Whether you’re building a new home or retrofitting an older one, it pays to take the time to design your duct system right. A poorly designed duct system nearly guarantees you’ll reap less-than-desirable effects including:
Design It Right, And Your Duct System Will Deliver
January 22nd, 2013Taking Charge Of the Batts In Your Attic: Get Your Gear Together
January 17th, 2013
Adding batts in the attic – insulation batts – offers protection against heat transfer, giving your home’s uppermost region a fighting chance during the heating season to lock in comfortable home temperatures and limit energy consumption. Here’s a guide to choosing and installing insulation batts in the attic:
Your Home Energy Evaluation: Why The Blower Door Test Is A Key Component
January 15th, 2013
You may have performed a do-it-yourself home energy evaluation in an attempt to seal air leaks that allow valuable conditioned air to escape from your home. If you have: Congrats! An airtight home creates lower heating and cooling loads, resulting in lower energy bills year-round. DIY jobs, however, generally don’t offer the same results that a professional home energy evaluation can. Namely, a pro utilizes a blower door test, which is considered the best tool to comprehensively measure a home’s leakage and locate those areas where air is leaking.
You’re Shopping For A Furnace? Consider These High-Performance Features
January 10th, 2013
Make the most of your investment when shopping for a furnace. Choosing a system with unique, high-performance features impacts not just your bottom line; these features also dictate how comfortable your home is and how long the system lasts. The key to ensuring home comfort and lasting equipment lies in choosing advanced features that provide options in terms of operating speeds, while also improving safety and efficiency. When shopping for a furnace, here’s what you should look for:
Learn How Your Furnace Works Now — You Might Be Tested Later
January 8th, 2013
No one is likely to show up at your home and hand you a quiz on how your furnace works. However, if your heating system malfunctions, you’ll definitely be tested – in your patience, your troubleshooting knowledge, and your ability to determine when it’s time to call in a professional. Here’s a basic description of how your furnace works to make it easier for you to “pass” these tests.
What’s Better Than The Energy Star Logo? The Energy Star Most Efficient Label
January 3rd, 2013
The Energy Star logo has come a long way. It’s now widely recognized by consumers and homeowners alike, and utilized by scores of Americans looking for highly efficient home electronics, appliances, lighting, and heating and cooling equipment. Not resting on its laurels, the federal Energy Star program has put a pilot program into action nationwide. It’s the Energy Star Most Efficient Label, which provides consumers with an easy way to identify the “best of the best” in terms of Energy Star-qualified equipment.
Sealing Your Ducts? So What Are You Using, Anyway?
January 1st, 2013
Before sealing your ducts, you’ll need to select the right material for this important home maintenance job. It’s now possible to select an advanced duct-sealing material, ensuring a long-lasting, tightly sealed duct system. With efficient ductwork, homeowners experience improved comfort and lower energy bills. There are two basic options when it comes to choosing materials for sealing your ducts: mastic sealant and tape. Learn the pros and cons of each.
Communicating With Your HVAC Tech: Are You Fluent In His Language?
December 27th, 2012
When it comes time to buy a new furnace, heat pump or air conditioner, it’s helpful to prioritize communicating with your HVAC contractor. Understanding a few common heating and cooling concepts will help you select the best type of equipment for your home and budget. Check Your HVAC Filter Often For Maximum Efficiency, Comfort
December 25th, 2012
If you want to improve the air quality inside your home, lower your cooling and heating bills, and extend the life of your equipment, make it a point to check your HVAC filter monthly. The air filter is the first line of defense against premature wear and high conditioning bills. Dirty filters slow the passage of air through the air handler, making your whole system run longer.
Fall is well underway, and now’s the perfect time to prepare your home for cooler weather that’s on the way. Before winter arrives, take time to complete some preventive maintenance projects that will protect your home and keep you comfortable through the cooler weather.