It’s a fairly common misconception that allergies are worst in spring. It’s true that people who are allergic to tree pollen suffer most in early spring, but for those who respond badly to indoor airborne substances, all year is “allergy season.” Here in the mid-Atlantic, we tend to close up our homes and remain indoors […]

Ductless systems are really a wonder. Before they became widely available in this country, the options for cooling and heating home additions were limited to some not particularly attractive options, such as extending ductwork, installing window A/C units or using space heaters. Now ductless systems offer a self-contained option for heating and cooling that is […]

A fire in your office building is a serious event that requires quick and determined response. Even if no actual flames are involved, the production of smoke from a flammable source can compromise employee and customer safety. Office building smoke control processes should be included in the design of all building fire safety systems. Preventing […]

The selection and installation of residential HVAC systems can be no less demanding than doing the same in a commercial facility. Finding and installing the proper equipment requires a thorough knowledge of available options and a careful consideration of the characteristics of the home where the equipment will be placed. For HVAC professionals, there are […]

As concerns about energy efficiency and indoor air quality grow, technologies emerge and evolve to meet these concerns. In the commercial arena, energy recovery ventilator (ERV) technology is providing building owners and managers with a cost-effective way to increase ventilation while also holding down heating and cooling costs. Here is a brief overview of energy […]

The tankless water heater has proven itself a viable replacement for standard storage-type water heaters in residential and light commercial applications. But how well do these types of hot water delivery systems work in locations that call for a continual, high-volume supply of hot water? In general, tankless water heaters can work just as well […]

If you’re concerned about the indoor air quality in your home, you may have considered getting your ductwork cleaned. Many companies advertise duct cleaning as an effective way to improve the quality of your indoor air using before and after images showing extremely dirty ducts next to immaculately clean ducts. But before shelling out money […]

Remodeling projects can result in airborne particulates and other pollutants being released into the air. In order to prevent this, it’s necessary to have a plan for maintaining indoor air quality while remodeling. Here’s a look at the pollutants that may be released during your remodeling project and what to do about them. Harmful Substances […]

Living in an older home generally means you have higher energy bills. However, there are several effective energy upgrades available for older homes. Over time, buildings settle, cracks form and insulation can lose its effectiveness. Making energy improvements will require both time and money, but you’ll get a return on your investment in lower energy […]

Your HVAC system uses more energy than anything else in your home, so efficiency is important when you’re shopping for new equipment. Boosting efficiency allows you to maximize savings while maintaining a high level of comfort in your home. Air conditioner ratings for efficiency were developed to help the consumer make better choices when shopping […]

The 2010 edition of NFPA 72: National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code was the first edition to allow the use of fire alarm notification systems to communicate other information in buildings during the event of non-fire emergencies. This information is typically distributed throughout a building via visual and audio methods. In-building emergency notification methods include […]

If you have a storage-tank water heater, sediment buildup is something you can’t ignore. During the water heating process, naturally-occurring minerals like calcium and magnesium form into sediment particles that settle to the tank bottom. When sediment builds up, you’ll start to experience issues like: Fluctuating water temperatures from too hot to lukewarm. Rising energy […]

If you’ve ever had a clogged drain in your home, you know what an inconvenience and mess one can be. In a commercial setting, the problems can be multiplied many times over, with resulting damage to your facility, disruptions to your day-to-day operations and aggravations for your employees and customers. To keep your overworked commercial […]

The sight of a slowly-rotating ceiling fan keeping rooms comfortable on a hot summer day has been a fixture in American homes since the 1920s. However, modern ceiling fans have a year-round role in home comfort. Today’s high-efficiency fan motors do the job at a much lower cost than those classic models from the past. […]

Being versed in the basic HVAC terms associated with your central cooling system gives you a foundation for knowing how it operates. These terms may also help you understand and communicate any concerns you have with an HVAC pro. Condenser — All air conditioners use an outdoor condenser that sits inside a large metal box […]

Ever since the Canadian government published a study about the amount of pollution entering homes from attached garages, the need for garage ventilation has become an important and valid concern. Even detached garages pose similar risks as those that connect to a home through a door and common wall. Most garages are repositories for vehicles, […]

Making it a point to conserve water will lower your utility bills and save this natural resource. It’s not difficult to use less by maintaining your plumbing fixtures, which also prevents water damage to your home. It’s also easy to establish habits around the house that promote water conservation. Fix leaks — The easiest way […]

With a two-stage heat pump, your heating and cooling system will always have the power it needs for the hottest and coldest days. The secret is that most of the time it doesn’t need it. Conventional systems with single-stage compressors run at 100-percent output at all times. This uses extra energy and increases wear and […]