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HeatingHeat Pumps vs. Electric Resistance Heat for Central Texas HomesA heat pump moves heat from the outdoor air into your home, so in mild weather it can deliver two to three times as…
Health & SafetyAre Ozone Generators Safe for Indoor Air?No, ozone generators should not be run where people or pets are present. The EPA advises against using them as air cleaners in occupied…
Building ScienceSmart HVAC Design: Manual J, D & S ExplainedManual J, S and D are the ACCA standards for designing a home HVAC system: Manual J calculates your home's heating and cooling load,…
Health & SafetyHidden Home Hazards: Radon, CO, Asbestos, Lead Paint and FireThe main hidden hazards in many homes are radon, carbon monoxide, asbestos, lead paint and fire. Most can't be seen or smelled, so the…
Air ConditioningHow to Choose the Right HVAC System for Your HomeStart with a Manual J load calculation to size the system correctly, then compare system types, SEER2 efficiency, staging and long-term costs. In Central…
Air ConditioningThe Future of HVAC: Innovations in Heating and CoolingThe biggest HVAC trends are smarter connected controls, two-stage and variable-speed equipment, better indoor air quality options, SEER2 efficiency standards and a shift to…
Tips & TricksSmart Thermostats: Are They Worth It?For many homes, yes. ENERGY STAR estimates certified smart thermostats save about 8% on heating and cooling bills on average, mostly through better scheduling.…
MaintenanceThe True Cost of Neglecting HVAC MaintenanceSkipping HVAC maintenance usually costs more in the long run: dirty filters and coils raise energy use, small problems grow into expensive repairs, equipment…- Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)Air Purification Systems: Choosing the Right One for Your HomePick an air purifier by the problem you want to solve: HEPA for dust, pollen and pet dander, activated carbon for odors and some…
Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)How to Improve Indoor Air Quality with Your HVAC SystemYour HVAC system filters particles, removes moisture and moves air through the whole house. The biggest gains come from the right filter changed on…
Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)What Are MERV Ratings, and How Do They Affect IAQ?MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) rates how well an HVAC filter captures airborne particles, on a scale of 1 to 16. Higher isn't automatically…
Tips & TricksRepair or Replace Your HVAC System? How to DecideRepair usually makes sense when the system is fairly young, the fix is minor and it still cools well. Replacement is often better when…
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