I've been using an electricity monitor in my all-electric home since 2022. When I began, it was simple. I had only a single electrical panel to monitor. Then I remodeled my basement, and things became more complex. I still have…
Last week the condensate line on the wall-mounted ductless mini-split in my sunroom clogged. It didn't take long to discover the problem because I saw water on the floor below the unit. Since that happened on a Monday, I turned…
Last week I spoke with one of our HVAC design clients. He's in the middle of getting his systems installed and had some concerns. We provide a list of do's and don'ts for changes the installers can or shouldn't make…
It didn't come naturally for me to use my hands when I talk. I had to teach myself to do that, and it has come in quite handy. (Did I really do that?) When I've spoken about the mismatch between…
One of the biggest fears of HVAC contractors is to undersize a heating system. I'm not saying it's impossible, but installing a heating system that won't keep a house warm is really hard to do. Sometimes the rules of thumb…
It's Thanksgiving week here in the US again. That means a lot of people will be spending a lot of time indoors with ovens and cooktops firing. I'm one of those people. We're having a big get-together at my house,…
When it comes to the air moving through your HVAC system, filter bypass is not a good thing. The lead photo above shows a bad case of bypass. What you're looking at is an old-style high-efficiency pleated filter. I don't…
![Meet The New Introverter Heat Pump, Comfortably Keeping Its Distance While Silently Keeping You Comfortable. [Image By ChatGPT]](https://www.energyvanguard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/introverter-heat-pump-introvert-at-a-party.png)
You know those heat pumps that seem to be doing their best impression of a jet engine every time they kick on? Or the ones that aggressively blast you with cold air like they’re trying to prove something? Well, the…
Yeah, I'm talking about a heating and cooling load calculation. Or in HVAC-speak, an ACCA Manual J. It's a way of calculating how much heating and cooling a house needs. The calculations use the details about the house to determine…
Let's talk thermostats today. This ubiquitous device in homes is the user interface that allows people to control their heating and cooling systems. It might seem simple. Turn it up when you need more heating or cooling and down when…