HVAC Tips

Amana Heat Pump Winter Performance: Can It Handle Real Cold or Do You Need Backup Heat?

Amana Heat Pump Winter Performance: Can It Handle Real Cold or Do You Need Backup Heat?

Mike explains Amana heat pump winter performance, low-temperature limits, staging, dual-fuel setups, defrost cycles, and when you need backup heat for real comfort.



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Designing for Durability Mike’s Structural Rules for Wall Strength, Sleeve Support & Vibration Control

Designing for Durability: Mike’s Structural Rules for Wall Strength, Sleeve Support & Vibration Control

If you want your PTAC, through-the-wall AC, or heat pump to last 10–20 years, you can’t just choose the right unit — you’ve got to build the right ...
Amana Furnace + AC Combo: Mike’s Guide to Perfect System Pairing

Amana Furnace + AC Combo: Mike’s Guide to Perfect System Pairing

Mike’s guide to matching an Amana furnace + AC combo: staging, airflow, coils, sizing, ductwork, thermostat compatibility, and perfect real-world system pairing.



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Amana’s ComfortNet™ & Smart Thermostat Compatibility

Amana’s ComfortNet™ & Smart Thermostat Compatibility

Mike explains Amana’s Comfort Net vs smart thermostats, staging control, humidity management, system compatibility, and which thermostat your Amana system really needs.


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How Efficient Are Amana Systems Really? SEER2, HSPF2 & Real Heatwave/Cold-Climate Performance

How Efficient Are Amana Systems Really? SEER2, HSPF2 & Real Heatwave/Cold-Climate Performance

How efficient are Amana systems? Mike explains SEER2, HSPF2, heatwave performance, winter heating, humidity control, and real-world efficiency homeowners can trust.



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Installing an Amana System: Can You DIY or Should You Hire a Pro?

Installing an Amana System: Can You DIY or Should You Hire a Pro?

Can you install an Amana system yourself? Mike explains what you can DIY, what absolutely requires a pro, and why proper installation determines performance and lifespan.



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The Comfort Flow Diagram Mike’s Way of Drawing Air Paths Before Installing a PTAC or Any HVAC Gear

The Comfort Flow Diagram: Mike’s Way of Drawing Air Paths Before Installing a PTAC or Any HVAC Gear

Whenever somebody tells me “My room doesn’t feel right”, the first thing I ask is:“Show me your airflow diagram.” Most folks just stare back. Becau...
Will an Amana Unit Fit Your Home? Mike’s Guide to Condenser Size, Clearance & Utility Room Layout

Will an Amana Unit Fit Your Home? Mike’s Guide to Condenser Size, Clearance & Utility Room Layout

Will an Amana unit fit your home? Mike explains condenser size, clearances, airflow needs, utility room layout, duct requirements, and installation planning tips.



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Amana Heat Pumps vs AC-Only Systems: What Homeowners Get Wrong

Amana Heat Pumps vs AC-Only Systems: What Homeowners Get Wrong

Amana heat pump or AC-only? Mike breaks down real performance, climate factors, heating costs, cooling power, and when each system makes the most sense for your home.



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Tool-Driven System Design Mike’s Guide to Choosing the Right Gear Before You Build Anything

Tool-Driven System Design: Mike’s Guide to Choosing the Right Gear Before You Build Anything

I’ve said it for years: “Your system is only as good as the tools you build it with.”Most homeowners think tool selection is for the installation s...
The PTAC Power Map How Mike Calculates Electrical, Load & Line Placement Before Choosing a Unit

The PTAC Power Map: How Mike Calculates Electrical, Load & Line Placement Before Choosing a Unit

If you want a PTAC that performs like it should, lasts like it should, and doesn’t trip breakers or burn extra power, you have to do the electrical...
Blueprint to Balance Mike’s Method for Designing a Room That Actually Heats & Cools Evenly

Blueprint to Balance: Mike’s Method for Designing a Room That Actually Heats & Cools Evenly

When folks call me saying their room “never feels quite right,” it’s almost always the same story: the system isn’t the problem — the design is. Yo...