When you’re managing a household, every cent counts. Control of your energy costs is a great way to manage your home budget while keeping your family cool. Still, it can be challenging to figure out what the impact of even one-degree change could have on your bottom line. 

That’s why we’ve done the math for you to figure out how much 1 degree of AC really costs, plus some savvy tips on how to keep your house crips without relying on your air conditioner. Read More ›

Spring has arrived, and so have warmer temperatures. As the weather warms up, you’ve already started to hang your coats back in closets, throw boots into baskets, and dump scarves back in storage. You no longer need layers to keep you warm—and your furnace no longer needs to keep the heat pumping throughout your home.

One important task that many homeowners overlook is properly shutting down their gas furnace for the off-season. Not only can this simple process save you money on energy bills, but it also helps maintain your heating system’s efficiency and longevity.
Whether you’re a new homeowner or simply looking for the correct procedure, this guide will walk you through the safe and proper steps to turn off your gas furnace until you need it again.
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Heat pumps are becoming a popular option for heating and cooling in Minnesota. But are they effective as a year-round heating and cooling source? More importantly, can they stand up to our sub-zero winters? Let’s take a look at these questions so you can make sure your home stays toasty warm all winter.  Read More ›

Most people who need a new furnace are probably intimidated by the prospect. It’s understandable: furnaces are a major investment, and it’s hard to know how to get started. 

Given the intimidation factor, most homeowners will hire an HVAC company to size their home and do all of the furnace selection and installation for them. While that’s certainly what we would recommend you do as well, it’s also a good idea to go through the sizing process on your own to make sure your results align with the professionals. 

Fortunately, this process isn’t nearly as complicated as it might seem

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Have you noticed how the atmosphere in your house changes in the winter months? Maybe you find dry and itchy spots on your skin, or cracks in your wooden floors or furniture. You might even wake up with a sore throat or bloody nose in the morning.

All of these symptoms—both to your body and your stuff—are a result of dry indoor air. The cold air outside, with moisture locked in a frozen state, doesn’t help. Inside, your HVAC is toasting the air before it circulates, keeping it warm but overly dry.

Low humidity can even make air feel colder than it actually is, causing you to overcompensate with the thermostat and run up your heating bill.

Let’s look at some simple and some more involved methods for adding a little humidity back into your house this winter. Read More ›