Understanding and Improving Indoor Air Quality

Indoor air pollution is a growing concern, especially as we spend more time indoors at home, work, or school. Surprisingly, indoor air can be more polluted than the air outside. Understanding what causes this pollution and how to minimize it is essential for protecting your health and well-being.

Common Causes of Indoor Air Pollution

Indoor air pollution comes from a variety of sources, many of which are commonly found in homes. Combustion sources like gas stoves, fireplaces, and tobacco smoke release pollutants such as carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide.

Building materials and furnishings, such as pressed wood furniture and carpets, can emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Household cleaning products, air fresheners, and paints also release harmful chemicals into the air.

Additionally, mold, dust mites, and pet dander contribute to poor air quality, especially for those with allergies or respiratory conditions.

Even seemingly harmless activities—like cooking, burning candles, or using aerosol sprays—can introduce particles and chemicals into your indoor environment. Poor ventilation compounds the issue, as it prevents these pollutants from escaping and fresh air from entering.

How to Minimize Indoor Air Pollution

Reducing indoor pollution starts with awareness and a few proactive steps:

Ventilation

Open windows regularly and use exhaust fans in kitchens and bathrooms to reduce moisture and allow fresh air circulation.

Non-toxic Products

Choose cleaning products, paints, and furnishings labeled as low-VOC or non-toxic.

Control Moisture:

Use dehumidifiers and fix leaks promptly to prevent mold growth.

No Smoking Indoors

Designate your home as a smoke-free zone.

Regular Cleaning

Vacuum frequently with a HEPA-filter vacuum and dust surfaces with damp cloths to reduce allergens and dust buildup.

Improving air quality with Whole-House HEPA Filter

A whole-house HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filter is typically installed in your HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) system. Unlike portable air purifiers, it cleans the air across your entire living space by trapping very small particles as the air circulates through the system.

Improving Indoor Air Quality with IQAir

While lifestyle changes help, air purifiers offer an effective way to significantly improve indoor air quality. IQAir is a leading brand known for its high-performance air purification systems. Their HyperHEPA filtration technology captures ultra-fine particles down to 0.003 microns—smaller than most viruses and bacteria. IQAir systems are especially beneficial for people with asthma, allergies, or chemical sensitivities.

Using an IQAir purifier in your home provides peace of mind, knowing that your air is being continuously filtered of pollutants, allergens, and even harmful gases. Whether placed in a bedroom, office, or common area, IQAir enhances indoor environments and supports better breathing, better sleep, and better health.

By combining smart habits with quality technology, you can create a healthier, cleaner indoor space for yourself and your family.

Choosing the Right Heating System for Your Home

Selecting the best heating system for your home is an important decision that impacts your comfort, energy costs, and long-term efficiency.

With various options available, it’s essential to consider factors like home size, climate, celing height, existing infrastructure, and energy preferences. Whether you’re looking for a gas or electric furnace, heat pump, or another heating solution, understanding the pros and cons of each system can help you make an informed choice.

In this guide, we’ll explore the most common heating options in the San Francisco bay area, key considerations for selecting the right system, and expert recommendations to ensure your home stays warm and energy-efficient all year long.

Key Factors to Consider:

Home Size:
The size of your home directly impacts the heating system’s capacity needed. Larger homes require more powerful heating systems to ensure consistent warmth.
Ceiling Height:
High ceilings may necessitate specialized systems to evenly distribute heat.
Existing Ductwork:
If your home already has ductwork, certain heating options may be more cost-effective. If you’re willing to forgo using the ductwork, additional heating options become available.
Gas Availability:
If your home has a gas connection and you prefer to use it as your energy source, then your options narrow making it easier to select the right heating unit.

At RC Mechanical, we typically recommend gas furnaces or heat pumps for most California bay area homes, as both offer distinct advantages for our unique needs.

Gas Furnaces

Gas furnaces are the most common heating choice in the U.S. due to their affordability and widespread availability. Natural gas is considered a clean energy source, as it produces minimal pollutants when burned.

Here are the pros and cons of owning a gas furnace:

Pros:

Provides fast, effective heating
Can be highly efficient.

Cons:

Requires regular maintenance
Burning fossil fuels

Heat Pumps

Heat pumps are becoming increasingly popular as they offer both heating and cooling in one system. They provide improved temperature control, lower energy consumption, and quieter operation, making them an efficient and versatile choice for homeowners.

Pros:

Extremely energy-efficient, especially in the mild SF Bay Area climate
Dual functionality: Provides both heating and cooling.
Lower long-term operating costs compared to traditional heating systems.

Cons:

Less effective in extreme cold (a concern for Sierra Nevada homes but not the Bay Area).
Higher upfront installation costs.
Other heating solutions, such as boilers, baseboard heaters, and wood or pellet stoves, may be better suited for specialized applications.

At RC Mechanical, our trained experts can help you assess the best system for your home and family’s specific needs. Call us today for a consultation!

For additional guidance, check out these heating system tips from the U.S. Department of Energy: Energy Saver – Home Heating Systems.

Transform Your Home Comfort with Smart Temperature Zoning and Sensors

Home thermostats regulate HVAC systems to maintain a comfortable temperature, but fixed wall placement can limit flexibility. While some homes use multiple thermostats to create different zones, a single thermostat with temperature sensors in key rooms can achieve effective multi-zone heating and cooling, optimizing both comfort and energy efficiency.

For instance, if your hallway thermostat is set to 68 degrees, it shuts off the HVAC once the hallway reaches that temperature. However, bedrooms—often cooler than hallways—may still feel too cold. By placing a temperature sensor in each room, you can prioritize where you want comfort most at specific times of day. During the day, a sensor in the living room can keep it precisely at 68 degrees, while at night, a bedroom sensor ensures comfortable sleeping conditions by adjusting the thermostat accordingly.

Temperature sensors offer more than comfort—they can protect specialized spaces like wine cellars by monitoring temperature and humidity, alerting you if conditions fall outside safe ranges. They can also enhance safety, detecting temperature spikes indicative of fires and triggering alarms.

Smart home compatibility with platforms like Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit means you can monitor and control temperatures from your phone or with simple voice commands.

Ready to make your home smarter, safer, and more comfortable? Contact us at (650) 575-3915 today to learn more about integrating temperature sensors into your space.

Simple test to see if your AC is working

HVAC is probably the biggest energy drain in any house. This leads to a higher energy bill every month when the furnace or the AC is used a lot. Keeping your heating and cooling systems running efficiently is a good way to keep the energy costs down.

Efficiency going down can also be an indication of larger issues. Such issues if left alone could end up costing a lot more eventually.

It is a good idea to see if the heater or the AC is working well. One simple way that doesn’t require any complex instruments is by taking the temperature at the vents. Vents are where the air from the HVAC system is pushed into the house.

There are 2 types of vents: a return vent and the register. The return vent is from where the air in the house is pulled into the HVAC system. This air is then cooled (or heated) and pushed into the house through the registers.

You can tell which one is the return air and which one is the register by looking at their coverings. The return air generally can’t be closed whereas the air coming through the registers can be directed or closed using the lever.

Take the temperature differential

To begin, let the AC run for 15 minutes. This will give the AC enough time to get started and start pushing in cooled air through the registers.

First take the temperature at the return air. This is the temperature of the room/house.

Now take the temperature at one of the registers. There should be a 15-20 degree temperature differential between the 2 temperatures.

If the temperature differential is less than 20 degrees, then this means that the house isn’t getting cooled and the HVAC is simply moving the air around.

Between 15 and 20 degree differential means that the air conditioner is working well.

Replace gas furnace with an electric one

Gas furnaces are the most common way to heat your home in the US. Gas is cheap and is available in abundant supply. Gas is considered clean energy because burning gas emits very few pollutants.

In spite of these wonderful advantages, gas is still a fossil fuel. So extraction, processing, and transportation of it takes money and resources. This also makes it a non-renewable resource.

Even though burning gas produces fewer pollutants compared to other fossil fuels, it still emits co2 and other pollutants into the air. And burning gas produces CO as a by-product which is a silent killer.

A California state board has voted to phase out gas-fueled furnaces and water heaters in California by 2030 in an effort to reduce its carbon footprint and cut down on pollution. Learn more here.

People don’t have to replace their gas-fueled furnaces yet, but when it breaks, they may have to replace it with an electric one.

While gas-fueled furnaces are widely used and effective heating systems, there are some potential downsides to consider:

Combustion Byproducts: Gas furnaces produce combustion byproducts, including carbon monoxide (CO). CO is a colorless, odorless gas that can be dangerous in high concentrations. It’s essential to have proper ventilation and regularly maintain gas furnaces to prevent the risk of CO leaks.

Safety Concerns: Gas furnaces involve the use of a flammable fuel, and there is a risk of gas leaks. Regular maintenance, proper installation, and the use of carbon monoxide detectors are crucial for ensuring safety.

Environmental Impact: Burning natural gas releases carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gasses into the atmosphere. While natural gas is considered a cleaner-burning fuel compared to some alternatives, it still contributes to climate change. As a result, there is a growing interest in electric or renewable alternatives to reduce the environmental impact.

Dependency on supply lines: Gas furnaces rely on a steady and reliable supply of natural gas. Disruptions in the gas supply, whether due to natural disasters, accidents, or other factors, can affect the heating system’s operation.

Cost of Gas: The cost of natural gas can vary, and it is subject to market fluctuations. Homeowners using gas furnaces may experience changes in heating costs based on the price of natural gas.

Installation Limitations: Gas furnaces require proper venting systems, which can limit installation options. Adequate ventilation is essential for the safe operation of a gas furnace, and this requirement can affect where the furnace is placed within a home.

Benefits of an electric furnace

Converting a gas furnace into an electric one can offer several benefits depending on your specific circumstances. Here are a few reasons why people might consider this conversion:

Environmental impact: Electric furnaces are generally considered more environmentally friendly compared to gas furnaces because they produce zero direct emissions at the point of use. By using electricity generated from renewable sources, you can significantly reduce your carbon footprint and contribute to a cleaner and greener environment.

Energy efficiency: Electric furnaces can be highly efficient, especially if paired with a well-insulated home and energy-efficient components. They convert nearly 100% of the energy they consume into heat, whereas gas furnaces lose some energy through the combustion process and venting. Higher efficiency means lower energy consumption and reduced utility bills.

Safety considerations: Gas furnaces require proper venting and regular maintenance to ensure the safe operation of the combustion process. By switching to an electric furnace, you eliminate the risks associated with gas leaks, carbon monoxide poisoning, or combustion-related accidents. Electric furnaces do not have open flames or combustible fuel, making them inherently safer.

Long-term cost savings: Although the upfront cost of installing an electric furnace might be higher than a gas furnace, the long-term operational costs can be lower. Electric furnaces typically have fewer maintenance requirements, and with increasing availability of renewable energy, electricity costs may become more stable and predictable compared to fluctuating gas prices.

Energy independence: By relying on electricity to heat your home, you reduce your dependence on fossil fuels and the volatility of gas prices. You can take advantage of renewable energy sources, such as solar panels or wind turbines, to generate the electricity needed for your electric furnace. This can provide a sense of energy independence and control over your energy supply.

It’s important to note that the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of converting from a gas furnace to an electric one can vary depending on your location, energy prices, availability of renewable energy, and the condition of your current heating system.

Before making any decisions, it’s advisable to consult with a professional HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) contractor who can assess your specific situation and provide expert guidance.

The Future of Comfort: Exploring Ductless Mini-Split Systems

In the realm of heating and cooling, innovation has led to more efficient and versatile solutions. Ductless mini-split systems are a prime example of this evolution, providing homeowners with a flexible and energy-efficient alternative to traditional HVAC systems. In this article, we’ll delve into the world of ductless mini-split systems, exploring their technology, benefits, and why they are gaining popularity in the modern era of home comfort.

What Are Ductless Mini-Split Systems?

Ductless mini-split systems, often referred to as mini-splits, are heating and cooling systems that offer precise temperature control without the need for ductwork. These systems consist of two main components: an outdoor compressor/condenser unit and one or more indoor air-handling units. Refrigerant lines connect these components, allowing for the transfer of heat to and from the indoors. Unlike traditional central HVAC systems that rely on ducts to distribute conditioned air, mini-splits deliver air directly into the living spaces they serve.

Technology Behind Mini-Splits

The key technology that makes ductless mini-split systems efficient and versatile is inverter technology. Inverter-driven compressors constantly adjust their speed to maintain the desired temperature, unlike conventional systems that cycle on and off. This results in more precise temperature control, reduced energy consumption, and quieter operation.

Additionally, mini-splits offer zoning capabilities, allowing homeowners to control the temperature in individual rooms or zones independently. Each indoor unit has its thermostat, enabling personalized comfort while minimizing energy waste. This flexibility makes mini-splits an ideal solution for homes with varying heating and cooling needs in different areas.

Benefits of Ductless Mini-Split Systems

Energy Efficiency: Ductless mini-splits are renowned for their energy efficiency. Inverter technology and the absence of ductwork reduce energy waste, resulting in lower utility bills and a reduced environmental footprint.

Precise Temperature Control: Mini-splits offer precise temperature control in individual rooms or zones, eliminating the need to heat or cool unoccupied spaces.

Easy Installation: The absence of ductwork makes installation relatively simple and less invasive compared to traditional HVAC systems. This can save both time and money during installation.

Improved Indoor Air Quality: Ductless mini-splits typically feature advanced filtration systems that can remove allergens and pollutants, providing healthier indoor air.

Versatility: Mini-splits are suitable for various applications, including home additions, retrofitting existing homes, and providing climate control for areas with specific heating or cooling requirements.

Quiet Operation: The indoor units of mini-splits are quieter than traditional HVAC systems, making for a more peaceful living environment.

Longevity: With proper maintenance, mini-split systems can have a longer lifespan compared to traditional HVAC systems.

Why Ductless Mini-Splits Are Gaining Popularity

As homeowners become more energy-conscious and seek cost-effective solutions for their comfort needs, ductless mini-split systems are gaining popularity for several reasons:

Energy Savings: Ductless mini-splits can significantly reduce energy consumption, resulting in lower utility bills over time.

Home Renovations: Mini-splits are a popular choice for home renovations or additions, as they can be easily integrated into existing spaces without the need for extensive ductwork.

Zoning Flexibility: The ability to control temperatures in different zones appeals to homeowners who want personalized comfort and cost savings.

While ductless mini-split systems offer numerous advantages, they are not without their disadvantages.
Here are some of the disadvantages associated with these systems:
Initial Cost: Ductless mini-split systems tend to have a higher upfront cost compared to traditional HVAC systems, especially if you need multiple indoor units to cover various areas of your home. However, the energy savings over time can offset this initial investment.

Aesthetics: While the indoor units of mini-splits are relatively compact and inconspicuous, they are still visible in the rooms they serve. Some homeowners may find their appearance less appealing compared to traditional ducted systems, which are hidden from view.

Complex Installation: While installation is generally easier than retrofitting ductwork in an existing home, it still requires professional expertise. The placement of indoor units, refrigerant lines, and electrical wiring can be complex, and improper installation can lead to performance issues.

Regular Maintenance: Ductless mini-split systems require regular maintenance, including cleaning or replacing air filters, cleaning the indoor and outdoor units, and checking refrigerant levels. Neglecting maintenance can lead to reduced efficiency and system breakdowns.

Limited Heating Capacity in Extremely Cold Climates: In regions with extremely cold winters, some ductless mini-split systems may struggle to provide sufficient heating capacity. Supplemental heating may be necessary during the coldest months.

Compatibility Issues: Some older homes may require electrical upgrades to support the additional load of mini-split systems, which can add to the installation cost.

Limited Air Distribution: While mini-splits offer zoned heating and cooling, they may not provide the same level of even temperature distribution as ducted systems. Airflow can be concentrated near the indoor unit, leading to temperature variations in larger rooms.

Conclusion

Ductless mini-split systems represent a modern and efficient approach to home heating and cooling. With their energy-saving technology, precise temperature control, and versatility, they are becoming an increasingly popular choice for homeowners seeking comfort without the drawbacks of traditional HVAC systems. Whether you’re looking to retrofit your existing home, improve energy efficiency, or enhance comfort in specific areas, ductless mini-splits are a promising solution for the future of home comfort.
Your choice should be based on your specific needs, budget, and the climate in which you live. Consulting with a qualified HVAC professional can help you make an informed decision and ensure that the system is installed and maintained correctly.

Call us at (650) 575-3915 so we can help you figure out if a mini-split is the best solution for your home.

AC troubleshooting

Air conditioner is a great invention that makes summer’s hot days bearable.

It can be miserable when, on a hot day, the AC stops working. As your AC stops working, it gives signs that it needs to be maintained or is on the verge of breaking down.

Here are a few signs that your air conditioning unit may not be working to its fullest and needs to be checked.

Limited air is flowing through the vents

If air from the vents feels stifled or blocked entirely, this is a clear sign that your filters need checking.

If the filters are clogged or blocked, the system has to work hard to pump air through them, putting strain on the HVAC system. Such a strain can eventually lead to the unit being in need of replacing.

Replace the air filter to improve the airflow in the system.

Frost on the AC

Ice buildup on your air conditioner is a sign that air isn’t flowing easily through the vents.

If you find some ice on your AC unit, especially around the copper tubing, know that it can be a sign that the system is deteriorating, and that its days of being useful are numbered.

Ice buildup on your air conditioner could be due to 2 reasons:

Low air flow
Low refrigerant (or coolant)

A dirty filter reduces the air flow over the evaporator coil and makes it icy. This can be easily fixed by replacing the dirty filter.

If your system is low in coolant, then it can be easily fixed by filling up the coolant.

Noisy air conditioner

Air conditioners make noise as part of running normally. If your AC makes more noise than usual, especially while starting up, then it is a sign that there may problems with your unit.

Such an issue is best left to a professional. Call your HVAC technician.

A/C unit not cooling or cooling inefficiently

This is usually what makes someone frantic on a hot day. If the system runs all day long and has made no significant change to the temperature, you have a problem. Also, if air that’s not cool enough is being emitted by your AC, then the unit may be overworked. Easing up on its usage or upgrading to a more powerful system are viable solutions if the AC is new.

Take a temperature reading at the closest register. You want to get 55 degrees. Anything above 65 degrees means you are low on coolant.

Doesn’t turn on

This may seem obvious, but check to see if the unit is plugged in. You may try unplugging and replugging it.

The air conditioner may not turn on because of a blown fuse. Replace the fuse to see if it will turn on.

Another reason for the AC to not turn on could be that the thermostat hasn’t tripped the AC to start. Lower the thermostat 10 degrees to make sure that it will turn on. If the AC doesn’t start running within 3 minutes or so, then it is time to call your air conditioning technician.

If none of the above troubleshooting steps made your AC work to your satisfaction, call Sal at RC Mechanical at (650) 575-3915.

Keep your AC running smoothly

With the hot weather and stay-in-place orders in San Mateo County, many households are installing A/C systems.

On hot days when your new AC runs constantly, there’s a chance its effectiveness could lower. Here are a few steps you can take to make sure your newly installed air conditioner works smoothly throughout the summer.

Replace your AC filter frequently

The job of an AC filter is to filter the debris and dust from the house and blow clean air into the house. When the AC filter gets dirty, it gets harder for the AC to blow air through it. This makes the air conditioner work harder and use more energy.

When the A/C filter stays dirty for a long time, the effectiveness of the AC is reduced and it will no longer cool the house as effectively. Change your filter once a month especially if you use the AC a lot.

Run fewer appliances

When the temperature rises outside, your AC has to work harder to keep your home comfortable.

Burners, ovens, dishwashers and dryers produce heat and increase the temperature inside the house. Try to avoid using these appliances on really hot days when you will likely run the AC for a long time.

Hot days might be a great time to spare your air conditioner by taking your cooking outside and barbecue!

Keep other heat-producing equipment such as computers and lamps away from the A/C thermostat. This may influence the A/C thermostat reading and cause the A/C to work harder than necessary.

Use fans to cool your home

A/C is not the only way to cool your home. Install floor and ceiling fans to circulate air. This cools the air and reduces the need to run your A/C. Run A/C less reduces your energy costs and extends the life of your new A/C.

Keep your vents clean

Vents are places where over time dust can collect and obstruct airflow. Every summer check your air conditioning vents to make sure that the air blows through these vents unobstructed.

Furniture and window treatments can also obstruct airflow from your air conditioner. Make sure that 6″ of space next to the vent is clear.

Update your air conditioner

Every appliance starts to degrade in its efficacy at some point or stops working altogether. Having an air conditioner working smoothly is important to keep your home comfortable. And when you feel it is time or when your HVAC contractor recommends it, replace your old air conditioner for a new energy-efficient one.

RC Mechanical Can Help

RC Mechanical, Redwood City’s best HVAC contractor, has installed and replaced many air conditioniong systems for Redwood City homeowners. Whether you need help selecting the right air conditioner, installing a furnace, or conducting a home energy audit, you can count on RC Mechanical for superior and cost-effective service. RC Mechanical is a local veteran-owned business and has provided expert furnace and air conditioning repair and installation to the Bay Area with integrity for over 20 years. Homeowners in Redwood City and throughout the Bay Area count on us for all their heating and air conditioning needs.

Call us today at (650) 575-3915 and we will respond within 24 hours.

Energy saving tips for winter

When the temperature goes down, the cost of operating your heating system goes up. Here are some ways you can lower the cost of keeping your home cozy.

Keep your furnace well-maintained

Regular maintenance to keep your furnace in good condition is important for both your furnace’s performance AND its energy efficiency. An additional benefit of good furnace maintenance is that it prolongs your heating system’s life.

The filter in your furnace is there to keep the air in your home clean. You should change the furnace filter at least every 6 months. This not only keeps the air in your home cleaner, but lowers your energy bill. This is because a dirty filter impedes air movement, causing the furnace to have to work harder and use more energy.

Don’t wait until the beginning of the cold season to call your furnace technician. Remember that everyone else will be wanting to get maintenance for their heating system at that same time!

Install a programmable thermostat

The easiest way to keep your home at a comfortable temperature is by installing a programmable thermostat with your furnace. You can program the thermostat to change temperatures throughout the course of 24 hours. Why run the furnace at night when everyone is under their covers, or during the workday when the house is empty? Instead, the furnace can be programmed to heat the house only when needed. Most thermostats also let you program different patterns for weekends versus weekdays.

Many people like to use a learning thermostat like Nest. Based on the way you adjust the thermostat during the day, it learns what temperatures you like at what times of day and programs itself to turn on your furnace accordingly.

Weatherstripping

Most of the heat loss in your house happens around windows and doors. There could be small gaps through which warm air can escape the house. These gaps can be closed with proper weatherstripping. Another way to address heat loss through your windows and doors is by installing insulating curtains and blinds.

If you have a fireplace, it can be another source of heat loss in your home. Warm air can rise through the chimney and draw in cold air from outside to replace it. Using weatherstripping around windows and doors helps to prevent this. In addition, you can install glass doors on the front of your fireplace to help keep your heated interior air from going up the chimney.

Add insulation to your walls and attic

Heat can be lost through walls and the attic. Since they make up most of the house’s structure, heat loss through them can be significant.

Installing insulation in your walls and attics can make a big difference. As an additional bonus, it will help keep your home cooler in the summer as well, reducing the energy consumption of your air conditioner.

Prevent heat loss from the water heater

Water in the water heater can lose its heat through its walls. And since water heaters are usually installed in an unheated garage, heat loss can be significant, especially during winter. This causes your water heater to use more energy to keep the water at the desired temperature. To help mitigate this, wrap the water heater in insulation.

You may also want to consider lowering the programmed temperature on your water heater. The average temperature setting for water heaters is 145 degrees. Lowering the temperature to 120 degrees could save you money, and you may find that 120 degrees is warm enough to meet your needs.

Check ducts for leaks

According the US Department of Energy, 20-40% of the air loss in most houses leaks through the ductwork.

If your utility bills are higher than average, then get your ductwork examined by a professional HVAC technician to see if you have leaky ductwork.

RC Mechanical, Redwood City’s best HVAC contractor, is a trusted local company that will quickly diagnose and resolve your furnace issues, and recommend repair or replacement. RC Mechanical is a local veteran-owned business and has provided expert furnace and air conditioning repair and installation to the Bay Area with integrity for over 20 years. Homeowners in Redwood City and throughout the Bay Area count on us for all their heating and air conditioning needs. Call us today at (650) 575-3915 and we will respond within 24 hours.

All about heat pumps

A conventional heating unit generates heat using gas and moves it into the house through the duct system to heat your home.

Heat pumps, on the other hand, simply move heat from one area into another. This makes them very efficient to heat and cool your home.

During the winter, heat pumps move the air from the outside, compresses it to increase the temperature of the air and then pushes this hot air into your home.

And in the summer, they move the heat from your home to the outside.

Because a heat pump simply moves the heat around, the same unit can be used to heat and cool a place.

You could either buy a low-end equipment that will cost to more to operate in the short run or go with a high-efficiency unit that has a low cost to operate.

If you do not have solar, then you will be using electricity to heat the home. This will certainly add to your existing electric bills. If you have solar panels, you can offset the cost of electricity to heat your home.

Heat pumps take 220v to the outdoor unit. Depending on your indoor unit (fan coil), they might need 200v also. This might necessitate you to upgrade your electrical panel.

When installing any kind of equipment, remember to pay attention to the duct work. If the duct work has leaks, then all the money you have spent on the heat pump is wasted and it will be heating the attic or some other place other than your home.

Heat pumps help with CO emissions and are clean especially when connected with solar panels.

If you don’t have a duct system installed in your home, you can get a mini-split heat pump. This is particularly useful when you want to control the temperature of each room separately.

Give us a call to find out if heat pump is the right solution for you.