what could be lurking in your air ducts

In addition to keeping your entire home cool all summer long, central air conditioning is also more energy-efficient than you might realize and will help keep humidity at a more comfortable level. When installed and cared for properly, the average central air conditioning unit will last around 16 years, according to Frigidaire. Without even knowing it, you could be making simple mistakes that will drastically reduce the lifespan of your central air conditioner.

If you've recently purchased a condominium or other multifamily housing unit, you may quickly be adjusting to life with shared walls and minimal exterior maintenance. While living in a condo or triplex can have a number of distinct advantages over a single-family house, it can also pose a number of unexpected differences, making tasks like selecting your next heating and air conditioning unit a challenge. What HVAC systems are most compatible with condos and other adjacent-wall units?

It's not just the heat that could potentially make your time spent indoors miserable. Humidity also plays a role in how hot your home feels to you. Excess humidity can easily leave indoor spaces feeling stuffy and suffocating. Fortunately, you can tackle the problem of excess humidity with the help of your air conditioner. How Excess Moisture Affects Your Home As temperatures increase, so does the air's ability to retain moisture in water vapor form.

Furnace repair is a topic that most homeowners don't think about until there is a problem. Since your furnace is one of the most important appliances for keeping your home comfortable, you should know how to spot signs of trouble so you can have your furnace repaired before a breakdown occurs. Here are five signs that could mean it's time to repair or replace your furnace. Noisy Furnace Operation No furnace is completely silent, but there are certain noises to look out for that only a failing furnace will make.

When a traditional furnace heats up a home, it evenly distributes the heat through every duct and opening available. In many cases, this can cause the furnace to work harder to heat the whole home, and rooms that do not need heat will have wasted energy when heat is supplied to it. To help make your home heating more efficient, you have the option of getting zoning upgrades done to your furnace and heating system.

Mold growth is an all-too-common issue that many homeowners have with their HVAC systems, especially during the summer months, when homeowners need their air conditioning most. A combination of humid weather, high moisture and lax maintenance can cause mold to spread rapidly throughout the HVAC system. Not only can it leave behind unpleasant odors, but it can also trigger allergies and asthma symptoms as well as contribute to poor overall indoor air quality.

Entertaining friends and viewing sports with your friends is challenging in playrooms and family rooms, so creating a space for your own personal needs is smart. Man caves are becoming desirable options, since they offer a designated space, away from the other areas of the home, to view sports, play games, and enjoy other favorite hobbies. Of course, creating a man cave inside the house may become an expensive remodeling project.

If you want to convert your unfinished or finished basement into a rental apartment, there are some requirements you need to follow to make sure it is a legal apartment. Following these legal requirements can help protect you from any potential liability. Here are some regulations you need to follow for basement HVAC and egress windows and doors when updating your basement to a rental unit. HVAC System According to the International Building Code, section 1204.