While there is no way to control the high cost of gasoline, contractors are looking for ways to compensate for high fuel prices. Installing global positioning systems (GPS) on service trucks has become one tool that many contractors are using to decrease fuel consumption.
Whenever a homeowner has a coil, air handler, or condensing unit replaced, California's Title 24 now requires duct leak testing and repair, plus third-party verification. The good news is that installation of high-efficiency equipment eliminates the duct sealing requirement and third-party verification.
In much of the United States, A/C systems are still in use, but here at The News, we're already thinking about all the new boilers, furnaces, and heat pumps being offered by manufacturers. It's time for The News' annual Heating Showcase.
It's not very often that you see a sophisticated heating system installed in a storage facility. These types of buildings are usually rather utilitarian. But the specialized Henson storage facility breaks that stereotype.
America's Gilded Age was a time in which truly magnificent houses were constructed along the Eastern seaboard. Originally summer homes, many are now hotels. The latest renovation of the Blantyre involved replacing the original heating system with new boilers and constructing a new spa.
A major restoration of the Santa Barbara County Courthouse has been progressing for the last few years. The historic complex has received much-needed updates, including the installation of a water-source heat pump system to heat and - for the first time ever - cool the building.
There's no question that flexible duct has revolutionized the HVAC industry. The advent of flex duct meant that contractors could dramatically reduce the amount of time and skill it takes to install a duct system. As with any great product, however, the key to its optimum performance is proper installation.
It's likely that many homes do not receive the proper amount of ventilation, even if homeowners regularly use their bathroom or kitchen fans. The good news is there's a new generation of fans available, which are quiet, energy efficient, and can move more air than ever before.
A properly installed zoning system will ensure that the correct amount of airflow is delivered to each zone. When installing zoning, it is always necessary to employ some way to relieve the excess air pressure that may build up in the system.
