HVAC Tips
Climate Zone Math: The Differences Between an 80k Furnace in Michigan and Texas
🧭 Introduction — The Furnace That Traveled Too Far
When I first started in HVAC, I thought an 80,000 BTU furnace was a safe bet for most homes. The...
Couplers and Extensions Explained: When to Connect Two MRCOOL Linesets
Need extra reach for your MRCOOL install? Mike explains when and how to safely use pre-charged couplers to extend linesets without losing pressure or performance.
Leak Prevention Checklist: Mike’s Step-by-Step on Tight, Clean, Leak-Free Lines
Prevent costly HVAC leaks before they start. Mike’s expert guide covers cleaning, torqueing, nitrogen testing, and sealing for a tight, efficient, leak-free system.
Line Length 101: Why 35 Feet Is the Sweet Spot for Most Installs
Mike breaks down the HVAC science behind MRCOOL’s 35-ft lineset—how this length optimises refrigerant flow, and ensures peak efficiency for DIY installs.
Why Pre-Charged Linesets Changed the Game for DIY Mini Splits
Mike explains how pre-charged linesets revolutionized HVAC by eliminating vacuum pumps, refrigerant handling, and making high-efficiency cooling truly DIY-ready.
The Myth of the "Bigger Furnace" and Why It's the Most Costly Comfort Error
🎯 1️⃣ The Comfort Myth Homeowners Keep Repeating
“I just want to be sure it’s big enough.”
If I had a nickel for every time I heard that line, I’...
Smart Thermostats & Control Logic — When Tech Helps Balance a Slightly Off System
🎯 1️⃣ The Honest Truth: No System Is Perfectly Sized
“Let’s be honest — not every furnace or air conditioner hits the math dead-on. But that doesn...
When to Recalculate — Renovations, Additions & the Sizing Reset Button
🎯 1️⃣ Why This Topic Matters
“Your furnace doesn’t care what color you paint the walls — but knock one down, add a sunroom, or swap out your windo...
Real Job Breakdown — How Mike Sized a Goodman 80k for a 1,600 Sq. Ft. Home
🎯 1️⃣ Why This Job Matters
“Sizing isn’t about guessing — it’s about knowing. Every furnace I install starts with math, not muscle.”
When people ...
The Sizing Cheat Sheet: BTU Per Square Foot by Region
🎯 1️⃣ Why We Still Use BTU-per-Square-Foot Rules (Carefully)
“Everyone loves a shortcut — but in HVAC, shortcuts only work if you understand where...
System Sizing's Hidden Variable: Ductwork Efficiency
🧩 1️⃣ The Forgotten Half of System Sizing
“You could spend top dollar on a Goodman high-efficiency furnace, but if your ducts are leaking, you’re ...
Climate Zone Math — Why an 80k Furnace in Michigan Isn’t the Same in Texas
🧊 1️⃣ The Science of Climate Zones (Without the Boring Charts)
“Same house. Same square footage. Totally different furnace. Why? Because Michigan ...