Say What? Understanding How Your Equipment Works | Part I

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If you’ve ever had a conversation with an HVAC technician at some point you’ve probably heard a phrase that sounds foreign or an acronym that you don’t understand. Overwhelmed is the last thing you should feel about your heating, air conditioning, and indoor air quality system.

But do not fear, we’re here to help. The following are some of the most common phrases, terms, acronyms, and words our technicians most frequently get questions on when they’re talking with homeowners. Read more

Is Your Furnace Reliable? 3 Questions You Need To Answer As Winter Approaches

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Is-Your-Furnace-ReliableLet’s face it, as a homeowner we all mull over this decision at some point in our lives. The impending reality that we’re going to need to invest money in a new furnace.

It’s not that you hate your current furnace or that you’ve seen a nice shiny new one running like you see that new car you’ve been wanting.

It’s that reality of spending money on a furnace that’s going to live it’s life hidden in your basement like the current one has. Spending money on something we don’t physically see is really hard.

Kind of like getting new brakes on your car. You never see them but once they’re replaced you have a new peace of mind knowing your car will stop quickly when you need it to.

But what if you’re thinking, “Just one more winter. If I can get through just one more winter with this furnace I promise myself I’ll get a new one next year.” Read more

Maintenance is important, even with a warranty

Why Do I Need Maintenance If I Have A Warranty?

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Maintenance is important, even with a warrantyThis question has been asked to us several times by many of our customers. In the process of earning their trust through visits to their home that include maintenance, service, and even installation of new equipment, homeowners want to know,

How come you’re telling me my system needs regular maintenance when it comes with a lifetime warranty?

This is a great question. One that we appreciate hearing from homeowners because it means they’re taking their home comfort seriously.

So why do we tell homeowners this? Is our equipment not as reliable as we claimed it is? Are we trying to squeeze more money out of homeowners? Read more

4 (formerly 3) Reasons Why We Love ecobee (and you will too, especially if you’re using an iPhone)

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ecobee 4 reasons-blog

UPDATED: July 2015

To see how ecobee is now compatible with Apple HomeKit scroll to down to number 4.

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Back in the fall of 2014 we wrote about the benefits of having a wifi thermostat in your home. We believed the ability to program your system along with benefit of having access to it through any Internet device were affordable features every homeowner should have.

As we voiced the benefits of wifi thermostats to customers and homeowners we began to ask ourselves this question:

What is the best thermostat available to homeowners?

There’s a variety of options available from several different companies. Thermostats have even begun to fall under the consumer electronics category as they show up in stores like Best Buy, Apple stores, and even on Amazon.

We began to do our homework, talk with vendors, other businesses in the heating and cooling industry, and even the companies who manufacture these thermostats.

After spending the first part of 2015 trying to assess which thermostat was the best option for homeowners we came to, what we think is, a winner. Read more

Going on Vacation? 11 Things You Don’t Want to Forget

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Going on Vacation

If you’re anything like our family the summer months, and particularly around the 4th of July, are a time to get out of town for vacation. We love getting up north (up north means pine trees and poor cell service) and spending lots of time on the lake.

You probably have a family tradition or childhood memory of your favorite summer vacation. They sure are a lot of fun and after a long winter or a season of working extra hours we can’t wait to get out of town.

In the hustle and bustle of planning and packing for your vacation how much attention does your home and day-to-day routine get? Do you make sure to take care of things that may not do well on their own while you’re away?

Often, at least in our family, our home can get the short end of the stick when we leave town. Here are a handful of things you should consider and plan for to truly give yourself peace of mind while you’re on vacation. These aren’t just “heating and cooling related” either. Let’s dig in. Read more