Are Heat Pumps More Effective at Cooling or Heating?

February 15, 2023

A heat pump is an excellent option for keeping your home cool in the summer, and these units can also help ensure your home stays warm during the cold winter months. That being said, one of the most common questions we’re asked about heat pumps is whether they are more effective at cooling or heating. The answer to this question really depends on the specific conditions the unit is operated under. Heat pumps are equally effective at cooling and heating during typical summer and winter conditions, but their heating effectiveness can suffer somewhat when the outdoor temperatures get too cold.

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Your Home’s Ideal Humidity Level

January 20, 2023

Humidity is an ever-present factor you need to consider and manage when maintaining your indoor air quality. In general, humidity refers to the amount of moisture in the air. Modern-day insulation has allowed families to create microclimates within their homes. These small, enclosed environments are easily affected by high-moisture activities that could lead to a muggy and uncomfortable living space. Here’s everything you need to know about achieving an ideal humidity level in your home. Recommended Residential Humidity Level On average, your home should have a humidity level between 30% and 60%. This range

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What You Need to Know About Tankless Water Heaters

December 19, 2022

If you’ve ever run out of hot water before the end of a shower, you understand just how important it is to have a good water heater in your Amherst home. While traditional water heaters that store water in a tank do their job well, there is a better option for homeowners looking for the ultimate hot-water experience. A tankless water heater provides hot water at a fraction of the energy cost of a tank-style water heater. To better understand tankless water heaters, check out this beginner’s guide from your friends at Heatwave Heating & Cooling. No Onboard

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The Importance of Maintaining Your Furnace

November 20, 2022

4 Benefits of Annual Furnace Maintenance When the freezing weather of winter rolls into the Amherst, NY area, you’ll need to have the heater cranked up regularly to stay comfortable. However, if you haven’t taken good care of your furnace, you may not be able to count on it when you need it the most. Ultimately, if you want to enjoy consistently good heating results, scheduling yearly furnace maintenance is one of the most important things you can do. For a relatively small investment, you can improve your comfort, finances, and peace of mind in the long run. Here,

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Properly Mounting a Carbon Monoxide Detector Near a Furnace

October 20, 2022

Although it’s important to keep your Amherst, NY home comfortable, it’s even more important to keep your family and property safe while providing that comfort. One important tool to help maintain safety is a carbon monoxide detector. While most homeowners understand the need for carbon monoxide detectors, many individuals struggle with the proper installation of these devices, especially when there’s a nearby furnace. To ensure that you properly install your home’s carbon monoxide detectors to provide enhanced safety, here is an insider’s guide from the pros at Heatwave Heating & Cooling. Importance of Carbon Monoxide Detectors If you’ve never

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Which Size Generator Is Needed to Run an Air Conditioner?

September 20, 2022

When your power goes out, a generator can keep your home’s air conditioning unit running. However, not just any generator will do. You need to make sure that the generator you select can provide enough power to run your AC unit. If you’re considering purchasing a generator, there are a few things you need to keep in mind to make sure you get the right size. Determine Power Usage Various types of air conditioners use different amounts of power. Central air conditioners tend to use the most power at an average of

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Identifying an AC Capacitor and When It Should Be Replaced

August 17, 2022

Air conditioners are essential, especially during summer. When the capacitor fails, it can be a nuisance or, even worse, a threat to your family’s health. AC capacitors are the part of the air conditioning system which stores power to balance the amount of current per unit time. Without it, we cannot achieve proper working of air conditioning system. That’s why it’s essential to understand what a capacitor is and if you can replace it. What Is an Air Conditioner Capacitor? Air conditioners use a capacitor to improve the function of the compressor. A capacitor is an

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10 Benefits of a Garage Mini Split

July 18, 2022

People often underestimate the importance of keeping their homes cool when the summer heat is unbearable. A great way to keep the garage space comfortable is with a garage mini split, which can provide the cool air needed. By installing a mini split in the garage, you will save on your power bill and keep the interior of your garage comfortable. This, in turn, reduces the amount of money you spend on cooling. 1. All Components Are Relatively Close The search for a good location for a traditional

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Which Is Better: Central AC or a Heat Pump?

June 7, 2022

There’s a lot of information floating around about heat pumps and how they compare to central air conditioners. Here are some of the differences between these two cooling systems and some tips on how to determine which is better for your Amherst home. Differences Between a Heat Pump and Central Air Conditioning Before we can explore the nuances between a heat pump and a central air conditioner, it’s important to start with the larger differences. Conceptually, an air conditioner and heat pump work in the same way. They both use refrigerant to transfer heat from

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Cleaning Your Window AC Unit

May 20, 2022

Have you noticed an odd odor coming from your air conditioner? Is it struggling to pump out cool air as efficiently as it did before? AC window units need to be regularly cleaned and maintained just like any other household appliance. Fortunately, you likely have all the necessary cleaning supplies available right at home. Here’s how you can easily start a cleaning routine for your AC window unit this summer. Simple Cleaning Routine Before starting the cleaning process, turn your air conditioner off and unplug it. The most secure way to clean it is outdoors to

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