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HVAC
The Best HVAC System for Your Home
When the weather hits extremes and your HVAC system is outdated, old, or just plain poor-performing, you probably feel the need for an urgent change — and wish you knew what kind of unit would best beat the temperatures. If you’re thinking of making a change, here’s what to know about the best heating and…
HVAC
Electric Heating Showdown: Baseboard Vs. Underfloor Heaters
If you’re looking for an alternative to conventional forced air heating, a floor heating system — such as an electric baseboard radiator or electric underfloor heater — is a great choice for your HVAC system. Both have their pros and cons, of course. Baseboard heaters are wall-mounted, ductless units that sit just above floors, which makes…
HVAC
The sun is one of the most reliable sources of warmth on Earth, so why not use it for your home heating? Solar-powered heaters take the comfort and convenience of conventional heating and combine it with energy-efficient solar energy for an interior heat source that’s as great for your energy bills as it is for…
HVAC
Why Is My Heater or AC Not Working?
Whether it’s a malfunctioning central air conditioner or a furnace that just doesn’t seem to be doing its job, a broken down heater or air conditioner is cause for alarm in anyone’s book. A faulty unit could mean a costly repair — and of course, all those uncomfortable hours waiting for it to be fixed!…
HVAC
Energy-Efficient Homes Start at the Foundation
Energy-efficient homes extend beyond appliances and HVAC systems; they fundamentally begin with the home’s structure, particularly the foundation. In this article, we explore how the condition and insulation of a home’s foundation directly impact heating and cooling efficiency. From air sealing issues caused by foundation damage to the role of foundation insulation in energy conservation,…
HVAC
What is an HVAC Zoning System?
Ever notice how the second story of your home is always stifling, while the first floor is practically Arctic all year round? That’s not a coincidence. Homes often have hot and cold spots — places where the angle of the sun, the physics of heat, and the home design all sync up to cause temperature…
Other Home Projects
Screened Porch Heaters and Cooling Solutions
A screened porch is the best of both worlds — all the comfort of the indoors with the fresh air and exterior views of the world beyond the windows. But extreme temperatures can make it difficult to use your porch year-round. After all, sweating or shivering is no way to enjoy the outdoors! Enter: screened…
HVAC
What Are Passive House Standards?
What if you never had to turn on the heat or AC in your home? How much would you save on heating and cooling costs throughout the year? Probably quite a bit. The Department of Energy estimates that heat and air conditioning use make up almost half of the average household’s energy bills. That means…