC systems that, if […]

Repairing pipe plumbing leaks is not a job you should put off. It’s also not a job for the do-it-yourselfer. Supply lines carry water at pressures ranging from 45 to 65 psi. A neglected leak in your supply line — or an amateur repair that doesn’t hold up — can cause a major rupture and […]

Your commercial air conditioner has probably been under wraps for several months, but with the approach of cooling season, it’s time to get it ready to go back in service. A seasonal commercial air conditioner check will ensure that this important HVAC system is ready to provide efficient, consistent cooling throughout the summer and beyond. […]

Duct cleaning is an important part of your HVAC maintenance that often goes overlooked by homeowners. In fact, there is some debate on whether you should clean your ducts regularly. The EPA, however, suggests waiting until the need arises to clean your ductwork. Debris, fungus growth and vermin are three common problems that the EPA […]

The arrival of fall means it’s time to take care of plumbing maintenance chores so your home is protected when the temperature dips below the freezing mark. Performing the following checks can help you avoid unnecessary water damage and plumbing repair bills: Disconnect the outdoor garden hose. If it freezes while connected, the outdoor faucet […]