A chimney caked in creosote is a fire hazard and should never be ignored, but removing all that gunk takes more than soap and water. Chimney cleaning logs, also known as creosote sweeping logs, are marketed as an easy way to deal with this sticky problem. There’s a fair amount of misconception about how these […]
HVAC
Single Stage vs. Two Stage Furnaces
An energy efficient furnace keeps you comfortable without running up high heating bills. Because the number of stages your furnace can operate in affects both its efficiency and its performance, it’s an important factor to consider when upgrading your heating equipment. A basic single-stage furnace is a reasonable choice if you’re on a budget, especially […]
Floor, Wall, or Ceiling Registers?
The location of your heating and cooling system’s air registers might seem like a minor detail, but it has a noticeable impact on your comfort. Floor, wall, and ceiling registers each have their own strengths and weaknesses that make them suited for different situations. The ideal register placement for each room depends on a variety […]
Baseboard Heating for Residential Homes
If you’ve ever lived in a mild climate, chances are you’ve seen rooms with baseboard heaters. These long, narrow heaters run along the bottom of the wall and can be controlled individually. Although not quite as popular as they once were, baseboard heaters still have their place even in colder climates. How Baseboard Heating Works […]
The Pros and Cons of Ductless Mini Split Air Conditioners
If you’re tired of feeling uncomfortable in that one room that never seems quite cool enough, a ductless mini split air conditioner can help you reclaim the space. Also known as ductless heat pumps, these systems offer a practical, flexible, and energy-saving way to supplement or replace a central heating and cooling system. A conventional […]
The Pros and Cons Geothermal Energy for Your Home
Geothermal energy has been gaining popularity as an eco-friendly way to heat and cool a home at a fraction of the cost of fuel-burning systems or even conventional air-source heat pumps. While this energy source does offer a lot of benefits, it’s not ideal for everyone. If you’re considering having a geothermal (ground-source) heat pump […]