HVAC Tips
High-Velocity Problem Solving: Mike’s Fixes for Homes Where the 4-Ton System Overpowers the Layout
Most homeowners think bigger HVAC equipment means better cooling. Mike Sanders knows the opposite is often true.
A 4-ton system is a serious airflo...
Filter Rack Science: Mike’s Method for Eliminating Static Loss and Extending Equipment Life
Most homeowners think of the air filter as a simple maintenance item.
Mike Sanders knows better.
4 Ton 14.5 SEER2 120,000 BTU 80% AFUE Goodman Upf...
Noise-Indexed System Layout: Mike’s Quiet-Home Design Rules for 4-Ton AC Condensers
A 4-ton AC condenser is a workhorse. It can cool large homes, open layouts, and energy-hungry spaces. But without smart system design, it can also ...
Coil & Combustion Harmony: Mike’s Guide to Synchronizing a Vertical Coil With a High-Output 80% Furnace
In most homes, the furnace and evaporator coil sit right on top of each other, stacked like pancakes. Simple, right?
Not if you want the system to ...
The Supply-Return Grid: How Mike Builds Pressure-Neutral Homes That Feel Cooler at Higher Thermostat Settings
Most homeowners think comfort comes from the thermostat setting.
Mike Sanders thinks comfort comes from pressure balance.
In his view, the thermost...
Attic Thermal Draft Control: Mike’s Strategy for Stopping “Unconditioned Air Cascades
Ask any homeowner where their heating and cooling problems come from, and they’ll point to the furnace, the AC unit, or “bad ductwork.”
Ask Mike Sa...
Furnace-First Airflow Planning: Why Mike Sizes Ducts Around the 120k BTU Heat Cycle, Not the AC Load
Most homeowners think ductwork is sized for the air conditioner. Most contractors still design around the cooling tonnage. But Mike Sanders — who h...
The R-32 Integration Matrix: Mike’s Rules for Pairing Next-Gen Refrigerant Systems With Legacy Ductwork
R-32 is shaking up the HVAC world. It’s more efficient, lower-GWP, easier to charge accurately, and gives homeowners cooler air using less energy. ...
The Comfort Envelope Blueprint: How Mike Maps Heat Loads Before Touching a Thermostat
When most people think of “home comfort,” they picture the thermostat: the sleek little puck that tells the HVAC system what to do. But thermostats...
Which Wall Sleeve Fits Your Through-the-Wall AC? Tony’s Guide to Compatibility, Brands & Retrofits
Tony explains how to match wall sleeves to through-the-wall ACs with real compatibility rules, sizing tips, drainage fixes, insulation advice, and retrofit solutions.
Cost Comparison: Mini-Splits vs Central AC for Single-Room Comfort
Jake breaks down the true cost of mini-splits vs central AC for single-room comfort: equipment, installation, energy, maintenance, ROI, and real-life savings.
What Size Through-the-Wall AC Do You Need? Tony’s BTU, Room Layout & Climate Rules
Tony shows how to size a through-the-wall AC correctly using BTUs, room layout, climate zoning, insulation, ceiling height, sun exposure, and real-world field rules.