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

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How Are Indoor Air Quality and HVAC Related?

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency regularly funds research concerning indoor air quality and publishes data, analysis, guidelines and so forth. Based on decades of investigation, the EPA has recognized poor indoor air quality (IAQ) as a serious health risk affecting most Americans. After all, whether at home, in school or on the job, the average American spends 90% of their time indoors. The problem with indoor environments is the potential for dangerously high pollution levels, and this issue has become more prominent as construction science has advanced and homes have become better sealed. Modern homeowners rely on their HVAC systems

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How To Make My Home More Energy Efficient

Finding ways to improve the energy efficiency of your home is a great way to save you a lot of money in the long-term. You can also improve the energy efficiency of your home in a multitude of ways. Here are four simple energy-saving tips to help you save money each month. 1. Insulate Walls and Attic Insulation plays a key role in lowering the cost of your energy bills. Blown-in insulation is a fantastic way to keep your home cooler in the summer months while also retaining heat during the winter. Ensuring that your walls

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What Jobs Are Available in the HVAC Industry?

Are you interested in working at an HVAC company or just want to know a little more about the people who will be helping you with repairs and installations? The HVAC industry is a fascinating field with a lot of career options that you could choose from. Jobs for people interested in the HVAC industry typically fall into a few main categories. Design and Manufacturing People who work in design and manufacturing are responsible for making all the components that are needed to create HVAC systems. Some may be engineers designing ductwork for various buildings while

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Is There a Difference Between HVAC and Air Conditioning?

We all know that air conditioning cools us down, but what about HVAC? You may have heard this term used before, but what exactly is it and how does it differ from basic air conditioning? Here is some basic information about these systems. HVAC Has AC in It HVAC stands for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. In most parts of the country, including the area around Charlotte and Denver, NC, most residents have both heaters and air conditioners in their homes. HVAC encompasses the whole system while AC is generally used to talk about

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Are HVAC Warranties Worth Purchasing?

A few years down the line when your air conditioner stops working on one of the hottest days of the year, a good HVAC warranty can help keep your out-of-pocket costs manageable. In the end, only you can make the decision of whether an HVAC warranty is worth buying, but here’s some information that can help you make that decision. HVAC Warranty Types There are various types of HVAC warranties, and each serves a different purpose. The most familiar one is probably the manufacturers’ warranty. This is essentially a sort of insurance provided by companies that

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Can Uneven Cooling in a Home Be Fixed?

Among the most common cooling problems that homeowners deal with is unevenness. You set the thermostat to a particular temperature. The system reaches that temperature, but some areas of your home still feel too warm. This is particularly common in multi-level residences. Here are some of the ways that you can fix uneven cooling issues. Optimize Your Return Vents Obstructed return vents are a common problem that Integrity Heating & Cooling encounters as a leading provider of air conditioning services in Charlotte. Vents must not be blocked by things like furniture. Vents should be clear of dust and

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Why Closing Vents Is a Bad Idea

Many people think that closing vents in certain rooms can help save money. If you’re tempted to try this in your home, we urge you to reconsider. When vents are closed, your heating system has to work harder to warm your house. Heating systems are designed to work in a certain way. By closing vents, you may be harming your system. Here are a few reasons you should never close vents in your home. Keep Vents Open In most cases, your heating system uses pressure to push air through your home. When a vent is

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How Does an HVAC System Work?

The term “HVAC” stands for heating, ventilation and air conditioning. These systems are intricate, and they do a good job of keeping your home comfortable during both the winter and the summer. But do you know how they operate? At Integrity Heating & Cooling, we find the process fascinating and thought you might, too. Here are a few details about your HVAC system and how it functions. The Heating Element The heating part of your HVAC unit is the furnace. Central heating systems feature a burner, flue, blower and heat exchanger. The burner activates when the thermostat

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How Do I Check My Home For Air Leaks?

Most homes today suffer from significant air leaks through poor ductwork systems and other vulnerable locations throughout the home. That means you can be paying higher energy bills for no reason and simply wasting energy. Taking the time to find air leaks, fix them and repair ductwork is well worth the investment. Finding and Repairing Air Leaks Some air leaks are easy to find and repair on your own. Start with your doors and windows. You can often feel drafts of air around these frames. Measure gaps and purchase the correct size weather stripping from your

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