Blog

June 17, 2024

Clean coils like an HVAC pro

Cleaning the coils on your HVAC system is a fairly easy way to save money and increase efficiency. Quick test: How many coils do you have and where the heck are they? Answer: Two. The condenser coil is located in your outdoor unit. It releases excess heat outd...

June 3, 2024

Ice on my HVAC in NYC! In summer!

New Yorkers sometimes can’t believe it when their AC system ices over during hot weather, but it happens. Let’s start with possible solutions to this problem, with the least expensive first. The problem usually begins when the refrigerant gets too ...

May 27, 2024

Smart water heaters make sense

Just like many devices today, water heaters come in a “smart” version, equipped with technology that saves money and energy while giving you remote control. Those savings can add up; about 12 percent of a home’s energy cost goes to paying for...

May 20, 2024

In NYC summers, power is more likely to fail

Electricity for New Yorkers is more likely to fail in June, July and August, especially when the temperature rises above 68 degrees. Many of the calls reporting power failure were in areas with “high energy burdens, lower-income households, and high perc...

May 13, 2024

What’s your preferred AC temperature?

Here’s some information sure to spark discussion in homes from Islip to Dumbo, from Astoria to Park Slope. The Department of Energy recommends that home air conditioners be set at 78 degrees when people are there during the day. Are you cool with that nu...

April 29, 2024

Buy a furnace in warm weather

If your furnace needs more and more repairs, you probably will find the best replacement in the spring, summer or fall. That’s when new furnaces are not in demand, and contractors will have ample time to help you select the best equipment for heating you...

April 22, 2024

Rooftop HVAC units are more popular

Look for more commercial buildings to use rooftop units for heating, ventilation and air conditioning. Rooftop units (RTUs) open up inside space, always a premium in New York City. They’re easier to maintain, and they often can offer cleaner air, a conce...

April 15, 2024

AC noises that mean bad news

It’s always nice to hear the air conditioner turn on with a soft, friendly whoosh. It’s definitely not so nice to hear: bangs, hisses, pops, screeches, whines and buzzes. These noises are trying to tell you that the AC system has a problem – ...

April 1, 2024

HVAC wiring needs checking

When you get your maintenance check, be sure to ask the technician to review the wiring for your heating, ventilation and air conditioning system. Wiring issues can hurt safety, the system’s operations and your monthly utility bill. Wires may vibrate loo...

March 18, 2024

AC maintenance gives a smooth ride

Wondering whether you should hire a tech to professionally prepare your AC for summer? There’s nothing exciting about maintenance, but … Look no further than New York roads, where a lack of maintenance means potholes, bumps, delays and other uglin...