HVAC Archives - Page 4 of 5 - Renovate Your World

Use and Care of Home Humidifiers

March 31, 2004
ryw
HowTo, HVAC, Miscellaneous HVAC

Humidifiers can alleviate common nuisances brought on by winter heating, but without regular maintenance, they can promote the growth of biological organisms in the home.

Radon Basics

March 30, 2004
ryw
HowTo, HVAC, Ventilation

Radon causes an estimated 14,000 lung cancer deaths each year. It is the earth's only naturally produced radioactive gas and comes from the breakdown of uranium in soil, rock, and water. You cannot see or smell radon, but it can become a health hazard when it accumulates indoors.

EnergyWise House: Energy-Efficient Air Conditioning

January 1, 2001
Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Clearinghouse
Air Conditioning, HowTo, HVAC

Many people buy or use air conditioners without understanding their designs, components, and operating principles. Proper sizing, selection, installation, maintenance, and correct use are keys to cost-effective operation and lower overall costs.

EnergyWise House: Maintaining Existing Air Conditioners

January 1, 2001
Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Clearinghouse
Air Conditioning, HowTo, HVAC

Older air conditioners may still be able to offer years of relatively efficient use. However, making your older air conditioner last requires you to perform proper operation and maintenance.

Insulating Old Homes: Blow-In Insulation Options

January 1, 2001
ryw
HowTo, HVAC, Insulation

You can't cram the pink stuff into a closed wall. However, blown- or sprayed-in insulation can make a leaky old home an energy miser. Fiberglass, cellulose, and foam can all keep the cold at bay.

Evaluating Insulation Projects

January 1, 2001
ryw
HowTo, HVAC, Insulation

Insulation projects entail several variables. The initial purchase price for any insulation product can be boiled down to an R-value cost per square foot, with a higher R-value equating to a higher price tag.

Selecting a Gas Fireplace

A new fireplace can improve your heating efficiency, and add warmth and charm to your home, without disrupting your floor plan, raising your roof, or running miles of flue pipe.

Forced Air Heat: How It Works

January 1, 2001
ryw
Forced-Air, HowTo, HVAC

Immediate heat with the flick of a switch, a rush of warmth and the gentle whoosh of moving air are the hallmarks of forced air heat. Run through ducts to registers located in the floors or baseboards in each room, forced hot air is easily distributed and controlled in any home.