PACIFIC HEATING & COOLING BLOG

We’ve written about the importance of ventilation for your home before, but it’s important to know the differences between ventilation systems and why you should consider “balanced ventilation.” Negative Air Pressure Many times, mechanical ventilation systems are exhaust-only, meaning they expel air out of the house but aren’t designed to bring any air in. When […]

From man caves and in-law suites to studios and Airbnbs, a basement remodel is a useful, beautiful, and cost-effective choice. In fact, the 2017 Remodeling Cost vs. Value Report ranks a basement remodel as one of the top ten home improvement projects that give you a return on your investment. According to national averages, you […]

Your house may be stationary, but it’s not stationery. So what does an envelope have to do with your home? What is a building envelope (aka shell)? Much like an actual shell or envelope, your building’s “shell” is everything that separates the inside from the outside. The building shell/envelope comprises: Floors Walls Doors/Windows (Fenestrations) Roof […]

Poor indoor air quality (IAQ) is most evident during the winter months. Due to the drier air, our nasal passages dry out and are more susceptible to the airborne contaminants in our home. This results in increased rates of sickness and respiratory problems. The EPA has deemed indoor air quality “among the top environmental problems […]

A furnace is a reliable and energy-efficient way to provide heating for Pacific Northwest homes. Proper maintenance (annual fall furnace tune-ups) can help a furnace last a long time, but wear and tear eventually takes its toll. As your furnace ages, you may start to notice problems such as rust and corrosion. You may be […]

There are many real and imagined dangers around Halloween and the in-between period between summer and winter. To help homeowners and their families stay safe for Halloween and the fall season, we’re sharing some tips to prevent fires, carbon monoxide leaks, decorating accidents, and other dangerous scenarios. Additionally, October 8-14 is National Fire Prevention Week, […]

Whenever remodeling the home, it’s important to consider indoor air quality, ventilation, and other common indoor air problems. Some of the most common places to remodel are: Basement Attic Bathrooms Kitchen When remodeling these areas, it’s important to anticipate and prepare for mold, moisture, and ventilation problems. Here are 5 things you want to do before […]

If you have a central HVAC system, which you probably do, it’s important to know basic HVAC design principles. Choosing the right size unit to fit your home’s needs is just as important as choosing the right HVAC contractor to install it. Learning how to adjust the thermostat and getting your air ducts sealed and […]

As you probably know, animals and HVAC systems don’t mix very well. While you may have been lucky so far, you’d be surprised to find out how many different kinds of critters our technicians have found in HVAC systems—everything from snakes and rats to birds and bats. If you think there’s a critter creeping around your ductwork […]

When it comes to gases in the home, this isn’t something you can see to believe. The most dangerous gases lurking in people’s homes are invisible, such as carbon monoxide and natural gas. Radon is no exception. Colorless and odorless, radon is a big threat with simple solutions. There are precautions that can be taken […]