The answer to this question is most definitely ‘yes.’ Older, non-weatherized homes can feel the full effects of inefficient, leaky building envelope designs. In contrast, a home with a tight envelope has very little heat and air transfer between the indoors and outdoors. Homes with envelopes that lack structural integrity tend to be drafty and […]

A variety of common toilet malfunctions can be traced to the toilet flapper. This large rubber or plastic valve is located in the bottom of the toilet tank. When the flush handle is pressed, the flapper opens to release the contents of the toilet tank into the the bowl and initiate flushing. As the flapper […]

When you’re contemplating buying a house, you have a lot on your mind, so you may not think of asking questions about the HVAC system in the properties you’re looking at. The condition of a home’s HVAC components is an important consideration, though, because it directly affects your family’s comfort, safety and well being. To […]

December 31, 2016 is the last day that homeowners can take advantage of the generous tax credits that the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) offers for geothermal heat pumps (GHPs) and solar systems for residential properties. The credits are part of the Recovery Act of 2009 aimed at spurring residential investments to cut energy use. […]

The best setting for your thermostat fan depends upon your energy efficiency, comfort and air quality goals, as well as the type of fan installed in your system. When it’s running, a residential blower fan moves over 1,000 cubic feet per minute of air. However, most thermostats have individual settings for the heat and air […]

The East Coast gets its fair share of rain and thunderstorms, which is why many homeowners have sump pumps installed. A sump pump prevents basement flooding by discharging water from under and around the home to a sewer drain outside. When excess water gathers under the house or below the slab, it can cause structural […]

For the energy-conscious or environmentally-savvy homeowner, solar panels represent a commitment to improve your home. But they’re not a good choice for every home. These pros and cons of a solar panel installation can help you decide if you want to pursue them for your Wilmington-area home. Pros Renewable energy — Energy is a political, […]

The new year brings with it multiple opportunities to save money with your HVAC system. Whether you make adjustments to your existing system or invest in new or upgraded HVAC equipment, you can cut your heating and cooling costs significantly using the following tips. Apply regular preventive maintenance: The key to keeping your HVAC system […]

Water heating is essential to comfort and sanitation in any commercial building. In total, however, water heating can consume a significant portion of a monthly operating budget. An effective way to reduce your water heating expenses while still providing plenty of water for essential tasks is by switching to a tankless water heater. The following […]

Do you need to get conditioned air to a space in your home that your main duct system doesn’t service? A ductless mini-split could be the perfect comfort solution for you. Mini-splits can help if you’re dealing with a recent addition, hydronic heating, space heaters or even guest rooms that don’t always need to be […]

If you’re like most Wilmington homeowners, budgeting for home maintenance often competes with a hefty to-do list. However, if you ignore these maintenance tasks for too long, you’ll risk developing problems in your home that cost more time and money to fix in the long run. So, how can you balance a busy schedule with […]

The efficiency and effectiveness of the HVAC system in your office, retail store or other commercial space depends on preventing air leaks. Air leaks, commonly found in the building’s structure or the HVAC ductwork, allow the loss of heated and cooled air. Not only does this waste energy and money, but it also increases your […]

Air conditioning replacement may become inevitable eventually, but it’s not something to dread. Upgrading your air conditioner can not only reduce your cooling bills, but can also keep you more comfortable through the Delaware area’s hot, humid summers. Start planning now and you’ll be able to have a new energy-efficient, high-performance air conditioning system running […]

If there’s at least one room or area of your home that never seems to get warm enough during the winter, you’re not alone. Unfortunately, most houses in the DE, MD, PA and NJ region aren’t consistently heated throughout. So what can be causing that cold spot in your home and what should you do […]

Having dirty air ducts has a far greater impact on your home than you might imagine. The obvious concern is having dirty air circulating in your home, which is bad enough. However, dirty air ducts can also disrupt the flow of your HVAC system. The dirtier air ducts become, the greater the concern becomes that […]

Happy Halloween! Enjoy these eight silly halloween-inspired jokes fit for the whole family. How do ghosts get to the second floor? They take the scares! [Tweet this!] What do ghosts put on their cereal? Boo-berries! [Tweet this!] Where do mummies go for a swim? The Dead Sea! [Tweet this!] Why didn’t the skeleton cross the […]

Many homeowners struggle to find a balance between home comfort and saving energy. There are lifestyle changes that can help, such as using ceiling fans more and your cooling and heating systems less. Programmable thermostats are great devices for maximizing comfort and efficiency. One important home efficiency project to strongly consider is finding and sealing […]