Our Blogs
Managing Energy Use in Your Home
There are many things you can do to manage your home’s energy use. When buying new heating, ventilation, or air conditioning (HVAC) system, the system you choose can make a big difference in your energy bills. If you purchase an HVAC system that is too large for your home, it
How to Improve Furnace Airflow in Your St. Louis Area Home
For your home to be comfortable, your heating system must produce good airflow throughout your home. If there isn’t enough warm air traveling through your ducts, it will be much harder for your furnace to heat your home and your system will have to work longer and consume more energy
What are the Advantages of a Variable Speed Furnace?
Out of all of the features that are available in today’s high-efficiency and high-performance furnaces, a variable speed blower is one of the most beneficial. Today we’re going to take a look at how a variable speed blower works and some of the best advantages of installing a variable speed
What Causes a Heat Pump to Freeze?
Your central heater and air conditioner both rely on a heat pump to perform the heat transfer that both heats and cools your home. While it might seem hard to believe, your heat pump could freeze over, both during the hottest days of summer when running your air conditioner at
Going eco-friendly in April: Eco Expo 2010
Last week we joined a conglomerate of nature-loving folks and friends at the St. Louis Science Center’s James S. McDonnell Planetarium for the Eco Expo. Wow, you should have seen all the neat ways to hug the planet. We learned a whole lot too! Allied Waste recycles EVERYTHING they acquire.
Advanced Features to Consider When Choosing a Thermostat for Your Home
Earlier this week we blogged about how to choose a thermostat based on specific requirements for your family and your home. Today we wanted to talk about other features that come with various models of thermostats that, although optional, can be very helpful and convenient when it comes to operating
What You Need to Know: Dust and Your HVAC System
Were you aware that the air in your home could contain many times more dust and debris than that of the air outside? Not in the total amount of course. But it is many, many times more concentrated into a relatively small space. Have you ever thought about what this
Letters to Fran the Furnace
Dear Fran, I know that you have been sleeping for months now and I have allowed this slumber, but soon I’m going to need your help. I am worried, though, that you will not be the same. Have you rusted inside? Did moisture damage your innards? How can I tell
Heat Pump Maintenance Checklist: How to Get Your System Ready for Warmer Weather
It’s that time of year in the St. Louis area when many of us are switching from using our furnaces to using our air conditioners. But if you’re a homeowner with a heat pump, you use the same system all year long. So what exactly do heat pump owners need
When Comparing Air Conditioner Costs, Look Beyond the Initial Investment
When homeowners in the St. Louis area need a new central air conditioner, many of them will get quotes from multiple contractors to find where they can get the best “bang for their buck.” But when comparing quotes, many people make the mistake of only looking at the cost of
How to Check for Air Leaks in Your Home
Did you know that air leaks often account for a 5-30 percent increase in home energy consumption? When conditioned air can escape and outdoor air can infiltrate your home, your HVAC system is forced to work harder to maintain the right indoor temperature. If you’re wondering what you can do
Where to Install Carbon Monoxide Detectors for Maximum Safety in Your Home
Last month, we talked about the importance of installing home carbon monoxide detectors to warn your family of a CO leak from a malfunctioning furnace or other fuel-burning appliances. Carbon monoxide is, after all, the source of hundreds of at-home deaths every year. This week we wanted to touch on