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Homeowner Resources

Explore 1,000+ articles designed to guide you through every stage of your home improvement project.

Technician with clipboard looking at air conditioner for manual j calculation

HVAC

A Complete Manual J Guide

Manual J Load Calculations: The Essential Guide to Sizing a Home HVAC System Correctly When a homeowner needs a new HVAC system, one of the most important — yet least understood — steps in the process is the Manual J load calculation. While many contractors still rely on outdated rules of thumb, the reality is…

Standby generator installed outside a brick home

Generators

Natural Gas Generators and Carbon Monoxide: What Homeowners Should Know

Understanding the Concern Natural gas generators are one of the most popular standby power options for homeowners. They connect directly to your home’s gas line, which means no hauling fuel or worrying about storage, and they can run for days on end during extended outages. Despite their convenience and cleaner-burning reputation, they still produce carbon…

Dual-fuel portable generator connected to a propane tank

Generators

15 Practical Ways Homeowners Can Use a Generator

More Than Just Backup Power When people think about generators, they often picture them humming away during a blackout. While that is their most common role, generators are surprisingly versatile. From protecting your home during emergencies to powering up backyard celebrations, they can provide reliable electricity in many situations that would otherwise cause major inconvenience.…

ductless heat pumps

HVAC

Understanding HSPF Ratings for Heat Pumps: What You Need to Know

Understanding HSPF Ratings for Heat Pumps: What You Need to Know When evaluating heat pumps for your home, understanding efficiency ratings is essential for choosing the right system. Homeowners frequently encounter terms like SEER and HSPF, which measure different aspects of a heat pump’s performance. In this blog, we’ll break down what HSPF ratings mean,…

Image shows an in-wall ac unit against a green wall with a hand adjusting the knobs

HVAC

Cooling Your Converted Attic

With an attic air conditioner, you can transform your attic into a comfortable and enjoyable workspace or living area. To learn more about different types of attic air conditioning units, the benefits of installing one, and the potential installation costs, keep reading. If you’re looking for information on whether to install your home’s AC unit…

House window with sunshine and a plant

Windows

Five Energy-Efficient Home Improvements to Save Money

Plenty of home improvement projects that seem costly can actually save you money in the long run. That’s because groups like the U.S. Department of Agriculture Programs and Grants and the U.S. Energy Department regularly offer residential energy credit incentives and perks as a way to get more homeowners to reduce their carbon footprints. Increasing…

HVAC

Do I Need A Permit For An Air Conditioner Replacement?

Many homeowners associate building permits with large scale home improvement projects like constructing a garage or replacing a roof. But in fact, many home projects require city or county authorization. When it is time to replace your air conditioning unit with a new, energy-efficient system, permits are a crucial step. Here is what you need…