Let’s take a closer look at the history of home heating systems, to get a better idea of how people have been warming their homes since the first cities. 2500 BCE – 1400 AD: Ancient Furnaces ‘If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.’ How does this relate to ancient home heating technology? One word: fireplaces….
Posted in Heating, Air conditioning, Ductless heat pump, Furnace, Heat pump
IGU’s have made two major technological improvements. The first is a microscopically thin, low emissivity layer in the window which is commonly known as Low-E. This clear coating—Low-E—is specifically engineered to block heat. When the sun’s UV rays enter a home, the Low-E clear coating optimizes light transmission and keeps the heat discomfort of UV…
Posted in Tips to save money, Home improvement, Windows
Windows save on energy costs. This is perhaps the most impactful benefit of installing new windows. According to ENERGY STAR, you can save between $101–$583 a year when you replace your single-pane windows with a more energy efficient solution. If you have leaky, aluminum, or single-pane windows, your home loses energy year-round. In the winter,…
Since 1974 the United Nations has lead the celebration for World Environment Day on June 5th annually. It is celebrated in over 100 countries as a day to encourage awareness and action for the protection of our environment. Each year there is a different theme and host country with 2019’s theme being “Beat Air Pollution”…
Posted in Heating, Cooling, Indoor Air Quality
Not only are we going into summer with predictions about some of the hottest summers in Washington, but we’re expecting one of the driest. Over the past couple summers we have seen increasingly drier and hotter summers with summer of 2019 keeping that trend alive. The National Weather Service & NOAA is predicting over 60%…
Posted in Seattle, Heating, Cooling, Air conditioning
What does a stray baseball, a rotting frame, and a broken seal have in common?
Each scenario forces you to make a decision about your windows: repair or replace. There are several factors to contemplate when the time comes to answer this question.
Posted in Windows
Remodeling requires a time investment for owners, headaches from managing contractors and, of course, the cost required to perform upgrades. Get the tips and tricks to optimize your investment.
Posted in Home improvement, How to, Tips to save money
As many people have noticed, the air quality is at an all time low due to the raging wildfires in Washington State. The East side of the state has been hit particularly hard and strong winds has blown the smoke into the Puget Sound area. Scientific modeling and consensus shows poor air quality from smoke…
Posted in Indoor Air Quality, Cooling
If you’ve decided to take the plunge and invest in new windows, do your research ahead of time. Windows vary in quality, features, and benefits. Oftentimes the explanation of these benefits can get a bit complicated, so we’ve broken down three of the most common (and slightly technical) terms and features below.
Posted in Windows
In general, a good furnace typically lasts about 20 to 25 years. Great maintenance, including regular inspection by heating and cooling system experts, can extend the life of a furnace by a few years. Furnaces that have reached the end of their useful life can cause big spikes in your power bill. They can also…
Posted in Tips to save money, Furnace