Do you have an ancient beast living in your basement—a cast-iron, hulking form with tentacle arms reaching up through the floorboards?

The good news is you don’t need to call a monster hunter or a sushi chef. It’s not a monster. It’s just an octopus furnace. 

But is this basement dweller a friend, foe or unknown quantity? Is it worth keeping as a houseguest, or should you send it packing?

Here’s what every homeowner with an octopus furnace needs to know. Read More ›

Modern HVAC units are dramatically more efficient than their older counterparts. While a new gas furnace might operate at 95% efficiency, a unit from just 30 years ago might be 80% efficient or less. 

Why does it matter? The more efficient your HVAC is, the less energy it requires to keep your home comfortable. Upgrading your HVAC is an investment that pays dividends over time. 

If you’re still on the fence about an upgrade, the State of Minnesota is making the decision easier with its new energy efficiency programs. 

Here’s what you need to know about the new programs and options for improving your HVAC efficiency today. Read More ›

It seems like an easy task to measure the efficiency of an HVAC system. You just look at how much energy you put into the unit, versus how much cooling you get out of it, right?

But energy efficiency ratings aren’t that simple. Cooling units aren’t tested in a real-world environment; they’re tested in a lab. The way these tests are conducted can make a difference in efficiency ratings. When new technology makes more accurate testing possible, the ratings can change.

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) enacts requirements to standardize efficiency testing, determine what minimum efficiency ratings should be, and make sure the ratings are as accurate as possible.

On January 1, 2023, the DOE put new requirements into place. This new Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating (SEER) replaces the original standards, so it’s informally called “SEER2.” 

Here’s what you need to know about SEER2 and why it matters. Read More ›

There is nothing more unsettling than stepping in a wet spot inside your home. This unsettled feeling quickly turns to dread when you realize the source of the wet spot is an expensive appliance.

If your AC unit is leaking water, the first thing to do is turn it off. The next thing you should do is revisit this post to troubleshoot what’s causing the leak, how to fix it, and when to call in a professional. Read More ›

Minnesotans love talking about the weather! Enduring the weather? Not as much. Our winters easily see the mercury plunge below zero, while our summer temps can top 100 degrees Fahrenheit – and don’t forget that humidity!

One sure-fire way to stay comfortable across the warmer seasons is by installing central air conditioning in your home. In fact, recent data shows that nearly 70% of homes in Minnesota have central air conditioning units. 

Whether you’re one of the 30% looking to upgrade your home’s cooling system, or you’re just curious to know more about how central AC systems work, the experts at Welter have the answers you’re looking for.  Let’s explore the world of Central AC. Read More ›