A: This is a common issue in 2- and 3-story homes, often due to insufficient ductwork reaching the upper floors. While there aren't many quick fixes, one thing you can try is adjusting the dampers in your ductwork to direct more airflow upstairs, reducing it in rooms that may not require as much heating or cooling.

A: Check the insulation in your attic or roof joists. Insufficient insulation can significantly increase the load on your HVAC system, making it harder to maintain a comfortable temperature on the upper floors.

A: If your windows are old or leaky, upgrading them can improve the overall comfort of your 2nd floor.

A: Consider consulting us about installing a designated HVAC system for the 2nd and 3rd floors. Ductless mini-splits are often great options for this.
A: First, determine if the water is coming from the water heater, which is often placed near the furnace. The source of the leak can be misleading.

A: If it’s summer, check if there’s ice on your refrigerant lines or if the ductwork around the furnace is sweating. This could indicate that the system is freezing over. It’s advisable to turn the AC off at the thermostat and switch the fan to "on" to thaw the system. Also, ensure the furnace's air filter is clean, as a dirty filter can contribute to these issues.

A: In winter, the furnace condensation piping may be clogged. This issue can usually be resolved with furnace maintenance. Contact us, and we’ll replace or clear the clogged piping.
Typically this is the ductwork “popping”. This happens when the blower motor on your furnace kicks on to circulate the hot or cold air to your home, the sudden increase in air pressure can cause large ductwork to pop or expand suddenly causing a loud “bang” noise that can sound like a tiny explosion, often this can be remedied by a professional reinforcing the ductwork.
A: Older furnaces and air conditioners are often quite inefficient. If you’re serious about lowering your utility bills, consider contacting us about more efficient equipment options.

A: Upgrading your home’s windows and/or insulation can dramatically reduce your heating and cooling bills.

A: Consider zoning your HVAC equipment so it only cools the parts of your home you use most frequently.
A: Check your furnace air filter and replace it if it looks dirty. When a furnace is choked by a dirty air filter, it may trip a safety switch called a “high limit” switch, causing the blower to run continually until the system is serviced.

A: Check your thermostat’s “Fan” setting. If it’s set to “on,” the blower motor will circulate air continuously. Switch it to “auto” so the blower only operates when there’s a need for heating or cooling.

Troubleshooting

The Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) rating measures the efficiency of a furnace in converting fuel into heat over a typical year. It’s expressed as a percentage of fuel that is actually turned into usable heat. For example, an AFUE rating of 90% means 90% of the fuel is used to heat the home, while the remaining 10% is lost, often through exhaust. Higher AFUE ratings indicate more efficient furnaces, leading to lower energy bills and reduced environmental impact. Modern high-efficiency furnaces typically have AFUE ratings ranging from 90% to 98.5%.
The Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) rating measures the efficiency of an air conditioning system over an entire cooling season. It’s calculated by dividing the total cooling output (measured in BTUs) by the total energy consumed (in watt-hours) during the same period. A higher SEER rating indicates a more energy-efficient system, meaning it can cool a home effectively while using less electricity. Modern air conditioners typically have SEER ratings ranging from 13 to 25, with higher numbers reflecting greater efficiency and potentially lower energy costs for homeowners.
The difference between a single-stage and a two-stage furnace lies in how they operate. A single-stage furnace has only one heating output level, meaning it’s either fully on or completely off, which can lead to more frequent cycling and less even temperatures. In contrast, a two-stage furnace has two levels of heat output: a lower stage for milder days and a higher stage for colder days. This allows the furnace to run more efficiently, providing more consistent temperatures, improved comfort, and often lower energy consumption since it can operate at the lower stage most of the time.
PSC Motors: These are single-speed motors that operate at full capacity whenever they are running, which can lead to less efficient energy use and more noticeable temperature swings. They are simple and reliable but less efficient and flexible compared to variable-speed motors.

ECM Motors: These motors use electronic controls to manage speed and efficiency. They are inherently more energy-efficient than traditional PSC motors because they adjust their speed based on demand. ECM motors come in both single-speed (constant torque) and variable-speed models.

Variable-Speed Motors: These motors adjust their speed dynamically based on the heating or cooling needs of the home. Unlike PSC and ECM motors, they can ramp up or down to maintain consistent airflow and temperature, leading to improved comfort, quieter operation, and enhanced energy efficiency. Variable-speed motors often run at lower speeds for longer periods, saving energy and providing more even heating and better humidity control. This type of motor also extends the life of the furnace by reducing the wear and tear associated with constant full-speed operation.

ECM motors consume 30-50% less energy than PSC motors commonly found in older furnaces.
A heat pump is an energy-efficient system that provides both heating and cooling for homes by transferring heat rather than generating it. In cooling mode, it works like an air conditioner, extracting heat from inside the home and releasing it outside. In heating mode, it reverses the process, drawing heat from the outdoor air (even in cold temperatures) and bringing it indoors. Heat pumps are highly efficient because they move heat rather than create it, making them a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional heating and cooling systems, especially in moderate climates. Heat pumps can retrofit well with most existing ductwork and often qualify for significant ($2000+) energy provider rebates and tax credits under the “25C Tax Credit” using IRS Form 5695. Contact us to learn about qualifying systems.
A combi (combination) boiler is a compact, high-efficiency unit that serves as both the water heater and the central heating boiler in one system. Unlike traditional boilers that require a separate hot water tank for sinks and showers, a combi boiler heats water directly from the mains on demand, providing immediate hot water while also powering the home's central heating. This design makes combi boilers space-saving and energy-efficient, as they eliminate the need for storing hot water and reduce energy waste by only heating water when needed. They are a perfect space-saving solution if you’re looking to upgrade your boiler or water heater.
A whole house humidifier is often overlooked but can offer several benefits during winter months:

Improved Comfort: Humidification helps create a more comfortable living environment by reducing issues such as dry, cracked skin, frizzy hair, nosebleeds, static electricity shocks, itchy eyes, and respiratory irritation. All of these can indicate that your air is too dry, and adding a humidifier would help alleviate these problems.

Protection for Home and Belongings: Proper humidity levels help prevent damage to wooden furniture, flooring, and musical instruments by reducing the risk of cracking or warping caused by dry air. It can also help keep paint and wallpaper from peeling.

Enhanced Indoor Air Quality: Humidification helps reduce dust and allergens, leading to cleaner and healthier indoor air. Maintaining a humidity level between 30-50% will also help prevent the spread of viruses and bacteria, reduce symptoms of allergies and asthma, and alleviate congestion and other respiratory issues, contributing to overall better health.

Reduced Heating Costs: Humidified air feels warmer at lower temperatures, allowing homeowners to set their thermostat lower without sacrificing comfort, which can lead to energy savings on heating bills.
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Troubleshooting

FAQ's