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Isabella Andersen

About

Isabella is a Central Pennsylvania based homeowner and content manager at Modernize. In her spare time, she volunteers as Director of Communications at Girls With Guts.

Explore Isabella Andersen's Articles

furnace thermostat

HVAC

How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Furnace Ignitor?

What Is a Typical Furnace Ignitor Replacement Cost? Furnace ignitor replacement is one of the more affordable HVAC repairs. Costs typically include the price of the ignitor itself plus labor for diagnosis and installation. Cost Component Average Cost Ignitor Part $50 to $200 Labor $75 to $200 Total Installed Cost $150 to $400 Most ignitor…

Picture of a heat pump next to an HVAC condenser

HVAC

ENERGY STAR Heat Pumps

What Is an ENERGY STAR Heat Pump? An ENERGY STAR heat pump is a heating and cooling system that meets federal efficiency standards set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. These systems use significantly less energy than standard HVAC units and are designed to provide year-round comfort with lower operating costs. ENERGY STAR certification requires…

roof repair in progress

Roofing

Common Roofing Scams & How to Avoid Them

What to Know About Roofing Scams Your roof is one of the most important parts of your home — and one of the costliest to repair or replace. Unfortunately, that makes roofing a prime target for scammers looking to take advantage of homeowners after storms, during insurance claims, or when offering suspiciously cheap services. Knowing…

ruud - furnace brands - Modernize

HVAC

Does a Gas Furnace Use Electricity?

How Does a Gas Furnace Work? A gas furnace burns natural gas (or propane) to create heat, then uses a fan to push that warm air through ducts and into your rooms. When your thermostat calls for heat, the furnace starts a small draft fan, lights the burners, and warms a metal heat exchanger. Air…

heat pump outdoors

HVAC

How Do Heat Pumps Work?

How Does a Heat Pump Work? A heat pump moves heat rather than making it. In heating mode, it pulls heat from the outdoor air and brings it inside. In cooling mode, it reverses the process and moves heat out of your home. Because it transfers heat instead of burning fuel, a heat pump is…

best time to buy a furnace

HVAC

How Do Furnaces Work?

What is a Furnace? A furnace is a heating unit that generates and distributes warm air throughout your home. It is one of the oldest heating systems still in use today, found in both residential and commercial buildings. Early furnaces were fueled by coal or wood, while modern models rely on natural gas, propane, oil,…

two stage furnace

HVAC

Two-Stage Furnaces – How Furnaces Work

What Is a Two-Stage Furnace? A two-stage furnace can operate at two levels of heat output. Unlike a single-stage furnace, which is either on or off, it runs on low or high fire. For most homes, the low stage delivers steady, comfortable heat and can help lower utility bills. How Does a Two-Stage Furnace Work?…

Image of a backyard area with a firepit and seating

Restoration

Structural Repair After Fire Damage

Understanding Fire Damage and Its Impact on Structural Integrity Fires can weaken framing, roof systems, and the connections that hold everything together. Additionally, you can’t always see the damage. High heat can char wood, warp steel, make concrete crack and flake, and weaken nails, screws, and metal connectors. Water and foam from firefighting can soak…