Why HVAC Air Filters Are So Important

February 20th, 2018
When was the last time you changed your air filter? When it comes to home comfort, it’s often the little things that make a huge difference. Change your air filter every month during heavy use months, and at least every

Electric Heating Options | Electric Heaters for Your Home

February 13th, 2018
While most homes are heated by forced air or hot water, electric heating can make sense in certain circumstances. For instance, if you live in an area where electricity is cheaper than gas/oil (very rare) or extending central heating ductwork

Sizing a Heat Pump: Heat Pump Load Calculations

February 9th, 2018
Many homes in the San Francisco Bay Area use a heat pump to provide energy-efficient heating and air conditioning. A heat pump functions as typical central air conditioner in the summer; in the winter, the refrigeration cycle reverses itself to

7 Benefits of Forced Air Furnaces

February 6th, 2018
A forced air furnace is a heating system that burns either gas, fuel oil, or propane for heat. Using return ducts, it takes air from inside your home, heats it, then delivers the warm air back into your home via

7 Home Heating System Types 

February 2nd, 2018
It can be hard to let go of your old heating system and commit to a new one you hardly know. If you have an aging unit that needs replacement, however, it can be exciting to see the variety of

Introduction to Hot Water Boilers and Hydronic Systems

January 23rd, 2018
Hydronic boilers, coming from the word “hydro” meaning water, comprise central boilers and water heaters. The hot water or steam that is produced runs through pipes into radiators, which releases heat energy into the room. Once the water or steam

How to Clean an Electromechanical Thermostat

January 16th, 2018
The thermostat is a device familiar to every homeowner. And when it stops working, everyone in the household notices. If the heating or cooling suddenly turns off, one of the first things you should check is the thermostat. First, make

Furnace Safety Switches Save Lives (And Shut Down Furnaces)

January 12th, 2018
Furnaces are remarkable pieces of equipment. If you want heat, you simply set the thermostat to “heat,” push the dial to the desired temperature, and voila! There’s warm air flowing throughout the home. When you set the thermostat to heat,

Gas Leak Warning Signs | Is Your Furnace Leaking Gas?

January 5th, 2018
Yuck! Something smells like rotten eggs! Gas can often give off an unpleasant odor, often described as rotten eggs or sulfur. While natural gas is normally odorless, gas manufacturers are required to add a chemical called mercaptan, which gives it

How to Restore Power If Your Heater Trips the Breaker (or Fuse)

January 2nd, 2018
If your furnace or heater won’t turn on, there are a couple of things you should check first before calling the pros: Thermostat setting and batteries Clean air filter and closed access panel Pilot light and gas valve Furnace switch and