Check Out Our HVAC Blog | Integrity Heating & Cooling

Reasons to Have a Dehumidifier in Your Basement in Winter

People in Greater Charlotte, NC often associate the winter months with dry air. This may lead to the mistaken assumption that a home doesn’t need a dehumidifier in the basement during those cooler months. There are several scenarios, though, where a dehumidifier is either outright necessary or at least helpful. We’ll look at what a good humidity level is, then explore some scenarios where your basement might benefit from dehumidifying during the winter. What Is a Proper Humidity Level? The relative humidity level in a space needs to be below 60% to prevent mold growth. If

9 Ways That HVAC Technology Can Help Cut Down on Indoor Air Pollution

There is a lot of information available regarding the quality of the air we breathe outdoors, but how about the air we breathe at home? With the average person spending a great deal of their daily life at home, making sure that the air we breathe indoors is safe should be a concern. Here are several ways that you can reduce indoor air pollution using HVAC technology. 1. Changing Your Air Filter One of the simplest things that you can do to cut down on indoor air pollution is to regularly change your air filter.

Are Mini-Splits an Energy-Efficient Option?

Ductless mini-splits have become more prevalent in Charlotte, NC over the past few years, and there is a good reason for this increase in popularity. They are among today’s most energy-efficient and comfortable heating and cooling systems. Homeowners and business owners looking to invest in ductless mini-splits may question their efficiency and benefits. This guide is designed to address some of these. How Does a Ductless Mini-Split System Work? Simply put, a ductless air conditioning system links an indoor unit to an outdoor compressor. The indoor unit has evaporator coils, which are cooled with refrigerant. The

Central Air vs. A Ductless Mini-Split: 5 Things to Consider

Choosing the right heating and cooling equipment for your Charlotte, NC home is about far more than ensuring indoor comfort. Your heater and air conditioner also play a hand in regulating your humidity level and improving your indoor air quality (IAQ). Moreover, out of all of your home appliances and systems, the HVAC system has the greatest impact on your carbon footprint and your energy bill. That’s why we’re sharing an in-depth comparison of ductless mini-split systems and central air, including the five things you need to consider before choosing one. 1. Your Current Infrastructure Mini-split

Choosing the Best SEER Rating for Your Air Conditioner

The Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) is an effective way for consumers to judge the energy efficiency of one piece of air conditioning equipment versus another. The SEER number you see on your air conditioning unit represents the system’s average performance over the course of one cooling season. It’s determined by taking the unit’s cooling output during the season and dividing that number by the amount of energy the unit used. Homeowners in Charlotte, NC can use this rating system to compare different units and find the ones that are best for their needs. Understanding the

8 Tips to Protect Your HVAC System From the Summer Heat

Keeping your home’s HVAC system in good condition is essential to maintaining your family’s comfort during the summer heat. But with hot, humid days and blazing temperatures, it can be tough to ensure that your system will stay up and running throughout the entire season. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to protect your HVAC unit from common wear and tear so you get maximum performance without worrying about frequent repair or eventual replacement costs. Here, you’ll find some best practices for maintaining an efficient and reliable HVAC system all summer. From preventive maintenance strategies to

9 Tips for Saving Money on Your Cooling Bills During the Summer

As the weather gets warmer and temperatures rise, many people brace themselves for high utility bills as well. Thankfully, there are many effective options you can implement to save money while keeping your cooling bill low. 1. Get a Programmable Thermostat A programmable thermostat is a great idea, especially if your home is empty for hours at a time. These systems allow you to save money on the energy you’ll potentially need to keep your home cool when people are there. During the summer months, it might be tempting to change the thermostat as you

9 Tips to Help You Choose the Right Mini Split Air Conditioner

A mini split air conditioner is a great way to cool your home without installing a bulky window unit. It consists of two parts: an outdoor condenser and one or more indoor units connected with tubing. The indoor units can get mounted on the wall, ceiling, or floor, depending on your space requirements and preferences. The advantage of this type of system is that it gives you precise temperature control of each room and zoned cooling for specific areas of your home. Additionally, these systems are relatively quiet compared to traditional central air conditioning systems. But

4 Kinds of Ductwork for Your Home and Their Pros and Cons

Ductwork is a system of ducts made of varied materials that carry air through your home. This air is conditioned for heating, cooling, and ventilation. Having air ducts installed properly is crucial to keeping your home comfortable and healthy. There are several distinct kinds of ductwork that you can have installed. Four primary kinds stand out in the industry, and each category has both benefits and drawbacks. You should know what they are to make the best choice for your home. 1. Sheet Metal The first kind of ductwork that you should know about is sheet

7 Reasons Why Ductless Heating and Cooling Is Right for You

If you are considering replacing your old heating and cooling system or installing a new one, you may have heard the hype surrounding ductless HVAC systems. Also known as mini-splits, these new systems comprise an external compressor unit and internal air handlers. The indoor units are usually recessed on the ceiling or wall mounted in different areas in your home. If you are unsure whether going the ductless route is right for you, let’s get into more detail on the benefits of this option. 1. Better Efficiency One of the major reasons many homeowners