Ductless mini-split heating and air-conditioning units bring climate-controlled air to spaces where traditional ducted systems aren’t feasible. A do-it-yourselfer can usually handle the regular maintenance. Here’s what you need to know. Ductless mini-split monthly maintenance Your mini-split unit inside the house has a return air intake with two filters shielding thin evaporator coils from airborne… Read more »
Sometimes you need air conditioning or heat in a home without attic or basement space to run ducts. A ductless mini-split unit may be your best answer in those situations. What is a ductless mini-split, and is it the right solution for you? HVAC without ducts A ductless mini-split is a heating and air-conditioning (HVAC)… Read more »
Record-setting heat has suffocated the western states this summer. When the demand for power from utility companies surges during heat waves, household air-conditioning systems are pushed to the max. Here are eight steps to prevent your air-conditioner from collapsing from heat exhaustion. Keep your air-conditioner going strong Have a professional inspect your air-conditioning before summer… Read more »
It seems to make sense. Shutting the heating and air conditioning vents to unused rooms should save on energy costs, right? After all, why heat a room that is rarely used? The reality is quite different. Cutting off airflow to rooms could cost you money. Here’s why. Your system’s design HVAC professionals design their systems… Read more »
Before shifting gears into summer, here’s a handy list of chores for the busy homeowner. See if you can beat that Memorial Day deadline. Before the heat becomes unbearable, tackle all that clutter hiding in the attic. Pass along unused items to family and friends or donate to a worthy charity in your area. Recycle… Read more »
A new roof, foundation or HVAC system may not be as exciting as a kitchen or bathroom remodel, but all of these can add value to your home. How does the condition of your home’s major components and systems affect its value? Professional examinations of systems When you sell your house, two professionals come to… Read more »
Heating and air-conditioning units that are too large or small can raise your energy bill and cause other problems. Here’s a guide to help the average consumer purchase a system that’s just the right size. Determining heating and air-conditioning unit sizes Home air-conditioning units come in a variety of sizes. The size is expressed in… Read more »
If you live in a humid region of the country, you know the discomfort of high humidity. That moist air is as bad for your home as it is miserable for you because mold, dust mites and allergens thrive in damp household environments. A dehumidifier might be the best way to keep your home dry,… Read more »
Smart homeowners think of their homes as more than just a place to live. Their houses are also their biggest investment. By strategically investing modest sums of money now, you’ll see major savings later. Here are 11 keys spots to spend money with an eye toward saving. Heating and air conditioning units should be inspected… Read more »
Homeowners expect their houses to be warm in winter and cool in summer, but don’t take those comfortable temperatures for granted. Regularly changing the air filters is an essential task. HVAC systems move air in a continuous loop through the house. An intake vent uses a fan to pull air from the room through a… Read more »
It seems like it always happens at the worst possible time. For example, the air conditioner breaks in the middle of July, or the furnace quits as a major snowstorm blows in. So what can you do to ensure your systems will be there when you need them most? Here are a few tried-and-true tips… Read more »
Gone are the days when big-ticket home appliances lasted for decades. With some exceptions, the life span for most appliances is ten years or less. All the more reason to do your homework as a prospective buyer and check the age and condition of the appliances in any home you’re seriously considering. Here are a… Read more »
