Blog Bozeman, MT | Read Our Current Tips on HVAC Topics

How Would You Rate Your Heating System So Far?

October 2nd, 2023

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We’re well into fall and here in Montana, you’ve probably been using your heating system for a few weeks. By now, you should have a good idea of how your heating system is doing. How confident do you feel about its ability to get you through our harsh winters?

Here’s an easy way to determine how well your heating system is doing: give it a report card! Consider its performance up until now and assign it a grade from “A” to “F” using our grading scale below. If it hasn’t been the best student, schedule heater repair or maintenance now to ensure it’s ready for the remainder of the season. You can also follow 3 heating tips to keep in mind for better system performance as temperatures drop.

Water Heater Efficiency: What To Look For

September 18th, 2023

We’re always talking about HVAC efficiency on this blog and hopefully by now, you’ve learned how doing a bit of research on a new system can save you money when you opt for higher efficiency. Sure, that initial cost may be a little higher, but you’ll reap the rewards of saving money across the lifespan of the heater or air conditioner.

Well, something that’s not as well known is the fact that water heaters vary in efficiency ratings too. You may not think it’s as important as the efficiency of your HVAC systems, but consider this: your water heater accounts for almost 18% of your home’s energy expenditures! If you’re wondering how much your older model might be costing you, check out how much is your old water heater costing you.

That’s why it pays to do some research when deciding on a new water heater. Read on to learn what you need to know. Then contact us if you have any follow-up questions about water heater service in Gallatin County, MT.

Why Won’t My Heat Pump Switch Modes?

September 4th, 2023

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It’s Labor Day and that means you’re probably giving one last hurrah to summer. Unlike some parts of the country that will continue to enjoy warm and sunny weather, here in Montana, Labor Day weekend means fall is just around the corner. And that means you’ll soon be using your heating system.

If your home uses a heat pump system for heating your home, you’ll be making the switch from cooling to heating. But what if you try and switch your heat pump from cooling to heating mode, only to discover it’s still outputting cold air? This is actually a common problem with heat pumps, so don’t worry. Read on to learn what might be going on with your heat pump.

What Are Cold Climate Heat Pumps?

August 21st, 2023

Many homeowners in Montana wonder if a heat pump will be enough to heat their homes on the coldest winter days. A popular option for homeowners who want a heat pump but who don’t have a backup heating source like a fireplace has been a dual-fuel system. This consists of a heat pump along with a backup heating source such as a furnace.

However, cold climate heat pumps are being designed to work in climates such as ours where temperatures are in the single digits for many days of the year. Cold climate heat pumps (CCHPs) go by several names including high efficiency heat pumps and cold weather heat pumps. Let’s learn more about these systems below so you can decide if heat pump installation is the right choice for you.

What To Look For In A Commercial HVAC Contractor in Montana

August 7th, 2023

Here in Montana, we certainly have our periods of hot weather. Not only that, temperatures can be unpredictable. No Gallatin County business can be caught without an effective commercial AC system to keep residents, tenants, customers, and employees happy. Even on a mildly warm day, a commercial space without a working HVAC system will cause discomfort to everyone in it.

It’s probably easy to locate a number of “HVAC professionals” who are perfectly willing to work on your commercial HVAC systems. But how do you know they have the experience needed to work on these systems? Let’s go over what to look for when choosing a commercial HVAC contractor. Choosing a company wisely can make or break your business.

What Are My Options for Improving My Home’s Indoor Air Quality?

July 24th, 2023

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Indoor air quality is a topic that’s been on the minds of a lot of Americans. With the recent wildfires in Canada bringing ash, soot, and smoke to much of the northern and eastern US, indoor air quality services are something that are in high demand as more and more people are feeling the effects of poor air quality in their homes.

Many people will purchase a single air purifier and think that’s good enough. However, they have many shortcomings. To truly tackle the problems caused by poor air quality, you need whole house solutions. Let’s go over your options for improving your home’s IAQ and why those big-box store air filters just won’t cut it.

Yes, Your Mini Split Needs Maintenance

July 10th, 2023

If you have a mini split AC, you’ve undoubtedly been enjoying its cooling power and the zone control it brings to your home. Although it might seem like your mini split will quietly hum along forever without any need for servicing, it’s still a complex piece of equipment that requires regular maintenance to keep performing well.

Although mini split tune-ups should be performed by a professional HVAC company twice a year, there are a few maintenance tasks you can–and should be doing–as a homeowner. Let’s go over the tasks you can complete and also what happens during professional maintenance. These maintenance tasks are essential to the continued functionality of your mini split.

Why Does My Montana Home Need an Air Purifier?

June 26th, 2023

Indoor air quality (IAQ) is an issue that’s on the minds of more and more homeowners. Even in Montana, many homes suffer from poor IAQ. In fact, studies have shown that the air inside a home can be 3-5 times worse than the outside air!

Especially concerning is the frequency of wildfire smoke in our area. Montana has seen an increased number of days with poor air quality due to wildfires. Wildfire smoke can spread from burn areas that are hundreds of miles away.

If you’ve been wondering how your home could benefit from whole house air purifier services, keep reading to learn more about the solutions we offer.

Are Heat Pumps Suitable for Montana’s Winters?

June 12th, 2023

While heat pumps have surged in popularity over the last few years, some misinformation about them has also increased. Perhaps it’s because the name “heat pump” is a bit of a misnomer.

Some people think they “pump heat” and that’s all they do when in fact they supply both heating and cooling. And the heat being pumped isn’t the heat it’s delivering to a home. Heat pumps tap into ambient air, extract heat from that air, and move it into the home.

That leads us to one of the biggest misconceptions about heat pumps: that they don’t work well in cold-weather climates. Many people wonder, how can a heat pump extract heat from the air when it’s below freezing?

Even on a day with below-freezing temperatures, there’s still enough heat in the air for a heat pump to work effectively. According to the city of Bozeman’s website, “Even in cold air, there is still heat available. Heat pump technology has significantly advanced in recent years. Some cold climate heat pumps can operate at temperatures down to -15° F. When selecting a heat pump, it’s important to ensure you’re selecting a cold climate heat pump.”

Combat Wildfire Smoke in Your Montana Home with Air Filtration Systems

May 15th, 2023

Montana is known as “Big Sky Country” and unfortunately, our air quality here has deteriorated as of late. Wildfires in nearby states have become the norm which has contributed to poor indoor air quality (IAQ) during the summer months. Many homeowners have purchased portable air purifiers to combat the smoke and ash, but just how effective are these devices?

Not only that, but low indoor air quality in a home is due to many other factors other than outdoor pollution. Learn more about how to keep your building comfortable throughout the year by improving air quality inside your home. Let’s look at the reasons why whole house air filtration installation can help you breathe easier in your home–literally.