Heat pumps can develop issues such as short cycling, leaks and unusual noises — affecting their performance and your comfort. Not all problems require professional intervention, but ignoring warning signs can lead to expensive heat pump repairs. “Proactive maintenance and detecting issues early can dramatically reduce the need for repairs and extend the life of…

When your AC unit isn’t turning on, it could be power supply issues, broken parts or problems with the refrigerant or airflow. You can troubleshoot by checking the thermostat and power supply. If those are working, check the outside unit for blockages, noises and signs of damage. Sometimes the reset button or clearing visible blockages…

The average life span of a well-maintained gas furnace is between 15 to 20 years, depending depend upon several conditions. “Factors such as the quality of the installation, frequency of routine maintenance and usage patterns can influence this life span,” said Asif Bux, HVAC and plumbing expert at Comfort Union in Calgary, Alberta. New furnaces…

Installing a new HVAC system can cost anywhere from $370 to $22,000 or more, depending on the type of system and installation method you choose. DIY installation for window or portable air conditioning units has the lowest total cost, while full-service heat pump installation by an HVAC contractor will have the highest cost of any…

While high-efficiency furnaces can save you a great deal of money in the long run, they’re not perfect and have the potential to leak water. This may occur for several reasons, but often, it has to do with the condensate drain line, heat exchanger or filter. It may also result from another system attached to…

An air conditioner that is not cooling in the dead of summer is a homeowner’s nightmare. Precisely why your air conditioner is not cooling can be due to a range of problems.  “Most typical issues during the summer are a result of dirty air filters,” said Marco Radocaj, owner of Balance HVAC in Vero Beach,…

Portable air conditioners can work well when you need to cool individual rooms without using a more effective air conditioning system, such as a window unit from one of the best air conditioning brands or an evaporative cooler. Portable air conditioners must be vented out a window and plugged into an outlet.  You can use…

HVAC stands for heating, ventilation and air conditioning, and it refers to any system that uses heated or cooled air to regulate temperature. Forced-air systems are the most common HVAC systems — they use ducts to distribute warm and cool air, provided you install a central unit. Radiant systems that provide heat cannot be adapted…

Forced-air heating is the most popular type of heating in the U.S. sold by some of the best furnace brands out there. Upgrading to a high-efficiency hot air system can improve heating efficiency by up to 11%, according to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE).  Forced-air heating — commonly called a forced hot air (FHA)…

You have two major ways to heat your home: forced-air systems and radiant heating systems. However, several more specific options fall within each category. It can get confusing pretty quickly trying to determine the best furnace systems, especially since not every system is ideal for every home. Radiant heating may not be ideal in colder…

You know that an HVAC system will heat and cool your home, but what about a heat pump? And can it save you money on your energy bills? The answer is yes. Heat pumps are like central air conditioner units that double as heating systems in winter. Thanks to their reversible refrigeration cycle, they can…

Find out what SEER ratings mean and how they can help you save on energy costs or qualify for a tax credit.

Whether a heat pump or an air conditioner (AC) is better for your home will depend on your climate control needs. A heat pump is a versatile option if you live in an area that experiences four seasons — they’re typically more expensive but offer heating and cooling functions. AC units and systems can only…

Heating and cooling systems can greatly influence how comfortable you are in your home.  We research, review and rate the top professionals in the HVAC industry to help you choose a quality option for your heating and cooling needs. Research Our research approach includes understanding industry best practices and customer needs and pain points. We…