HVAC
Schematic Diagrams for HVAC Systems: What You Need to Know
Heating and cooling systems are packed with moving parts and electrical components — motors, capacitors, relays, compressors, switches, sensors, and refrigerant lines. HVAC system diagrams (also called schematics) help make sense of how all those pieces connect and work together. HVAC units are a lot like cars: many systems share similar components, but layouts and…
HVAC
Sometimes insulation and air sealing just aren’t enough to prevent temperature fluctuations in your home. Maybe you have an older house, or an addition that just isn’t as well ventilated. Whatever the reason, cold spots in your home can make things mighty uncomfortable when the weather turns wintry. You may be looking for ways to…
HVAC
Does My HVAC Need a Screen or Cover?
How often do you think about your HVAC system? If it’s working well, the answer is probably “rarely”—aside from the blissful moment you savor after entering your cool home on a scorching day. With the cooler months upon us, you’re getting close to shutting down your HVAC system for the winter, and you have plenty to…
HVAC
Now that the long days of summer are over and the seasons are changing, it’s officially time to start thinking about getting your home ready for the fall. While we’re sure you have a mile-long list of home improvement projects that need to be finished before the weather gets cooler, there is one thing we want…
HVAC
Pros and Cons of Reusable, Washable Air Filters
“Change your air filters.” It’s the number one piece of advice we hear from HVAC professionals. Clean filters extend the life of your system and improve its overall efficiency, since your unit doesn’t have to work as hard to regulate temperatures throughout your home. But what about the environmental impact of all those thrown-away filters?…
HVAC
Easy Ways to Hide Your HVAC Unit and Increase Curb Appeal
During the brutal winters and scorching summers, you may find that your reliable HVAC system becomes your favorite feature of your home. That doesn’t mean that you love how it looks, though — in fact, it’s often quite an eyesore. If it’s not located behind your home, there are some easy ways to hide your HVAC…
HVAC
What is a Fixed Point Contract?
When the time comes to sign a contract for your home improvement project, you will be presented with one of two types of contracts: a time and materials contract, or a fixed point—or fixed price—contract. A fixed price contract includes a detailed explanation of the costs for: Your fixed point contract should also go into…
HVAC
How Much Does a Geothermal Heat Pump System Cost?
While outdoor temperatures fluctuate according to the season, the temperature just below the earth’s surface remains stable year-round. A geothermal heat pump capitalizes on this stability by transferring heat between the earth and your house to provide indoor climate control during both cold and warm months. Unlike traditional gas furnaces and forced air systems, a…