HVAC Tips
Maintenance and Longevity: How Mike Keeps His Linesets Leak-Free for 10+ Years
Learn how Mike maintains his MRCOOL 48k linesets to stay leak-free for over a decade. Discover sealing, insulation, and inspection methods that extend system life.
Testing and Startup: Mike’s Pressure & Temperature Checks on His 35-Foot Line
Before you power on, verify performance. Mike walks through every step of pressure testing and temperature validation for a 35-foot pre-charged MRCOOL.
Routing, Insulation & Aesthetics: Making Your Lineset Look Like a Pro Install
Hide it, protect it, and make it look pro. Mike shows you how to route and finish your MRCOOL lineset for long-term performance, energy efficiency, and curb appeal.
R-32 and Pre-Charged Systems: Safety, Storage, and Environmental Impact
R-32 refrigerant is efficient, eco-friendly, and powerful—but it requires respect. Mike breaks down R-32 safety and why pre-charged systems make it safer than ever.
How Mike Sized a Goodman 80k for a 1,600-square-foot Home: A Real Job Breakdown
1. The Call — A Michigan Family Freezing in Their Own Home
It was mid-January in Grand Rapids when I got a call from a family whose 12-year-old fur...
The "Bigger Furnace" Myth: Why It's the Most Costly Comfort Error
🧰 Introduction — The Customer Who Wanted the Biggest Furnace on the Block
A few winters back, I met a homeowner in Cleveland who was proud of his ...
Smart Thermostats and Control Logic: When Technology Helps Balance a Slightly Off System
🧰 Introduction — The Case of the Furnace That Was Just a Little Too Big
Last winter, I got a call from a homeowner in Toledo. “Mike, the new furna...
Renovations, Additions, and the Sizing Reset Button: When to Recalculate
🧰 Introduction — The Remodel That Broke the Comfort Equation
I’ll never forget the call from a couple in Lansing, Michigan.
They’d just added a be...
System Sizing's Hidden Variable the Ductwork Efficiency
🧰 Introduction — The Mystery of the “Brand-New” Furnace That Still Underperformed
A few winters back, I installed a brand-new Goodman 80,000 BTU 8...
The Alphabet Soup That Creates or Destroys Comfort: Manual J, S, and D
💬 Introduction — The Day I Learned the Alphabet That Changed My Jobs
If you’ve ever wondered why one room in your house is freezing while another ...
The Region-specific BTU Per Square Foot Sizing Cheat Sheet
🎯 Introduction — Why Sizing Isn’t Guesswork
When I started in HVAC, I used to size furnaces and air conditioners the same way a lot of contractors...

